IGA | IGA collaborating with Riders Minds

IGA collaborating with Riders Minds

The International Grooms Association (IGA) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the UK-based mental health charity, Riders Minds.

Founded to provide all equestrians with free access to counselling and mental health support, Riders Minds provides a live web chat service which is available 24/7 worldwide, and has translation available.

For those based in the UK there is also a free phone and text line.

Executive Director of the IGA Lucy Katan said “The team at Riders Minds are passionate about providing free mental health support which is accessible to all. We are really pleased to be able to share their message worldwide so that all international grooms are aware there is help if it is needed.

The recent tragic news about Jenny Ducoffre has brought the subject of grooms’ mental well-being to the forefront of all our minds, and we hope any groom who is struggling will be able to get some support from engaging with Riders Minds.

Whilst it is vital that all grooms have access to free mental health support, it is important to recognise the need for change in international horse sport.

Burnout and other mental health issues are too prevalent in the groom community, and the causes must be addressed, as well as the problems.

Lucy Katan, IGA Executive Director

Furthermore, the news of the deaths of both British eventer Georgie Campbell and Australian dressage rider Elliott Patterson has sent further shockwaves of grief through the equestrian community.

Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones in the last few weeks, and our message is – reach out, speak up, and please do use the resources available to you for support in difficult times.

We will incorporate links to the webchat on our website so international grooms can quickly and easily reach out if they need help.”

Victoria Wright, Founder of Riders Minds said, “The whole equestrian community has felt our recent tragedies very deeply, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.

Grief and shock can have a huge impact on mental health and it important that everyone has access to mental health support whenever they need it.

We are pleased to collaborate with the IGA to share our services with the international groom community to allow free 24 hour access to mental health support across the world.

Our helpline team understand the challenges and lifestyle of a travelling groom so please know that you are not alone.”

Victoria Wright, Founder of Riders Minds

If you need support you can access the live webchat via the purple chat box at: https://ridersminds.org/

There are additional resources and further advice on the Riders Minds website, and in the International Grooms Minds section of the IGA website.

IGA collaborating with Riders Minds

Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones in the last few weeks, and our message is – reach out, speak up, and please do use the resources available to you for support in difficult times.

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