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It`s time to talk about men`s mental health

21st August 2024
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Mental health matters and yet few people like to talk about it, especially men, who are less likely to seek help.

Mental Health UK reports that only 36% of NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men and that 75% of deaths by suicide are males. So why aren’t people talking more about men's mental health?

BGA member Alex Jones is a 19-year-old from Pembrokeshire in Wales, he is currently based in Gloucester studying equine sports coaching at Hartpury University.

You may recognise Alex’s smiley face from the BGA social media images as he took part in a photo shoot for the BGA. Throughout the day Alex was always upbeat, friendly, and super helpful, it would have been impossible to tell that he had a secret.

Alex tells his story to normalize male mental health issues and help other men start a conversation….. 

“Last year on paper looked like an amazing year for me, I qualified for finals, got to work with the British Grooms Association, lots of amazingly talented horses and a huge British equestrian company.

Despite all those opportunities, last year was the lowest I have ever felt. 

I lost who I was as a person, I suffered hugely from depression.

Depression doesn’t just affect one part of your life; it affects everything. This was very noticeable when it came to the horses. I was exhausted physically, but more so mentally exhausted. 

I had low self-esteem and was in a constant battle with myself, questioning every little decision. Was I doing my horse justice? Am I too big for him? Why am I not a good enough rider? Why is everyone else progressing and I am not?

 

I would cry 2/3 times a day about not feeling good enough. I was constantly comparing myself to other riders all the time and then over-fixating on my flaws. It is so easy to only concentrate on the negatives, especially in this sport and today's society with social media.

 

We can get so caught up with what we see on social media, everyone showcasing their ‘best life’ and portraying that everything’s great with horses. When the reality is that it’s not always amazing and that owning horses is so much more draining than is shown. It’s so hard to keep up with the perfect images that are all over the internet.

It’s so rare to see a post of someone sitting in the stable crying because they don’t feel good enough for their horse, or they have a huge vet bill to pay or can’t cope with their situation. When in real life, all of this stuff does happen!!

 

My message to everyone is to be kind to yourself, having horses is far from plain sailing; everything isn’t always going to be great. You're doing the best for you and your horse, and that's all that matters!

 

In the equestrian industry, men’s mental health isn’t addressed enough, there is a huge percentage of people who have suffered from poor mental health, at some point within their equestrian journey.

It’s time to start talking.”

Alex Jones

 

Thanks, Alex for speaking up about this important issue.

Main image: Alex with Minty - Photo Credit Alessa Kim Photography

 

Need support?

Our Grooms Minds online resource is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of BGA members.

There is a library of information available plus a Groom’s Minds support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a trained helper is always ready to talk to you.

 

Belong to your professional association!

 

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If you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options, from £25.50 per year. 

 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

 

 



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What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO

Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO
 
YES

YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES

NO

NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES