Equestrian Industry Mental Health

Ontario Equestrian is committed to supporting the well-being of both animals and the people who ride, coach, and support them.

Mental wellness affects everyone, including athletes, coaches, and staff, as well as the horses, since healthy riders = healthier horses.

This page will help you find support and resources to help yourself or those in your equestrian community.

Our Strategy
riders and coach during a show

Prevention and Intervention for Mental Health Challenges

Just like physical health, our mental well-being isn't static—it exists on a spectrum that changes over time. You don't have to wait for a crisis to seek support or make a change. Whether you're feeling on top of your game, noticing early signs of stress, or struggling to cope, different feelings and symptoms call for different types of support. Recognizing early warning signs—in yourself, an athlete, a teammate, or a fellow equestrian—is the best way to get ahead of bigger challenges. Explore the Mental Health Continuum below to check in on where you or someone you know might be today, learn what steps to take, and find out who can help.
This image is from the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario and is provided to nationally carded and funded athletes who have access to Game Plan Advisors. While most of the people working in the industry may not have access to those advisors, the other information is relevant for all.
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Immediate crisis support

If you, or someone you know, needs help right away, these options are available:

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1
Kids Help Phone
Gerstein Crisis Centre (Toronto)
CrisisLINE.CA (Eastern Ontario)

Prevention and Intervention for Mental Health Challenges

Just like physical health, our mental well-being isn't static—it exists on a spectrum that changes over time. You don't have to wait for a crisis to seek support or make a change. Whether you're feeling on top of your game, noticing early signs of stress, or struggling to cope, different feelings and symptoms call for different types of support. Recognizing early warning signs—in yourself, an athlete, a teammate, or a fellow equestrian—is the best way to get ahead of bigger challenges. Explore the Mental Health Continuum below to check in on where you or someone you know might be today, learn what steps to take, and find out who can help.

Mental Health resources

For AAP Carded or National Team AThletes

AAP carded athletes are eligible for up to$2500/year of mental health services from a Game Plan-approved mental health practitioner. For athletes who are not carded but who are on the national team, they can create a free account and access a variety of mental health resources through Homewood Health, which recently partnered with Game Plan in 2025.

Mental Health Resources for athletes

Competitive sport can be stressful for athletes. Organizational pressures, performance outcomes, and personal stressors are a few of the experiences that can weigh heavily on an athlete. Anxiety is a common byproduct of chronic stress. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, mood changes, sleep issues, body image or eating disorders, or any other mental health issues, this resource shared by the Canadian Sport Institute, Ontario, provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee's Game Plan program, contains many links to resources to help provide some direction.

Mental Health Resources for everyone

•     Mental Health Commission of Canada
This site includes a variety of accessible resources on mental health, including fact sheets, explanatory briefs, and guides tailored for individuals of all ages—from teens and parents to young and older adults. These materials offer clear, practical information to help people better understand mental health, recognize challenges, and find support for themselves or others.
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•     Be There, created by Jack.org
‍A free online resource (elearning) built around five Golden Rules for supporting someone who is struggling. There is also a free two-hour Be There Certificate course on recognizing when someone needs help, responding safely, and looking after your own mental health.
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•     The Sashbear Foundation
Founded by a Toronto family after the loss of their daughter Sasha, the Sashbear Foundation offers an evidence-based Family Connections program at no charge for family and friends of someone living with emotional dysregulation, along with an Expert Education Series and information about suicide.   
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•     The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Mental health support built for Canadian agriculture and rural communities, so the language and the culture will feel familiar to many in the equestrian world. The site includes AgTalk peer support, a crisis contact directory, and the Hay Are You OK self check-in tool.

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