Equestrians all over the world are being encouraged to unite on the first Riders Minds Day on 9 August, to “break down barriers and show each other support”.
Mental health charity Riders Minds would like as many people as possible to wear something purple and ACT (ask, care, talk), to promote positivity throughout the equestrian community.
Victoria Wright, founder and chair of Riders Minds, said: “It’s time to unite, it’s time to stop talking about one another and start talking to each other. Always be humble, always be understanding and always be kind.
“The brightest smiles can hide a thousand wounds and people can be fighting inner battles you know absolutely nothing about.”
Mrs Wright added that everyone is unique and “we weren’t born to be the same”.
“On 9 August we’re asking all equestrians to come together from all walks of life and ACT on that day,” she said. “Start a conversation on a yard, smile at someone you wouldn’t normally talk to, wear something purple, and for once let us all be united by the same passion. We all have the power to be that leg up that somebody might desperately need.”
The charity is also looking for fundraisers throughout August to help bring equestrians together, and for people to get involved with the charity’s work.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
This includes “sharing the message”, that it is ok to talk mental health, to seek support when you need it, and not to be ok. Riders are encouraged to know others’ signs of stress and behaviour changes, as they do with their horses, to share their stories and help reduce the stigma around mental health, and to listen if someone opens up.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
