Mental Health in Equestrian Sport

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Hannah Butler-Coyne University of Central Lancashire

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Vaithehy Shanmuganathan-Felton University of Roehampton

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Jamie Taylor University of Central Lancashire

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0002
In Print:
Volume 13: Issue 3
Page Range:
405–420
Restricted access

Equestrian media is showing an increasing interest in the impact of mental health on performance and general wellbeing of equestrian athletes. This study explores the awareness of mental health difficulties and psychological wellbeing within equestrian sport from the perspectives of equestrian athletes, instructors/coaches and parents. The exploratory nature of the research offered opportunity to use a dual approach including e-surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the qualitative data identified five key themes (Emotional Wellbeing in Balance; Emotional Wellbeing Imbalance; Wellbeing Imbalance—Impact on Equestrian Sportspeople; Impact of Equestrian Sport on Wellbeing; Regaining Balance) and 22 sub-themes. The findings determine a compelling need for education, promotion of sharing experiences, facilitation of specialist (clinical and sport) professional training and intervention as well as a review of regulations from equestrian Governing Bodies.

Butler-Coyne and Taylor are with the School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom. Shanmuganathan-Felton is with the Dept. of Life Sciences, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom.

Address author correspondence to Hannah Butler-Coyne at hbutler-coyne@uclan.ac.uk.
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