Psychological Impacts in Exercise Riders and Professional Jockeys Following Injury

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman et al., 2019). As such, the purpose of this study was to better understand the psychological experiences of professional jockeys and exercise riders following injury with a focus on addressing holistic well-being and optimizing recovery and performance success. Four riders agreed to participate in semi-structured interviews to discuss their injury and return-to-riding experiences. While the themes were predetermined, thematic analysis revealed various subthemes. Common emotions included worry, depression, and loneliness following injuring, as well as post-injury barriers such as serious financial strain and community isolation. Riders also experienced a ‘fear of fear itself,’ where the emotion of fear outweighs the actual danger. When discussing coping mechanisms, family support and distraction were commonly mentioned as strategies to deal with the fear, pressure, and business difficulty that accompanied their return to riding. In addition, suicide and finance were discussed as an ongoing concern. Other subthemes highlighted the challenge riders face in speaking up and the need for support – someone to protect them, listen to them, and encourage therapy or motivation. This study highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by riders and offers several implications to help foster change that enhances well-being and ensures a safer, more supportive future for equestrian sport participants.