Seven ways to promote good mental health in the stable yard

Working with horses is a rewarding career, but it comes with its challenges, long hours, physical demands, and emotional pressures.

As an equestrian employer, supporting your staffs mental well-being is not just an ethical responsibility but also a legal one.

A happy, healthy team is more productive, engaged, and less likely to leave, which benefits both your business and your horses.

As a Good Employer, here are some ways you can promote good mental health on your yard.

Recognise your legal responsibilities

Under UK employment law, employers have a duty of care to protect workers' health, including their mental well-being.

This means taking steps to minimise workplace stress, ensuring fair working conditions, and complying with regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to higher staff turnover, burnout, and potential legal issues.

Be aware of the signs of stress and burnout

Equestrian workers - particularly grooms -  are dedicated professionals, often putting horses’ needs before their own. But signs of mental stress can show up in various ways, including:

• Increased irritability or mood swings
• Fatigue and lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating or making mistakes
• Withdrawal from colleagues or social situations
• Frequent illness or physical complaints

If you notice these signs, it’s time to check in with your staff and offer support.

Create a culture where it’s okay to talk

Mental health can still be a taboo topic in equestrian workplaces, but creating an environment where staff feel safe to talk is essential.

You can encourage open conversations by:

• Normalising discussions around stress and well-being.
• Leading by example, be open about mental health yourself.
• Offering one-to-one check-ins where staff can talk confidentially.
• Providing access to mental health resources, such as helplines or counselling.

EEA members have free access to the Employers Minds online mental health hub. As well as providing mental health support for employers, there is also lots of advice, guidance and resources for helping employers support their staff. 

You might also consider paying for your grooms to be part of the British Grooms Association where they will get instant access to the Grooms Minds mental health hub. Standard membership costs just £26.50 per year, per groom and can be included as part of your business expenses.

Promote a healthy work-life balance

Many equestrian staff work long, physically demanding hours. While the job requires dedication, work-life balance is crucial to mental well-being. Employers can support this by:

• Agreeing proper rest breaks and scheduled days off
• Encouraging staff to take holidays and spend time away from the yard
• Rotating shifts to prevent excessive hours for any one person
• Offering flexible working options where possible

Encourage a positive team environment

A toxic workplace can significantly impact the mental health of your staff. Create a supportive and respectful team atmosphere by:

• Addressing workplace conflicts promptly and fairly
• Encouraging teamwork and mutual support
• Recognising and rewarding hard work
• Organising occasional social events to boost morale

Provide training and support resources

Giving your staff the tools to manage stress can be incredibly beneficial. Consider offering:

• Mental health first aid training
• Access to online mental health resources
• Workshops on coping strategies and resilience

The British Grooms Association (BGA) provide valuable mental helath advice, guidance and support for grooms via the Grooms Minds online mental health hub. As members, they can also use the free 24/7 mental health telephone line: The Groom’s Minds Support Line – supported by Racing Welfare. Annual memberships costs just £26.50.

Lead by example

As a yard owner or manager, your attitude sets the tone. Demonstrate a balanced approach to work, prioritise well-being, and show appreciation for your team. A simple “thank you” or acknowledging a job well done can make a big difference.

Supporting your grooms' mental health isn't just the right thing to do, it’s also essential for a successful, productive yard. By recognising stress, encouraging open conversations, and promoting a healthy work environment, you can help create a team that thrives.

Investing in your staff’s well-being means happier grooms, better horse care, and a more positive industry overall.

Let’s make mental health a priority in every equestrian workplace.

Do you need mental health support? Being happy, content and confident in the workplace is vital to your well-being and efficient team working. It’s vital to performance, productivity and the success of your business too. Employers Minds is our online resource dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of equestrian employers. It's free for all EEA members.  >> Explore Employers Minds

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