HISA, Jockeys’ Guild to support mental health
Press Release- March 15, 2023
theHorseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Jockeys’ Guild announced an industry initiative to provide jockeys and riders with mental wellness support and resources.
As a critical first step, HISA and the Jockeys’ Guild will launch a survey to be sent out to jockeys and exercise riders relating to their mental wellness needs, as well as what resources and support would be most impactful in supporting our sport’s valued human athletes. Jockeys throughout the country will be strongly encouraged to participate in the anonymous survey.
The results will be reviewed by HISA and the Jockeys’ Guild and serve as a starting point for building a framework to effectively use collective resources to address our riders’ most important health and safety needs.
“HISA is tasked with regulatory oversight for jockey welfare, and we are delighted to be working collaboratively with the Jockeys’ Guild to determine how we can best support the health and safety of riders, including in the critical area of mental wellness,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus.
“Jockeys’ well-being, including their health and welfare, is and has been the main priority of the Jockeys’ Guild since its inception in 1940,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of the Jockeys’ Guild. “Jockeys, as well as the exercise riders and others at the racetrack, have an immense amount of pressure on them both physically and mentally. We are encouraged by the response of HISA to help us prioritize jockey and exercise rider health, and we are hopeful that we will have industry support to address these important issues for the riders and their families.”
“I am excited to work with the Jockeys’ Guild on this important initiative,” said HISA National Medical Director Dr. Peter Hester. “HISA is committed to protecting and enhancing the holistic wellbeing of jockeys and riders, including their physical, mental and emotional health.”
An industry-wide stakeholders meeting is also being planned to discuss these important issues and drive collaboration on a national level.
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