
Almost half of equestrians are experiencing a high level of burnout
In 2024 Riders Minds helped to source participants for research, conducted by Megan Lane, looking at burnout in dual-career equestrians. The results have shown that 47% of those who participated are experiencing high levels of burnout. A mixed-methods study in a small sample group explored burnout in dual-career equestrian athletes, who worked at least 30 hours a week, with their horse(s) on DIY or part-livery.
Burnout study findings
The analysis revealed that many of the participants were struggling with the stress from balancing equestrian demands, work, and family commitments with the financial burden of horse ownership adding stress and contributing to burnout.
One of the more alarming observations from the survey was the negative perception of burnout within the equestrian industry, which reduced any help-seeking, for fear of being judged or seen as weak.
The study, which looked at an under-researched demographic, aims to highlight the awareness and identification of burnout and reduce the negative stigma to increase the number of people willing to ask for help.

Burnout can cause a range of physical and emotional clinic signs, including a lack of motivation and energy, feelings of overwhelm, procrastinating, withdrawing from social circles and changes in sleep patterns.
Researcher Megan Lane, said:
As an equestrian myself, I had seen first-hand the struggles experienced by equestrian athletes, particularly those with dual careers. I myself have struggled with burnout, so it made sense for me to use the opportunity I had to conduct research into an area I am passionate about.
I want to thank every participant for being so open and honest with me about a difficult topic during the interviews. It was really eye opening for me, and I hope that my dissertation is the start of greater awareness burnout for equestrians, of which I hope to contribute to through further research.”
We are delighted to congratulate Megan and share the summary of her successful dissertation, which is eye-opening not only for this particular group but the wider equestrian industry.
For those who participated in the research, if you’d like to read the full dissertation, please contact Megan Lane directly on mlsportspsychology@gmail.com.
You can find more about stress here: https://ridersminds.org/what-is-stress/
To find out more about Riders Minds and the mental health and well-being support offered to all equestrians go to: https://ridersminds.org/.
All of the Riders Minds services are free, 100% confidential and accessible 24 hours a day. If you would like to talk to one of our trained team please call the helpline on 0800 088 2073, or text 07480 488 103, or access the web chat through the website.