Riders Minds, the pioneering charity dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the equestrian community, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent of an MBE.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional contribution of the Riders Minds’ volunteers, whose tireless efforts have transformed the landscape of mental health support across the equestrian world.

Victoria Musson, Founder and Chair of Riders Minds said, “When we started Riders Minds, we always knew we were going to be a small charity being in such a niche industry, but we wanted to be a small charity that made a massive difference. We know many equestrian people suffer with poor mental health because of the pressures and stresses that the industry brings, so the goal for us has always been to create a 24/7 helpline that is run by volunteers who understand the industry and the issues that our users are likely to face.

Last year in May 2024, we took a huge risk setting up our own internal system that would answer calls, texts and live chats instantly and would be fronted by a team of recruited helpline volunteers. Since doing this, Riders Minds has helped hundreds of equestrian people, including in suicidal emergencies with our telephone system that allows us to bring our counsellors into calls and the emergency services.

Sitting behind our team of volunteers we have a team of counsellors that our users can be referred to within 12 hours for regular sessions and shown a light at the end of the tunnel. Since creating this system, we have seen the difference it has made and how needed this really was in our industry.

Our volunteers take calls and texts at any hour of the day, including many in the middle of the night in between their day jobs and for Riders Minds to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a testament and accolade to them for all of their hard work.”

The award highlights not only the charity’s impact but also the power of collective compassion within the equestrian sector. Volunteers across the UK have given their time, expertise, and lived experience to ensure Riders Minds continues to grow as a trusted source of help and hope.

Recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service are announced annually on 14th November, marking His Majesty The King’s birthday. Representatives of Riders Minds will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Riders Minds will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

“To receive this award means so much to the charity and to everyone who has given up their time to build the charity into what it is. To have been recognised for the difference we are making only drives us to continue to save more lives and offer as much support as we can to all equestrians. It just goes to show what difference can be made on very limited funds and resources when you get to work with so many incredible people” added Victoria.

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 purple chat box on your screen.