Asian Federations Concerned about Mental Health of Jockeys
Author:
Megan Butler
Horse racing jockeys face enormous pressure to perform at the highest level, in an industry fueled purely by the sports betting interest this weighs heavily on riders. The gravitas of a constant pressure to impact the financial returns of wealthy gambling syndicates appears to be the heart of the issue. Secondary to that is the physical fatigue and injury that many jockeys have to overcome throughout their careers.
The mental health of jockeys has come under a renewed focus by regulators of the sport. Following medical studies that suggest the sustainability of the multi-billion dollar industry is under threat if this issue is not addressed.
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Being a professional jockey in the horse racing industry can be an incredibly demanding and challenging occupation. The pressure to perform well and win races is constant, and the physical demands of the job can take a toll on both the body and the mind. In Asia, where horse racing is an immensely popular pastime, the mental pressures on jockeys can be especially intense.
Horse racing is a multi-billion-dollar industry in Asia, and the pressure on jockeys to perform at their best is immense. With so much money at stake, the expectations placed on jockeys can be overwhelming, and the stress of constantly competing at such a high level can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve the mental health of jockeys in Asia. Many organizations are beginning to recognize the importance of supporting jockeys’ mental health and are providing resources and support to help them cope with the pressures of their profession.
Jockey’s Organizations Raising the Prominence of the Issue
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which has launched a mental health program aimed at supporting the mental well-being of its jockeys. The program provides access to mental health professionals, as well as offering support groups and workshops aimed at helping jockeys manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Similarly, in Japan, the JRA (Japan Racing Association) has established a counseling service for jockeys, providing them with support from trained counselors who can help them manage the mental pressures of their job.
These efforts to support the mental health of jockeys are crucial, as the intense pressure to perform in the horse racing industry can take a serious toll on their well-being. The popularity of horse racing in Asia only adds to this pressure, with the constant media attention and scrutiny on jockeys’ performances. This can create an environment where jockeys feel like they are constantly being watched and evaluated, which can be incredibly stressful.
The Future of Horse Racing Depends on the Mental Health of Jockeys
There isn’t widely available data on the specific scales of these issues, but a number of relevant reports have been published to highlight the extent of these problems. In Japan, a study published in the Journal of Equine Science in 2020 found that jockeys experienced high levels of stress, and that this stress was associated with lower job satisfaction and poorer mental health. The study also found that jockeys who received support from their trainers and colleagues reported better mental health outcomes.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression among jockeys in Malaysia. The study found that jockeys had higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, and that these issues were often related to the stress of the job and the financial pressures of supporting their families.
While horse racing is a beloved pastime in Asia, it is important to recognize the mental pressures that come with being a professional jockey in this industry. The efforts being made to improve mental health in jockeys are crucial, as they can help jockeys cope with the intense pressure and perform at their best while maintaining their mental well-being. By supporting jockeys’ mental health, the hope is to create a more sustainable and healthy industry for all involved.
