From the starting gate to the stable, the mental health of horse racing’s workforce is under pressure. Long hours, physical risk, emotional exhaustion, and intense competition create challenges that go far beyond the track. This panel brings together industry professionals and mental health advocates working on the front lines of these issues to share real-life experiences and meaningful strategies for change.
Panelists will explore the hidden toll of life on the backside, the barriers that prevent access to care, and the stigma that keeps too many struggling in silence. They’ll also spotlight innovative programs—like Horses for Mental Health, which uses equine-assisted services for healing—that are redefining how the racing community approaches emotional support and wellness. Together, they’ll chart a path forward to build a more compassionate, resilient, and connected industry culture.
- Bailey Armour, Marketing Manager, 1/ST Technology (Moderator)
- Trevor McCarthy, Retired Professional Jockey
- Sally Mixon, Executive Director, Abijah’s Hope
- Tasha Saunders, VP of Operations, OnRise
- Lynn Thomas, Co-Founder/President, Horses for Mental Health
This session is part of the 51st Annual Global Symposium on Racing, held December 8–10, 2025, at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, and hosted by the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program.
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