American show jumper Sonya Chadlick opens up about mental health in the equestrian industry following the loss of a fellow horseman and the passing of her sister, Gina. Drawing from her own experiences with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, Sonya shares an honest conversation about asking for help, breaking the stigma around mental health, and why no one should have to struggle alone. She also discusses the unique pressures faced by riders, grooms, and horse care professionals, the importance of creating supportive workplaces, and how simple acts of kindness, communication, and understanding can make a life-changing difference. Whether you're a groom, rider, trainer, barn manager, or anyone involved in the horse industry, this episode is a powerful reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health and that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sonya's personal journey with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and finding the right support How losing her sister and the recent loss of fellow horseman Shane inspired her to speak openly about mental health Why vulnerability, communication, and checking in on friends can save lives The unique mental health challenges facing riders, grooms, and horse care professionals Creating healthier workplaces through compassion, adequate rest, fair working conditions, and supportive teams Instagram: @sonyachadlick 🌐 Website https://horsegrooms.com 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/horsegrooms 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/horse.grooms/ 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@horse.grooms ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HorseGrooms 🎧 Follow HorseGrooms for interviews with the world's top professional grooms, behind-the-scenes stories from international competitions, horse care education, career advice, and practical tips from experienced professionals across the equestrian industry. Join the monthly newsletter: https://horsegrooms.com/subscribe
