HISA and Jockeys' Guild Host Professional Athlete Mental Health Roundtable in the U.S. Capitol

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Jockeys' Guild, in partnership with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, co-hosted a mental health roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together jockeys and professional athletes from women's soccer and football to share their personal experiences and highlight both the common and unique mental health challenges they face.

“We are committed to keeping the dialogue going on mental health challenges for professional jockeys,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The more we talk about it, the more jockeys feel they can reach out for help. We want them to know that mental health is as important as physical health—and that support is available.”

“The well-being of our members extends far beyond the racetrack,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys' Guild. “By bringing jockeys together with athletes from other sports, we can shed light on shared struggles, reduce stigma and ensure riders know that resources and support are within reach.”

Roundtable participants included Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez; retired jockeys Trevor McCarthy and Rosie Napravnik; retired NFL player and recovery advocate Montee Ball, Jr.; and Ashley Hatch, forward for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League.

U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Andy Barr (KY-06), both long-time supporters of HISA, also delivered remarks. Rep. Tonko, whose district includes Saratoga Race Course, spoke about his work as a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. Rep. Barr, whose district includes Keeneland, highlighted the interaction of recovery and workforce development within the equine world by presenting Frank Taylor with a statement entered into the Congressional Record. The statement recognized Taylor's organization, Stable Recovery, for its extraordinary work helping people achieve sobriety and build careers in the equine industry.

“I never thought we would get all this recognition and that's not what we're doing this for,” Taylor said.  “But each time we get recognized, we are grateful because it spreads the word on Stable Recovery and what we're doing. The more the word is out there the more people will join us in trying to help these people. This was a really good event and I learned a lot listening to the jockeys talk. It gave me a new appreciation for what these jockeys go through on a daily basis. They have very stressful jobs.”