Horse Racing Ireland has announced that Leafyard, the mental health app which was rolled-out for all professional and amateur jockeys in August is now available to all licensed racehorse trainers.
The leafyard app, which will provide trainers with tools, activities, and support to help with any general mental health concerns is sponsored by equuip – Horse Racing Ireland’s training and education division, and the Drogheda Memorial Fund.
Carol Nolan, HRI Director of People and Industry Education, commented: “The provision of this app to all licensed racehorse trainers comes on the back of research which indicated that racehorse trainers have a prevalence of mental health difficulties and so, just like the jockeys we want to support them.
“My colleagues and I in equuip hope the trainers find Leafyard’s science-backed, innovative and practical solutions offers solid strategies to help navigate the sometimes unpredictable and challenging nature of their business, along with any general mental health issues.”
Caroline Corballis, Chairperson of the Committee of Management for the Drogheda Memorial Fund, said: “The Drogheda Memorial Fund is very pleased to extend our support to this important Leafyard project in conjunction with equuip and hope that the racehorse trainers will get the full benefit of this service which has proven so successful among the jockeys since it was rolled out earlier this year.”
The Drogheda Memorial Fund was established in 1893 and is one of the oldest charities in Ireland. It was set up to provide assistance to current and former trainers and riders and their families in times of need.
Leafyard is a web app that uses proven, robust behavioural science to push you to take small steps every day to feel better.
Over time, these small changes add up to completely change the way you think, feel, and live your life.
Leafyard contains sports psychology, mindset and resilience training, strategies for positive thinking and visualization, as well as information about exercise, habits, and diet. It uses artificial intelligence to adapt in real-time to fit the users’ needs– working with the brain over time to build better thinking habits.
