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In the world of equestrian sports, three women – Mavis Spencer, Lauren Dreyer, and Joanie Morris – share a common passion and a desire to support and promote mental health within the industry.
Mavis Spencer, a successful show jumper, had a career that took off when she began riding horses for Lorenzo de Luca after an injury. Prior to this, she credits her previous groom, Lauren Dreyer, for helping her advance in her career. Dreyer, now a braider, advocates for promoting mental health and supporting the next generation of grooms.
Joanie Morris, who started as a groom for Phillip Dutton and later worked for eventer Will Faudree, has moved into communications and management roles within the USEF. She acknowledges the long hours and potential for burnout that come with grooming for top riders, understanding the stamina and determination required for the job.
Katherine Bateson-Chandler, an international dressage rider and former FEI groom, grew up near Robert Dover's farm. After leaving her name and number multiple times, she began grooming for him and later became his assistant trainer. When Dover retired, Bateson-Chandler took over riding his mounts. She insists that if riding doesn't work out, she would go back to grooming.
Concerned about the high rate of burnout and mental health issues in the equestrian industry, Mavis Spencer has lost friends who have taken their own lives. She and Dreyer, along with Warren Stevens, plan to launch 'Stable Mind', a charity aimed at addressing mental health issues in the equestrian world.
Despite the successes of these women, there is a lack of support for grooms and other professionals in the equestrian industry. Spencer feels that more needs to be done to provide resources and create a supportive environment for those working behind the scenes.
Katherine Bateson-Chandler, with her love for both riding and grooming, finds joy in every win, whether she's in the ring or not. She currently rides Robert Dover's mounts and has taken over his role in competitions.
Mavis Spencer, now a successful career woman both in and out of the ring, is part of The Equine Platform and trains through her business Gallop Apace, LLC. Joanie Morris recently announced her resignation as Managing Director of Eventing for USEF, effective April 1, 2019.
However, there are no search results providing information about who supported Mavis Spencer in her career as a show jumper before she achieved great success. The industry's focus on the riders often leaves the hardworking grooms in the shadows, but initiatives like 'Stable Mind' are working to change that.
