A newly published open access study has highlighted widespread mental health challenges among people working in Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding industry, and points to workplace factors, such as bullying and low job control, as key risks.
Researchers surveyed 105 thoroughbred breeders and stud farm staff across Ireland between September 2024 and April 2025, using validated screening tools for depression, anxiety, psychological distress, alcohol and drug use, alongside measures of workplace wellbeing, job control, career satisfaction and bullying.
What the study found
The results suggest a high prevalence of “common mental disorders” (CMDs) in this workforce. Half of respondents met the cut-off for depressive symptoms, around four in ten met the threshold for psychological distress, and just under three in ten met the cut-off for moderate anxiety. Hazardous alcohol consumption was also common, with 45.3% meeting the study’s threshold. Overall, 68% met criteria for at least one CMD.
Workplace experiences were strongly linked to poorer outcomes. Low job control, career dissatisfaction, injuries and, in particular, workplace bullying were each associated with higher CMD symptoms and lower workplace wellbeing. Bullying appeared especially prevalent, with 50% meeting the threshold for “occasional” bullying or harassment and 33% reaching the threshold consistent with being a bullying victim.
Who was most at risk
Women and younger staff emerged as more vulnerable groups in this sample. Women reported higher depression, anxiety and psychological distress scores, greater exposure to bullying, and were more likely to say they intended to leave their role within the next three years. Younger workers reported more bullying and lower job control, and also tended to report more injuries.
Why it matters
The authors note that the sector is already facing staffing pressures, and argue that poor wellbeing and negative workplace culture risk worsening retention, with knock-on effects for both worker welfare and horse care. They recommend industry action focused on preventing and responding to bullying, improving supervisory practice, and increasing staff input and flexibility to strengthen perceptions of job control.
Caveats
The study was based on an anonymous self-report survey with a relatively small sample, so the findings may not represent every stud farm or role. However, it provides one of the clearest snapshots to date of mental health and workplace risk factors in Irish thoroughbred breeding.
