Behind The Barriers: An Interview with Equestrian Jason Petch by Gina McKnight

Behind The Barriers: An Interview with Equestrian Jason Petch

by Gina McKnight
Archived from the May 2019 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete
No duplication without permission.

Jason Petch is a seasoned equestrian. An Australia native, he is an avid horseman, enjoying the spirituality and joy of horses. Petch has seen a different side of the horse industry – a side that we may not consider. Many horsemen and horsewomen work long hours, taking a toll on their physical and mental conditions. Petch saw the need early on to help those suffering from mental health issues. In an effort to help his fellow riders - including farriers, breeders, jockeys, track riders, stablehands, and more - Petch became the Founder and Keynote Speaker for Behind The Barriers, an organization that provides support to those suffering from mental illness.

Behind The Barriers Mission Statement: “We are dedicated to educate, promote and offer a healthy lifestyle and well-being for racing industry personnel challenged by mental illness in Australia.”

Welcome, Jason!

GM: When was your first encounter with a horse?

JP: In 1975 as a four year old at the stables of Bill Seymour at Epsom in Mordialloc (Australia). Bill was a horse trainer I eventually worked long with and he was like a father to me.

GM: Your compassion for both horse and rider is evident in your foundation, Behind the Barriers. What does your support organization provide for those suffering from mental health issues?

JP: We provide a 1300 number (1300GETHELP) which industry participants can call to seek help for mental health issues. This number is free, immediate and confidential. It also is accessible 24/7. Callers speak to a senior psychologist.

From there the senior psychologist refers callers to a clinical psychologist 'immediately' without the need for a mental health care plan through a GP [General Practitioner]. Behind The Barriers pay for their first three face to face sessions with the senior psychologist. So in effect, Behind The Barriers are immediate responders. We also are 'not' aligned with principal racing authorities. So this gives callers the confidence that all of their issues are confidential.

GM: When did you realize that this type of program was needed and how did you get started?

JP: I have personally suffered with mental health issues all of my life and have been involved in the racing industry as a strapper, track rider and trainer. I was a licensed trainer here in Melbourne Australia for 15 years. I have seen many colleagues suffer with this illness and unfortunately was too closely involved with quite a few in the industry that are no longer with us due to their battles. So I saw a need for the industry to realize there is a need for mental health support in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries. I did approach Racing Victoria Limited (our PRA here in Victoria) for support, however they 'stole' the concept and run their own out using our IP. However, it is proven that industry participants here support Behind The Barriers as we are 'independent' of PRA's.

GM: What can the public do to support your efforts?

JP: We are encouraging the general public to be aware of how hard people in this industry work for such little reward. But also to be aware of the isolation, low pay and long hours have on our industry workers. We encourage the general or 'punting' public to support Behind The Barriers by way of donations by going to our website www.behindthebarriers.org.au to pledge a donation which goes directly to the psych services we provide through our EAP [Employee Assistance Program] provider called Acacia Connections who pick up the phones 24/7 and arrange immediate psych services. We also ask for volunteers. As it is, we are currently rolled out here in Australia with the view to take this concept globally through the racing and breeding industry. We can only do this with the support of the greater racing and breeding industries on each continent.

GM: Take us through a day in your life. What does a "normal" day hold for you?

JP: Currently, I am a volunteer (even though I was Founder) of Behind The Barriers. No one working within it gets a cent of payment. Therefore, since I retired from training horses due to my own struggles, I have gone back to Landscape gardening (which I did years ago when track riding) to cover my costs of living. Although most of my week is taken up with Behind The Barriers stuff.

GM: You previously owned a racing stable and have a lot of experience with horses. Do you have advice for those looking to purchase a horse for the first time, or those looking to invest in a racehorse?

JP: For those looking to purchase for the first time, I would suggest to align yourself with a horse trainer you can get along with as it is a big decision and it must be done with someone you can get along with. As a horse trainer, you know that patience and perseverance are keys to success.

GM: Would you say that working with horses has helped you in helping people?

JP: No. The only way I can answer this is the following…

Working with horses gave me purpose. They relied on me to function.

Helping people is something that is bred into certain humans.

So I can't associate one with the other personally...sorry.

GM: What does horsemanship mean to you?

JP: 'The World" You can trust horses in so many ways.

Connect with Jason…

Jason Petch

Founder/Keynote Speaker

Jason@behindthebarriers.org.au

www.behindthebarriers.org.au

Gina McKnight is a freelance writer from Ohio USA. www.gmcknight.com