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RTCA Addresses Mental Health Support in Horse Racing

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is committed to the well-being of all individuals within horseracing. RTCA is driven by its core mission to minister to the spiritual, physical, social, educational, and emotional needs of the racing community.

In April, a Jockey Mental Health survey was sent to jockeys nationwide by the Jockeys’ Guild and the results were presented to a group at Keeneland in late May. Since that presentation, there have been discussions among industry leaders on the subject of mental health, in particular, how to identify and prevent potential suicide. In alignment with other prominent industry associations, the RTCA recognizes the importance of mental health concerns with the jockey colony and throughout the horseracing family.

RTCA Chaplains are uniquely positioned to actively engage with jockeys, trainers, and other racing personnel on a daily basis, providing guidance and support.

Dan Waits, the Executive Director of RTCA, emphasizes the significance of the Chaplains’ regular presence at racetracks, stating, “For over five decades, the Chaplain at the racetrack, training facility or farm community has been a trusted resource for individuals who maybe experiencing mental health challenges to turn to and get the help they need. Through ongoing training, it is our aim to equip each Chaplain to provide assistance to those in need and guide them towards the appropriate help.”

RTCA Chaplains have received training on these subjects at their National Conference and in their educational backgrounds. However, to bolster this current endeavor, dedicated funding has been allocated to enable each RTCA Chaplain and all local support staff members to pursue immediate accreditation through QPR Gatekeeper Training, a national program that equips individuals with the necessary skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of potential suicide.

By participating in this program, the Chaplains will be better prepared to offer support and intervention when confronted with these issues. Janet VanBebber, a valued RTCA Board Member, passionately advocates for mental health support and expresses her satisfaction with RTCA’s proactive steps.

She shares a personal connection to the cause, saying, “Having lost my husband to suicide over 20 years ago and subsequently witnessing the loss of more friends from the track, I deeply understand the importance of equipping those on the backside and the frontside to recognize silent suffering, identify warning signs, and facilitate meaningful support. Such tragedies have a profound impact on individuals and families. My prayer is that by educating our Chaplains, we provide them with the necessary tools to offer support and guidance, ultimately saving lives.”

RTCA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting mental health awareness and fostering a compassionate environment within the racing community. Through the QPR accreditation of its Chaplains and local staff members, the RTCA aims to strengthen their ability to recognize and respond to mental health challenges effectively, and RTCA will continue to provide on-going training for increased responsiveness in the days ahead.

RTCA Seeks Nominations for White Horse Awards

Event will be held Oct. 31 at Santa Anita Park.

 

Calling Horse Racing’s Heroes: 2019 White Horse Awards
– Nomination Deadline: September 27th

WHO:      Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA)

WHAT:     17th Annual White Horse Awards

WHEN:    Thursday, October 31st, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:  Santa Anita Racetrack

WHY:       To honor heroism on behalf of human or horse

Lexington, KY—A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. There are heroes all around the horse-racing industry and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) wants to recognize these selfless servants.

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is currently seeking nominees for our 17th Annual White Horse Awards (WHA). These awards are presented annually at the White Horse Awards program. This year’s program will take place on Thursday, October 31st, at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, just prior to the beginning of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships being held at the same track. It is a way to recognize those unsung heroes of horse racing, whether their actions are headline-grabbing or the quiet and not-so-obvious kind of heroism.

Nominees are being sought for the following awards:

•    White Horse Award—An award given to individuals who have done something heroic on behalf of human or horse.
•    Community Service Award—An award given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the welfare of racetrack chaplaincy ministries.

To submit a nomination for either the White Horse or Community Service Awards, visit https://www.rtcanational.org/events for a complete list of rules and selection criteria, as well as nomination forms. The deadline for submission is September 27th, 2019. For more information, please contact the RTCA National Service Center at (859) 410-7822.

——–

More about the White Horse Award—The WHA was established in 2003 to recognize individuals within the horse racing industry for their acts of selflessness and bravery. The most recent recipient was The San Luis Rey Heroes for risking their lives to save many horses from an imminent death by the fire.

More about the Race Track Chaplaincy of America—The overall mission of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), through its Councils and Chaplains, is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of those persons involved in all aspects of the horse-racing industry.

RTCA Seeks Nominations for White Horse Awards

This year’s ceremony scheduled for Nov. 1 at Churchill Downs.

 

A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. There are heroes all around the horse-racing industry and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) wants to recognize these selfless servants.

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is currently seeking nominees for our 16th Annual White Horse Awards (WHA). These awards are presented annually at the White Horse Awards program. This year’s program will take place Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Triple Crown Room at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., just prior to the beginning of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships being held at the same track. It is a way to recognize those unsung heroes of horse racing, whether their actions are headline-grabbing or the quiet and not-so-obvious kind of heroism.

Nominees are being sought for the following three awards:

•    White Horse Award: An award given to individuals who have done something heroic on behalf of human or horse;
•    Tribute to Excellence Award: A posthumous award given to an individual who has consistently demonstrated professional excellence and leadership in the horse racing industry;

•    Community Service Award: An award given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the welfare of racetrack chaplaincy ministries.

To submit a nomination for either the White Horse, Tribute to Excellence, or Community Service Awards, visit http://www.rtcanational.org/events for a complete list of rules and selection criteria, as well as nomination forms.  The deadline for submission is September 14th, 2018.  For more information, please contact the RTCA National Service Center at (859) 410-7822.

More about the White Horse Award: The WHA was established in 2003 to recognize individuals within the horse racing industry for their acts of selflessness and bravery.  The most recent recipient was Angie Cheak who was instrumental in saving 43 Thoroughbreds that were abandoned in desperate conditions on a Kentucky farm.

More about the Race Track Chaplaincy of America: The overall mission of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), through its Councils and Chaplains, is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of those persons involved in all aspects of the horse-racing industry.

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