Equestrian Canada (EC) is proud to partner with Canadian Women & Sport in recognizing the barriers facing female athletes today.
Body image issues can affect women and girls in any sport environment – including equestrian.
We all have a role to play in breaking down these barriers. Learn about promoting body positivity by checking out the following resources:
- The Canadian Mental Health Association’s British Columbia Division offers body image background information on its webpage, Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health.
- Offered by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the True Sport Foundation, BodySense is an “outreach initiative is dedicated to fostering positive body image in male and female athletes to proactively prevent disordered eating and muscle dysmorphia.”
- The International Olympic Committee’s Healthy Body Image webpage shares educational videos, resources and information about consequences that can stem from women and girls not balancing the needs of their bodies and their sports.
- The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Sport Nutrition multi-sport training module can help EC/NCCP certified Coaches learn how to relate effective athletic nutrition to body positivity.
- The Cross Country Canada Women’s Committee developed a document, Effectively Coaching Female Athletes, that outlines practical strategies coaches can take to effectively communicate with and support their female athletes.
- Mental Fitness – Fostering Positive Body-Image provides resources and activities for teachers, parents and students in Grades 2-8, offered by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Canadian Olympic School Program.
- Fast and Female creates social belonging, prioritizes health and promotes female role models for self-identified girls aged 8-14 through non-competitive, fun-filled events.
Looking for further health and wellness support? Explore EC’s lists of resources for maintaining mental health and physical health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
For more information on how to join EC and Canadian Women & Sport in supporting female athletes, visit https://yourrole.womenandsport.ca.