Conquering life. Horses are both therapy and motivation.

The Equestrian Experience

Exploring the highs and lows of life, Shaun Dillon opens up about his most raw and deeply personal experiences and how they've shaped his Equestrian Experience.

Obsessed with horses from a young age, but with no family experience and interest in the sport, Shaun is a self-made rider and adored coach who has competed up to 4* and found himself now balancing eventing with a law degree!

• Working with the elite of Australian eventers from a young age, including Shane Rose, Stuart Tinney, and Megan Jones, Shaun tells us what he learned from each and why he thinks they have been at the top of their game for decades.
• Mental health and welfare have been top of mind in Shaun's life, from close family depression and suicide to his own undiagnosed ADHD, and is proof that our horses are the therapy that we all love to pull us through our ups and downs.
• Hear from Shaun how he managed to fight his way into the sport, including sending his Aunty (a Nun) out to seek a sponsorship - with the sponsor admitting he "couldn't say no to a Nun"!
• A passionate advocate for all things LGBTQIA+, Shaun tells us the story of his coming out, the response from the equestrian community, and how he helped to run the Hot to Trot equestrian float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please reach out to your local support organisation such as Riders Minds.