The annual World Menopause Day (18 October) was founded to raise awareness of menopause and improve the experience of women across the globe. Although perimenopause and menopause remains one of the least discussed topics in women’s sport, it presents unique challenges for riders at every level.

Former advanced event rider and veterinary physiotherapist Antonia Bealby used to think nothing of squaring up to gaping ditches or schooling flighty racehorses. But that suddenly changed five years ago. Menopause is common to nearly all women of a certain age, but the impact of menopause on horse riders is specific to the unique demands of the sport.

“It came like a bolt out of the blue. I started getting horrific anxiety and palpitations,” reveals Antonia, who was 45 at the time. “I’d always b

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