SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Seen Through Horses Campaign launches today amassing support from celebrities, musical artists, mental health advocates, esteemed equestrians and more, all sharing stories of horses that have positively impacted their lives, mental health and/or personal journeys.
This trailblazing campaign runs May 1-31, 2023 during Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness and funds for 55+ nonprofits offering mental health programs incorporating horses, with the goal of these programs being accessible to all who need them.
Horse lovers shining a light on the many healing powers of horses include entertainment icon, two-time GRAMMY® winner and Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Tanya Tucker, recording artist, songwriter and special ambassador to STH Campaign Mikayla Lane, Academy Award winning & world renowned songwriter, Diane Warren, Emmy Award winning actor Sophie Grace, (Kristy Thomas in "The Baby-Sitters Club”), Shelby Van Weelden, a paramedic/firefighter riding 621 miles in The Mongol Derby 2024, journalist and award-winning animal advocate, Jill Rappaport, Chilean Pro Show Jumper and Bronze Medalist South American Games 2022, Gabriela Reutter, Special Olympics Athlete & 62-time Gold Medalist, Shawn Hinz, Fashion Designer to humans and horses, Dalia MacPhee, actor and lifelong horseman, Bourke Floyd, youngest Long Rider to cross the Americas, Filipe Masetti Leite, true cowboy, actor, musician Forrie J Smith ("Lloyd" on Yellowstone), singer/songwriter J Michael Harter, 7th generation cattle farmer, Lonnie Twisselman and daughter, musician Callie Twisselman, country music artists Tayla Lynn (Twitty & Lynn), Clayton Smalley and Lucas Hoge, the host of Hoge Wild TV Show, and more!
Supporting again from last fall's inaugural campaign are legendary country music artist and lifelong horseman, Randy Travis, and world champion equestrians (actor/musician) Riley Smith and Kristy Goodall. Read stories about horses that have touched and inspired the lives of all those phenomenal humans-- and more supporters here: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/stories
Mental health programs involving horses have gained recognition as an effective form of therapy. These programs can help individuals struggling with various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The bond between horses and humans can provide emotional and psychological benefits.
No other animals have been as influential on human evolution as horses. Horses are highly intuitive to nonverbal messages and intentions, and as such can reflect aspects of ourselves that can lead to deep healing and connection.
“There’s nothing more calming and rewarding than climbing onto a saddle and taking a ride. I can’t imagine my life without horses - they’ve done more for me than I could ever do for them. I know for a fact that going on a ride or just being around them relieves anxiety and depression, so I’m honored to support my buddies at Horses for Mental Health and their Seen Through Horses Campaign,” Tanya shared.
Launching May 1 - 31, 2023, visit www.horsesformentalhealth.org/campaign and choose from the phenomenal 55+ nonprofit Charity Partners to fundraise for or simply make a one time donation. Your contribution can make a difference in the lives of those in need of mental health services.
“We are in a devastating mental health crisis globally, and horses and humans can impact each other to heal and thrive in incredible ways. We are excited to work together with industry leaders, practitioners, and advocates to amplify awareness and expand resources so all mental health needs can be met.” - Lynn Thomas, LCSW, President, Horses for Mental Health.
Follow this campaign on Instagram and Facebookas HMH is set to release a series of true personal stories of transformation through the power of horses. Watch the story of the incredible impact that a small nonprofit organization is having on the community of Oakland, California, "The Power of Horse: Breaking Barriers". “We Ride Too” is committed to serving a wide range of young people in the Oakland area who face various challenges and traumas with limited access to resources. Through programs for youth to connect with nature and horses, each child has a place where they are told they "can," instead of "can't," breaking barriers and making a difference for their mental health and future.
Produced by Horses for Mental Health, Equine Network, and Arenas for Change (ARCH), and made possible by Premier Sponsor, Zoetis, the campaign is supported by sector leading Premier Partners, the American Horse Council, American Psychological Association’s Section on Human Animal Interaction (APA HAI), Black in the Saddle, EQUUS Films & Arts Fest, Horses & Humans Research Foundation, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, PATH International, Polyvagal Equine Institute, Natural Lifemanship, Temple Grandin Equine Center (CSU), and The HERD Institute.
“The unspoken love between a girl and her horse is one of the loudest things in the world.” - Sophie Grace, 17
Join NOW to support this trailblazing work!
Have horses impacted your life, personal journey, or mental health? If so, this campaign encourages you to follow, share your story and tag @horsesformentalhealth.
Comments