Celebrities, equestrian leaders, and horse lovers worldwide have joined forces for a major international mental health initiative highlighting the therapeutic connections between humans and horses.
Non-profit organisation Horses for Mental Health has launched HORSETOBER and its social media initiative, the PassTheBraid Challenge. The campaign invites participants to share personal stories of connection, spend meaningful time with horses, and tag others online to help keep the movement growing.
Since 2022, Horses for Mental Health has supported hundreds of organisations across the US, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. To date, the movement has raised over $3 million for mental health programmes incorporating horses, providing life-changing support to teenagers, families, military veterans, and first responders.
At the heart of HORSETOBER is the braid, a symbol of connection and the collective strength that comes from weaving stories together. The campaign invites riders, equine-assisted services programmes, rescues, sanctuaries, and horse lovers to participate at competitions, in their barns, or within their local communities by creating braids and sharing videos or photos tagged with @horsesformentalhealth and #HORSETOBER.
Each week throughout October features prize giveaways, community story spotlights, and educational content encouraging participants to share their experiences and connections.
Award-winning musical artists, athletes, actors, journalists, and world-champion equestrians are serving as ambassadors to raise awareness of organisations that incorporate horses into personal growth and mental health programmes.
Country music artist and songwriter Allie Colleen, who supports the movement alongside her horses Jack and Einstein, highlighted the personal impact of equine interaction.
“My horses, Jack and Einstein, mean so much to me. Time with them is a chance to slow down, take a breath and just be myself. That connection is why I’m excited to support Horses For Mental Health and HORSETOBER™. If you love horses, join me: spend time with a horse, create a braid, share what that connection means to you and nominate someone to #PassTheBraid. Our stories can help someone else feel a little less alone.”
- Brei Carter, country-soul singer and US Army veteran
- Dalia MacPhee, designer for humans and horses
- Dena Delucia, US Army veteran and pastry chef at Delucia’s Bake Shop
- ELEKTROHORSE, CDM artist, producer, songwriter, and line dance curator
- Eli Alger, lead singer of the Faster Horses
- Fergus the Horse, created and illustrated by author and equestrian Jean Abernethy
- Gabi Sklar, singer and songwriter
- Gabriela Reutter, Chilean professional show jumper
- Jodie Morton, mental health advocate, founder Green Gold and Blues
- Josefin Strand, Nordic folk-pop artist, and Miss Sweden 2021
- Ian Saint, journalist and arts and culture correspondent
- Kat Gillis, celebrity publicist and owner of Sol Dorado Ranch Nashville
- Katie Navarra Bradley, award-winning writer and equine-assisted leadership coach
- Lexi, a photographer, and Addi, equestrian friends and college students
- Marcus Mason-Williams, artist, illustrator, and animator from the UK
- Michael Duncan and Horses for Mental Health equine ambassadors Ranger and Raven
- Mikayla Theone Khramov, recording artist and documentary director, and her musical horse, Yupia
- Riley Smith, actor and former world champion equestrian, and his daughter, Shiloh
- Sarah Hardwig, country artist and singer-songwriter
- Sophie Grace, Emmy Award-winning actress
- Victoria Arlen, TV host, gold medalist and author
Shantel Klinger, creative consultant and celebrity booking producer for Horses for Mental Health, expressed gratitude for the widespread industry involvement.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the #PassTheBraid sponsors, industry partners, and Music City horse enthusiasts who continually saddle up! Special thanks to country music artist Colleen and Bev Moser of B! Noticed PR for championing Horses for Mental Health the last several years,” says Klinger.
Individuals, organisations, and brands interested in contributing prizes, exploring partnerships, or registering for weekly challenges can take part in HORSETOBER from 1st October to 31st October via the HORSETOBER website.