SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Dennis Quaid, Darci Lynne, The Imaginaries, Lexie Hayden and more are uniting to support Horses For Mental Health and raise awareness for mental health programs by incorporating horses during Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 6-12.
Horses For Mental Health (HMH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization harnessing the transformative power of the horse-human connection to revolutionize mental well-being. This significant fundraising effort addresses the urgent need for mental health support in the U.S., where 1 in 5 individuals will experience mental illness each year (NAMI), 132 people die by suicide each day (CDC), and depression is the number one disability worldwide (WHO). Despite the prevalence, only 46% of adults receive treatment (SAMHSA), emphasizing the critical need for accessible mental health resources in communities across the U.S.
HMH is at the forefront of this critical conversation, leveraging the unique bond between humans and horses to create powerful experiences and lasting positive change for individuals and communities.
Equine enthusiasts amplifying HMH’s trailblazing mission include Emmy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid, singer, songwriter and ventriloquist Darci Lynne (“America’s Got Talent” Winner), husband-and-wife duo Maggie McClure and Shane Henry of The Imaginaries and singer-songwriter Lexie Hayden. They join an incredible list of award-winning; musical icons, actors, journalists, and athletes who believe in the healing power of horses and proudly advocate for this campaign.
“Horses are imperative to helping those heal from all the pressures we face, especially when it comes to mental health. I’m proud to support Horses For Mental Health in their mission to support everyone, especially U.S. service men and women,” says actor and singer-songwriter Dennis Quaid, recently starring alongside horses while portraying Ronald Reagan in “Reagan” the movie (2024).
“It’s remarkable to see how much (HMH) has grown since our 2022 inception,” says Tyler Brklacich, Co-Founder & Executive Director of HMH. “We’re proud that as of today we have united over 150 nonprofit Charity Partners across 45 states under a unified mission. With the support of 882 dedicated fundraising volunteers, we’ve collectively inspired 3,926 donors and raised more than $1,034,303 to support mental health programs incorporating horses directly. Through these funds, 2,820 new scholarships have become available, 729 horses cared for, and over 225 Veterans & Members of the Armed forces nationwide provided services.
Brklacich continues, “From a mere idea, we have become a leading advocacy group in promoting mental health and personal growth through the integration of horses. Today, we are proud to collaborate with a diverse community of nonprofits, philanthropists, celebrities, influencers, and companies who share our commitment to making mental health services more accessible for all.
“Horses have a unique way of connecting with people on a deeper level. While I’m not a seasoned horse rider, I had the opportunity to spend time with horses on the set of ‘A Cowgirl’s Song.’ I had to learn how to ride for my role as an injured barrel racer, which made me appreciate their calm strength even more, says Darci Lynne, 19. “The experience helped me feel at ease and brought me closer to understanding my character’s journey of finding the confidence to get back on a horse. I’m grateful to be part of this campaign that highlights the incredible ways horses can support our mental well-being.”
“Horses have been a significant part of my life since childhood. I remember going horseback riding as a kid, and it’s something I’ve continued to enjoy as an adult. Shane (Henry) and I both love animals, but there’s something uniquely special about horses,” says Maggie McClure of The Imaginaries. “Over the years, we’ve visited several horse sanctuaries across the country. Working with and around horses in Samuel Goldwyn feature films like ‘Cowgirls ‘n Angels,’ ‘A Cowgirl’s Story,’ and most recently ‘A Cowgirl’s Song,’ has deepened my appreciation for these magnificent creatures. Their energy is both inspiring and comforting.”
“My mom grew up on a farm and raised me as the biggest animal lover possible. I got to ride a horse in the middle of the California desert for a song and video. I’ll never forget it!” Lexie Hayden shares. “Any time I get to work with horses is magical. I truly believe they were put here on Earth to make us feel calm.”
“HMH expresses the deepest gratitude to Zoetis Equine for its consistent support of Horses For Mental Health, the Seen Through Horses Campaign, and our Charity Partners. Their generous sponsorship has been instrumental in making this initiative a resounding success,” added Lynn Thomas, LCSW, Co-Founder & President of HMH. “We especially appreciate Zoetis Equine’s commitment that goes beyond a single sponsorship. Their continuous support ensures a strong and continued foundation for our work.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Scott Adkins and Adkins PR/Entertainment for their ongoing support of Horses for Mental Health and our mission,” says Shantel Klinger, HMH Creative Consultant, and Booking Producer. “Having grown up with horses, Scott has a deep admiration for these incredibly intuitive animals. We’re thankful to him and his horse-loving celebrity clients for highlighting the phenomenal work HMH is doing to support nonprofit organizations providing mental health and well-being services to teens, families, veterans, first responders, and many more. ”
“HMH is at a pivotal moment in our mission,” says Brklacich. “The need for innovative mental health solutions has never been greater, and we are grateful to have incredible partners who share our vision and values. Your support is crucial in driving the change we aim to see and are excited about the opportunities ahead. We invite you to join us on this journey, leveraging our strengths and talents to create a lasting impact.
Please donate, here, today!
Your support today allows us to expand our reach by establishing Charity Partners in every state, ensuring more individuals have access to these life-changing programs. Your support also enables us to create vital educational resources and toolkits for our network of over 150 nonprofits, collectively serving 43,380 individuals annually, empowering them to grow and support even more people in need. Additionally, your donation also fuels awareness campaigns that advocate for the transformative power of horses in mental health care.
Have horses positively impacted your personal journey or mental health? If so, we invite you to share your story on socials and tag @horsesformentalhealth and @zoetisequine.
#HorsesForMentalHealth #ZoetisEquine #MentalIllnessAwarenessMonth
Check out @horsesformentalhealth on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for shareable stories about the remarkable ways horses positively impact the lives and mental health of those from all walks of life across the country.
About Zoetis:
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2022 with approximately 13,800 employees.
Media Contact:
Tyler Brklacich, [email protected]
Booking Contact:
Shantel Klinger, [email protected]
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