Celebrities back Horses for Mental Health campaign

By AI, Created 11:09 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Horses for Mental Health has launched its fifth annual campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month, backed by celebrities, equestrians and Zoetis Equine. The monthlong effort aims to expand access to horse-assisted mental health services across the U.S. and several other countries while raising funds for local programs.

Why it matters: - Horses for Mental Health says horse-assisted services can help people facing anxiety, trauma, burnout, depression, post-traumatic stress, addiction and disconnection. - The campaign is designed to raise money for local programs that keep 100% of the funds they collect. - Support is already flowing to vetted organizations serving people in the U.S. and six additional countries. - The effort also spotlights a growing network of therapists, facilitators and advocates using horses in mental health care.

What happened: - Horses for Mental Health launched the fifth annual Horses For Mental Health Campaign on May 1 for Mental Health Awareness Month. - Country artist and Grammy-nominated songwriter Eric Paslay is among the celebrity supporters joining actors, authors, journalists, musical artists and equestrians. - Founding partner Zoetis Equine is backing the campaign alongside Horses for Mental Health. - The campaign is supporting 130 vetted organizations across the United States and in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. - Program partners raised more than $176,000 in the first few days of the campaign.

The details: - Horses for Mental Health says its celebrity ambassadors have helped elevate the campaign since 2022. - The organization says the campaign has raised more than $2 million for local programs since launch. - HMH describes the campaign message as: “Real People. Real Impact. Real Change.” - Eric Paslay said horses help bring him into the present moment and into a peaceful, creative space. - Brei Carter, a country soul singer and U.S. Army veteran, said horses have positively affected her life and creativity. - HMH program partners serve teens, families, first responders, armed service members, veterans and people dealing with mental health and behavioral health challenges. - Featured equestrian and media figures include Dalia MacPhee, Devon O’Day, Ian Saint, Jill Rappaport, Louie TheSinger, Marcus Mason-Williams, Michael Duncan with HMH equine ambassadors Ranger and Raven, Pepper Stewart, Reggie Selma, Riley Smith, Sophie Grace and Victoria Arlen. - Featured country music artists sharing horse stories include Allie Colleen, Annie Bosko, Brei Carter, The BoykinZ, Callie Twisselman, Eli Alger of The Faster Horses, Eric Paslay and Natalie Paslay, J Michael Harter and Aspen, Kylie Frey and Leah Galvan Turner. - Australians Jodie Morton and Spencer Connelly are also part of the campaign. - HMH highlighted exclusive horse stories from Andrea Bocelli, Diane Warren, Tayla Lynn, Whey Jennings and C Thomas Howell. - The organization directs supporters to donate or learn more about equine-assisted services. - HMH also points audiences to @horsesformentalhealth on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for shareable stories. - RFD-TV will air a segment on Monday, May 11 at 12 p.m. CT featuring Kylie Frey and host Suzanne Alexander. - Jill Rappaport is hosting interviews with HMH ambassadors on her “Rappaport To The Rescue” podcast, including upcoming episodes with Victoria Arlen and Brei Carter.

Between the lines: - The campaign is using celebrity storytelling as a fundraising and awareness tool to make horse-assisted mental health services feel more visible and accessible. - The broad mix of artists, veterans, journalists and equestrians suggests HMH is trying to reach both mental health audiences and horse communities at the same time. - The emphasis on vetted partners and direct funding hints at a model built around local service delivery rather than one national program.

What’s next: - The campaign runs through May 31. - HMH says more ambassador stories and media appearances will continue throughout the month. - The organization is seeking additional donations to expand access to equine-assisted mental health services. - HMH booking contact: Shantel Klinger, Shantel@horsesformentalhealth.org