Shantaia, Horses for Mental Health Ambassador
Gabi Sklar, Horses for Mental Health Ambassador
Jodie Morton, Horses for Mental Health Ambassador
Also worth a look: Track Review: Doechii “Denial Is a River” Is a Lyrical Tour de Force and Track Review: Rosalia “Abismo” Merges Flamenco and Industrial Electronics.
Sarah Hardwig, Horses for Mental Health Ambassador
Allie Colleen, Gabi Sklar, Shantaia, Sarah Hardwig, Jodie Morton & More Help Launch Horses For Mental Health Global Campaign
NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Horses for Mental Health has kicked off HORSETOBER™ along with its #PassTheBraid Challenge, bringing together celebrity ambassadors, equestrian leaders, and horse enthusiasts from across the globe to share stories centered on the bond between people and horses. Participants weave their narratives, creativity, and relationships into a yearly event honoring the connection between humans and horses.
Starting in 2022, HMH has backed hundreds of organizations throughout the United States as well as in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe, collecting more than $3 million for mental health initiatives that involve horses. Award-winning musicians, athletes, actors, journalists, world-champion riders, and others help raise awareness for programs that integrate horses into personal development and mental health services, delivering life-altering support to teenagers, families, veterans, first responders, and more.
The braid sits at the core of HORSETOBER™, representing connection and the power that emerges from intertwining stories. Anyone with a love for horses is encouraged to get involved and #PassTheBraid.
Spend quality time with a horse. Craft a braid and tell your story of connection through a photograph or video. #PassTheBraid and challenge others to keep the initiative growing, tagging @horsesformentalhealth and #HORSETOBER.
The #PassTheBraid Challenge honors the horse-human relationship in all its forms, inviting people throughout the equine community to take part in ways that are significant to them. Riders can join in at competitions or in their own barns. Equine-assisted service programs, rescues, sanctuaries, and other groups can bring their communities together to experience and document their bonds with horses through pictures that include braids.
Prizes: Each week in October features prize giveaways, community story highlights, and educational material that motivate horse lovers to take part and share their connections around the world.
Country music artist and songwriter Allie Colleen, together with her horses Jack and Einstein, has been a longstanding ambassador for Horses for Mental Health. They back the organization’s goal of delivering healing to people and purpose to horses.
“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.” — Allie Colleen
Recently singer, songwriter Sarah Hardwig, with braids in hair and guitar in hand visited fellow horses for mental health ambassador Kat Gillis’s Sol Dorado Ranch near Nashville to sing to Kat’s horses. Though born blind, Sarah rode horses in her youth and was elated to reconnect with these magnificent creatures.
“My heart is so full ! I loved all the horses, but I especially bonded with Bandit,” says Sarah, who recently wow the world with her phenomenal performance on “America’s Got Talent.” “That horse is my new best friend and I cannot wait to see him and hug on him again!”
“Bandit has been a buckle-winning head horse in many rodeos despite dealing with his own visual impairment from equine cataracts, which made this connection extra special,” says Kat Gillis. “Humans are his source of energy and courage because sometimes changes in lighting can be scary to him. Watching him gravitate to and become completely enamored with Sarah is a moment I’ll never forget and the reason we built this ranch.
Stay tuned to Horses for Mental Health's socials for many amazing moments from this day as HMH celebrates the horse-human connection during HORSETOBER.
#PassTheBraid ambassadors also include:
– Brei Carter, country-soul singer and U.S. Army veteran
– Dalia MacPhee, designer for humans and horses
– Dena Delucia, U.S. 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
– Josie 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 United Kingdom
– 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
– Shantaia, Nashville-based Canadian country-soul artist
– Sophie Grace, Emmy Award-winning actress
– Victoria Arlen, TV host, gold medalist and author
“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 Allie Colleen and Bev Moser of B! Noticed PR for championing Horses for Mental Health the last several years,” says Shantel Klinger, creative consultant and celebrity booking producer for Horses for Mental Health.
PARTNER WITH HORSETOBER
Individuals, organizations, and horse lovers everywhere can join #PassTheBraid throughout October. Learn more, explore weekly challenges, and register for chances to win weekly prizes on the HORSETOBER WEBSITE.
Organizations and brands interested in contributing prizes, exploring partnerships or expanding their involvement are encouraged to contact Horses for Mental Health.
Join HORSETOBER™ Oct. 1-31. Connect, create, and #PassTheBraid.
About Horses for Mental Health:
Horses for Mental Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances the role of horses in mental health and well-being. Through national initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the organization raises awareness of the horse-human connection and highlights professional programs that incorporate horses into mental health services and personal growth. Horses for Mental Health works to expand access, generate funding, and increase the impact of these programs so more people and communities can benefit.
#HORSETOBER #PassTheBraid #HorsesForMentalHealth @horsesformentalhealth
Lynn Thomas
Horses for Mental Health
+1 801-361-4040
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
HORSETOBER Ambassadors Kick Off The #PassTheBraid Challenge!
