TL;DR: Cowboys are known for their strength, grit, and independence — but what happens when those same traits keep them from asking for help? This story explores mental health, healing, and how an award-winning horseman from the Canadian Prairies is changing the conversation for good.
Rewriting Cowboy Culture
Mental health. Depression. Addiction. Anxiety. Loss.
Cowboys and cowgirls seem to go to great lengths not to talk about these things. It’s kind of an unspoken rule — keep your chin up, keep riding, and don’t let anyone see you struggle. And it’s killing us.
The Cowboy Mental Health Crisis
Life in agriculture and ranching isn’t easy. Long hours, unpredictable weather, market stress, and being alone with your thoughts — it all adds up.
Studies show over half of Canadian producers live with anxiety, and 35% report depression1.
In rural and remote areas, the suicide rate is much higher than in cities2. A University of Guelph study found suicidal thoughts are twice as common compared to the general population.
That’s not just numbers. Those are our neighbors. Our friends. Our coworkers.
And in cowboy culture, there’s still a stigma around talking about it. We were raised to “cowboy up,” to push through, to never ask for help. But somewhere along the line, we need to accept that real courage isn’t hiding emotions and pain. It’s about being honest enough to say when you’re not okay.
The Story of Taylor Douglas, Co-founder of Happy Horses ®
I grew up around trauma — addiction, abuse, mental illness, and loss. My mom was the only one of her siblings still alive, and the biggest difference between her and them was the horses.
She rode pregnant with me until the day before I was born, so I like to say I was born on a horse. Just like her, I felt calmer and more grounded around horses, and I embraced it.
For a while, I thought success would fix everything. I was chasing the next belt buckle or title, but even when I had them, I wasn’t happy. I pushed myself until I hit rock bottom.
Depression took over, and I started to think the world might be better off without me. That’s when I finally asked for help. My doctor got me started on antidepressants and counseling. It helped. But the real change came later, when I was ready to dig deep and face everything I’d been carrying.
There’s a saying I hold close now:
“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
I got myself into counselling and within months, I cried for the first time in years. I felt the pain I had buried. And I found self-love I didn’t know was possible.
And then something else amazing happened. My horsemanship got better too. Horses are like mirrors that reflect what’s inside of us. When I got calmer and more grounded, so did they.
Rewriting Cowboy Culture
Happy Horses® isn’t just about equine products — it’s about people. It’s about healing, and changing what it means to be a cowboy or cowgirl. We’re rewriting cowboy culture.
We’re proud to partner with organizations that support mental health in the equine community, and part of our proceeds go toward the Caring for Cowboys and Cowgirls® Foundation.
This foundation provides access to counseling, peer support, and equine-assisted therapy for riders, trainers, and ranch families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. It helps make mental health resources and equine therapy more accessible across rural and remote western communities — where support is needed most.
When you buy a product from Happy Horses®, you’re helping fund therapy sessions, wellness programs, and recovery initiatives for real people in the western world. You’re helping cowboys and cowgirls find their footing — and their hope — again.
The Ride Ahead
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone.
Reach out. Speak up. There’s never any shame in asking for help.
Happy horses need happy humans. 💙
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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