Cowboys have feelings too - 11th November 2022

Cowboys appear to be strong people, but they've got problems just like anyone else.

Cowboys and cowgirls are often lonely and sometimes take drugs. They don't usually talk about their feelings and it's difficult to get help.

This is a growing problem for the US, for both cowboys and farmers. It's become the cause of many deaths.

Rand Selle's trying to change things.

Rand Selle: "Cowboys are supposed to be tough. Like, we're, we're born and raised to be independent and not rely on anyone, and a lot of stuff we do is on our own. So, we don't have that communication skill to go elsewhere and talk and share our emotions, and I kind of think a lot of us struggle with that."

Rand's friend Jonn Beer died. After a riding accident, Beer was given pain medication. He couldn't stop taking it, and this caused his death.

Rand wants to stop this from happening. So, he set up the group 'No More Empty Saddles' in Wyoming, USA. It's there to give cowboys an opportunity to talk.

Wyoming has few mental health services, says volunteer Sheryl Foland.

Sheryl Foland: "We don't have resources that you will find in other states. We don't have a mass group of mental health providers across the state or substance use disorder treatment professionals."

The group holds social events. Cowboys and cowgirls enjoy friendly competitions at 'Tom Horn Days'. They're also opportunities for them to get help if they need it.

Sheryl Foland: "I was here early last night, and, and I had a cowboy stop by. He'd been following us on Facebook, and he was OK. He just wanted a place to just talk. And that's what we gave him. And that's why we're here. We don't want to see any more needless death and destruction."

'Tom Horn Days' earn money to build a support network. This will give cowboys mental health support. Rand doesn't want to lose another friend.