Cowboys ride for mental health

Cowboys work outside. They look strong. But cowboys have problems too.

Some cowboys and cowgirls feel lonely. Some of them take drugs. But they don't talk about these problems.

This is also a big problem for farmers in the US. Lots of farmers die from these problems.

Rand Selle wants to change the situation.

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."

Jonn Beer was one of Rand's friends. He had an accident. He needed strong medicine. But Beer took the drug a lot. The drug killed him.

Rand started a help group. It's name is 'No More Empty Saddles'. It's a community for cowboys and cowgirls.

States like Wyoming need more mental health professionals. Sheryl Foland helps Rand's group.

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."

Rand's group organises 'Tom Horn Days' for cowboys and cowgirls. It helps them have fun. They have friendly competitions. And there's someone to talk to.

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' bring cowboys together. They don't feel lonely. Rand wants to save cowboys' and cowgirls' lives.

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