WHITEFISH, Mont. — A Flathead Valley nonprofit has been selected to take part in an international campaign focused on raising awareness about mental health through equine-assisted services during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center is one of 130 equine-related therapeutic riding centers participating in the 2026 Horses for Mental Health campaign.
Executive Director Cammi Sullivan said the monthlong initiative includes organizations in five countries, with only three participating centers located in Montana.
“We have been selected to be a part of the Horses for Mental Health campaign, which is an international campaign,” Sullivan said. “There’s 130 equine-related therapeutic riding centers including only three in Montana. This is in five other countries as well and it is a month-long.”
Founded in 2017, the nonprofit offers a variety of equine-assisted programs designed to help participants build connection and confidence through interactions with horses.
Programs include adaptive horsemanship, pediatric physical therapy, summer camps and “The Ranch Experience.”
Staff at the center say spending time with horses can help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and create a calming environment for participants.
“It is an amazingly relaxing, grounding experience to spend time with horses,” Sullivan said. “They help us in regulating our central nervous system and calming down and regulating our heartbeat, and our breathing slows down when we allow ourselves to open to these incredible creatures.”
Sullivan said horses can have a calming effect even without direct interaction.
“You can be something like 14 feet away from them and they sync their heartbeat to yours. Then they start breathing and lend you their nervous system, and you’re going to feel more grounded and calm.”
The Horses for Mental Health campaign runs through May 31, with donations supporting scholarships, program access and care for the horses.
To find out how you can support Two Bear Therapeutic Riding Center, click here.