A men’s mental health initiative has grown from a small group in southern Manitoba to chapters across Canada within a year.  

“June 20, 2025 is when Cowboys Mud Racing was established in St. Pierre-Jolys, Man.,” says Ryan Ward, CEO and cofounder of Cowboys Mud Racing. “We had elected officials get on board. Our MLA, Konrad Narth from the PC Party and then Ted Falk, our MP from Ottawa [got on board] and it just continued to grow.”

There are now groups in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. In Manitoba, the men do a team-building ride once a month, with a co-ed ride for husbands and wives, every other month. 

“It’s been absolutely humbling to see the growth that’s happened,” says Ward. “We started out as a couple circus freaks and misfits. We never imagined this province would get behind Cowboys like they have.”

Men’s lives are changing

A 16-year-old boy from Alberta heard about Cowboys through his parents. He attended and has seen a significant impact from it.  

“One of our guys from Red Deer started working with him. Brought him out for a ride and his parents have been nothing short of grateful. Their boy is doing better. He’s now in counselling and he’s getting the therapy that he needs.”

Ward explains that this group isn’t comprised of mental health professionals but acts as a place for men to be themselves. 

“If we feel that the problem is too big, we get them connected with professionals [in the mental health field.’] We can make a phone call and they’re in a safe atmosphere.”

Ward says they’ve connected with 30 men over the past year, giving them space to have fun quading, and being honest and vulnerable with where they’re at mentally. 

“The smiles on their faces, that’s why we do this. At the end of the day, for me and my men, the smile, that’s what our pay is. To see them happy.”

Supporting Cowboys to support men

The public can help support Cowboys Mud Racing in this fight against mental health and suicide by donating, or even praying for them.

“We always need prayer,” says Ward. “Being in the mental health line of work is not easy. A lot of our guys take on so much. We’re not just carrying our own problems; we’re carrying other people’s burdens as well. Prayer is always appreciated.”

Ward is clear about the message he wants men to know, that they have people who care and that anyone suffering doesn’t have to walk the journey alone. 

“You’re not alone. There’s people out here that care for you and we love you. You need not fight this battle alone. We’re in this together as men. We don’t want you to become a statistic. We want you to be a part of the solution and seeing your way through these problems because they’re temporary.”