&SONS / Charity

December 24

Men’s Mental Health Matters: Mitch’s Story at the Heroes and Horses Ranch

Over the past year, we’ve been proud to support a cause that’s close to our hearts. Our charity fundraising efforts have been focused on sending Mitch, a former military serviceman, on a life-changing journey to the Heroes and Horses Ranch, where he would not only work with horses but also embark on a deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

Through a series of events, we’ve raised funds to help Mitch take part in this 41-day retreat, and today, we’re honoured to share his story. His experience at the ranch was transformative, shedding light on the powerful connection between mental health and the importance of supporting each other, especially among men. 

Mitch’s story is just one example of how meaningful these programs can be, and we hope it sparks conversations about the vital need to care for one another, to check in on our mates, and to prioritise mental well-being in our communities.

 

A Need for Balance

When Mitch spoke with us before his departure, he was candid about his struggles. Transitioning from military life to civilian life had been harder than he anticipated.

“My life had structure and purpose in the Marines,” he said. “You know what’s expected of you, you’ve got your brothers around you, and you’re all working toward a shared goal. But when I left, that structure disappeared, and I felt like I was drifting.”

Mitch explained that he felt the weight of trying to balance work, family, and his own well-being. “I’ve got a family who means everything to me, but I was so busy keeping things ticking over that I wasn’t really present. I’d sit down at the end of the day, exhausted, and just feel this emptiness.” When asked why he signed up for the program, he admitted, “I wanted to reset—to strip life back to the basics and figure out what’s really important. And honestly, I needed to get out of my own head for a while.”

Life on the Ranch: Hard Work and Healing

The Heroes and Horses program isn’t about easy fixes. Days on the ranch are physically and mentally demanding, filled with manual labour, horseback riding, and survival training in the Montana wilderness. For Mitch, this immersive experience was exactly what he needed.

“From the moment you step onto the ranch, it’s full-on,” Mitch told us. “There’s no phone, no distractions. Just you, the horses, and the people around you. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d manage—I’m not exactly a cowboy! But after a few days, it all starts to click.”

He shared his experience working with one of the horses. “There was this one horse named Blue. She was strong-willed and didn’t trust easily. I remember feeling frustrated because no matter what I did, she wouldn’t follow my lead. One of the instructors told me, ‘It’s not the horse; it’s you.’ That hit me hard. I realised I was holding onto all this tension, and the horse was picking up on it. Once I let go of that, Blue started to respond. It was like a mirror — I had to confront what I was carrying inside.”

Another moment that stood out to Mitch happened around the campfire. “There was a night where we were all asked to share something we hadn’t told anyone before. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. The physical challenges were just another workout, another ride, whatever it was. I’ve done lots of physical stuff in the past. But the mental side; being so open, I’d never done that. I’d shut everything down since childhood. I didn’t trust anyone enough to let them know anything about me. I talked about some of the struggles I’ve had since leaving the Marines—things I hadn’t even admitted to myself. The most challenging moment was opening up. I felt guilty about taking someone’s place on the ranch. Hearing the rest of theguys talk about their traumas, I thought, “Mine don’t compare to theirs.” I said that right at the beginning. “I feel guilty.”

One of the questions they asked was, “What emotions are you feeling?” I said, “Guilt, because I don’t think I deserve to be here.” The class leader told me, “I’m not here to pander to sponsors. We’re here to help people. If you shouldn’t be here, I’ll tell you.” And he said, “You should be here. You deserve this place.” That was a relief. That night, I felt a weight lift off me. We all did.”

A New Perspective

When Mitch returned from Montana, the changes were evident—not just in his words but in his presence. He described feeling more grounded and connected to the people around him.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned out there is that it’s okay to ask for help,” he said. “We’re taught to be strong and self-reliant, but no one can do it all alone. The retreat reminded me that strength comes from leaning on others, just like they lean on you.”

Mitch also spoke about how the experience changed his perspective on family life. "I’m going to be a better father and a better husband, because of the experiences I’ve had. When you see other people’s problems, you realise you can deal with your own more easily—if you choose to.

We’ve had more family time than before, which was a big motivation for me: to be a better husband, father, and grandfather. I’m making more time for me too.”

As we asked Mitch to reflect on his experience in a single sentence, he paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “I’ll give you four words: chance of a lifetime.” He went on to explain that he viewed the Heroes and Horses program as not just a rare opportunity to work with horses, but a secret chance for personal growth. “I didn’t tell anyone this at the time, but my male ego kept telling me, ‘I don’t need the mental side of things.’ Deep down, though, I knew I did. I was hoping to learn something, and I did. In the end, it came down to two words: ‘just be’. That’s what I got, and I’m very happy with that.”

For Mitch, this simple yet profound realisation was the key takeaway, a reminder of the importance of slowing down, being present, and embracing vulnerability.

Supporting Each Other in the Fight for Mental Health

Mitch’s story is just one example of how vital it is to prioritise men’s mental health. Too often, societal expectations push men to “man up” or suppress their emotions, leading to isolation and a lack of support. But as Mitch learned, healing doesn’t happen in isolation.

At &SONS, we’re committed to breaking this cycle. Every year we raise funds, through charity events and initiatives, we’ve raised funds to go toward supporting mental health charities. And this is just the beginning.

Our goal is to inspire more men to check in with each other, share their struggles, and build the kind of community that Mitch rediscovered during his time away. Whether it’s through simple conversations, organising group activities, or supporting charities that advocate for men’s mental health, we all have a role to play.

Join the Movement

Mitch’s journey reminds us that strength isn’t about going it alone; it’s about finding the courage to seek help and to offer it. As we continue our charity work, we invite you to join us in championing this cause.

Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply being there for a friend, every action counts. Together, we can create a world where men feel supported, understood, and empowered to face life’s challenges head-on.

Because no one should have to go through it alone.