Hay Are We Okay? Podcast: Yellow Feathers: Courage at the Rodeo

Episode 004: Yellow Feathers: Courage at the Rodeo

by The Do More Agriculture Foundation | Hay Are We Okay? Podcast

Whether it’s bull riding, steer wrestling, or saddle broncs, rodeos rely on the pickup man: the person who keeps riders safe and helps them out of harm’s way. In this episode, we hear about the fantastic Yellow Feather - Pickup Man campaign for mental health in rodeo - and how you can be part of it. Content Warning: this episode discusses suicide. If you are struggling, please check the resources we've compiled for you here.

Morgan Lehmann grew up with cattle near Rosthern, Sask. In this episode she shares the heartbreak of losing her brother, Josh, to suicide. Lehmann and her family started the Josh Lehmann Memorial Team Roping Jackpot in her brother’s memory. She then travelled to Cheyenne, Wyoming’s Frontier Days rodeo, where she felt the profound effect of seeing hundreds of people wearing yellow feathers in their hat bands. Those small symbols open bigger conversations, as rodeo participants reach out for help, and reach out to help others.

Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days, tells us the Pickup Man campaign started in 2022 when the long-running rodeo decided to showcase mental health and suicide awareness. The “Everybody Needs A Pickup Man” campaign was born.







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Disclaimer:
The Do More Agriculture Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 or call 911. Check out crisis supports available across Canada.
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