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BY TPH EDITORIAL
When tragedy strikes in the equestrian world, the effects ripple far beyond the show ring. That was the case when Katie Baker, a talented young rider and beloved barnmate, lost her life to suicide. Her passing stunned those who knew her—and exposed a painful truth about how hidden mental health struggles can be, even in close-knit communities.
Katie’s social media showed snapshots of joy—successful show moments, barn laughs, and the vibrant life of someone deeply immersed in the horse world. But behind those images, Katie was fighting invisible battles. Like so many, she struggled with her mental health quietly. Without timely, accessible care, that struggle became overwhelming.
The grief of losing Katie prompted Kevin McKirahan, a friend who has worked with small businesses for years to provide employee benefits, to take action. The grief was raw, but so was the urgency.
“Beverly came to me and said, ‘We’ve got to do something,’” Kevin recalls. “It was clear we needed a way to support riders like Katie—people who might not have the resources or time to seek help before it’s too late.”
That conversation became the spark that eventually led to a meaningful solution. Nearly 19 months later, the USHJA has partnered with AllyHealth to offer all members affordable, on-demand access to medical and mental health services. It’s not insurance, but it offers something just as valuable: a practical, flexible, low-cost safety net for equestrians whose lives don’t easily accommodate traditional care.
AllyHealth is a telehealth service that gives users 24/7 access to doctors, therapists, and wellbeing support. With plans starting at just $4 a week, it’s available to all adult USHJA members and their families, covering up to five household members for one flat monthly fee.
Unlike traditional insurance, there are no copays for medical consultations. The service is built for the barn lifestyle—busy, mobile, and often unpredictable. For riders juggling horse shows across states or grooms managing long shifts, AllyHealth provides access when and where it’s needed most.
“If someone gets sick at a show, they don’t have to leave the grounds or search for an urgent care,” Kevin says. “They can use the app, speak with a doctor, and get a prescription within minutes.”
The mental health resources are just as essential. The AllyHealth Complete Plan includes free sessions with licensed therapists, psychologists, addiction counselors, and more. Members can also access mindfulness coaching, short-term therapy, and real-time messaging with counselors, without weeks-long waits or the need for insurance approval.
This kind of accessibility could make all the difference for someone like Katie, whose suffering wasn’t always visible. As Kevin puts it, “You can’t always tell when someone is struggling. We have to make support easier to reach before things reach a crisis point.”
The program gained traction after Kevin and Alex attended the National Horse Show, where they met with USHJA Executive Director Whitney Allen. She immediately recognized the need. From there, the project accelerated, becoming an official member benefit in spring 2025.
Since the launch, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Trainers, barn owners, and riders alike have praised the initiative as “amazing,” “much needed,” and “something that truly helps our community.”
Beyond medical and mental health services, AllyHealth also offers prescription discounts (up to 85% off), medical bill negotiation, and life coaching. If a member receives a high hospital bill, the advocacy team can work to reduce it, sometimes by up to 60%.
In the horse world, self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. Schedules are packed, resources are tight, and seeking help is rarely easy. But AllyHealth makes it easier. Whether a junior rider is managing show anxiety, a trainer needs therapy on the road, or a groom sprains a wrist and can’t afford to lose time, help is just a tap away.
“Equestrians are some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” Kevin says. “This program gives them a way to care for themselves without sacrificing their time, careers, or dignity.”
For Kevin and Alex, AllyHealth is more than a new membership perk. It’s a tribute to Katie. A way to honor her memory and change the outcome for someone else.
“We can’t bring Katie back,” Kevin says. “But we can make sure fewer equestrians fall through the cracks.”
To learn more about AllyHealth and enroll through your USHJA membership, visit https://www.allyhealth.net/enroll/ushja/
The Plaid Horse is a print and digital publishing company providing exceptional coverage for the hunter/jumper/breeding disciplines at reasonable rates. We support equestrian competitors, horse fans, the general public, and suppliers to the industry through horse show and event coverage, equine articles of interest, and advertisements.
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