The CBL State Savings Bank Foundation has given $10,000 to Guiding Reins in Campobello, SC. Guiding Reins will use this grant for equine-assisted therapy sessions for veterans, military personnel and first responders and their families who have been affected by mental, physical, emotional trauma and/or challenges. They offer these sessions free of charge.
“Guiding Reins continues to offer life-changing therapy and assistance to our community. The level of dedication and expertise they provide speaks for itself with its growth and success rate. We have seen the program evolve to include multiple stables, an alumni program and support for the extended family. It is our pleasure to support this program as we believe in the mission and have learned of countless success stories that truly were life-changing,” said CBL CEO & President Jennifer T. Jones.
Equine-assisted Therapy (EAT) is proven to help those with addiction, depression, head/brain trauma, PTSD, speech impairment, injury, stroke patients and more. Unlike talk or exposure therapies, which require a veteran to sit and recall traumatic past events, EAT allows the participant to actively move through a series of events that keep the left brain active and body engaged thereby reducing flashbacks or triggering trauma. The horses are sensitive, partner animals and mirror emotions and energy from the handler. This allows the handler to set goals and adjust their mood and behavior to meet goals. The program slowly progresses through trust and time, and the pace is set by each individual and horse instead of each person being required to move at the same rate.
“CBL is a generous supporter and partner. For over four years, they’ve stood with us to help veterans, active military, first responders and their families through equine-assisted wellness programming. We could never say thank you enough for being such a wonderful community partner,” says Director Diane Prewitt.