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SPARTANBURG CO.—Guiding Reins, a Campobello-based non-profit providing equine-assisted support for Veterans, first responders and their families who are facing mental, physical and emotional challenges, recently received the ‘Spirit of the Spartan’ award from the Spartanburg County Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization was presented the award at a ceremony held at the Spartanburg Auditorium.

Guiding Reins also received letters of recognition from Senator Tim Scott, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Josh Kimbrell commending its work helping Veterans and their families.  

The ceremony included the induction of 21 Veterans into the ‘Hall of Heroes,’ along with recognition of four other organizations for the Spirit of the Spartan Class of 2023.

Guiding Reins offers an alternative approach to improving mental health for Veterans, allowing them to work with horses in a supporting environment, according to its website. The organization also helps active-duty personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, nurses and other front-line workers in high-stress environments. It operates out of four facilities, including Shadyview Farm in Campobello and Bright’s Creek Equestrian Center in Mill Spring. It also has facilities in Eastover, S.C., and Greer, S.C.

For more information about Guiding Reins, visit guidingreins.org.