Spark

Cameron served in the United States Marine Corps before being medically discharged due to a heart condition. He went on to work as a firefighter and EMS medic, but years of trauma, losing fellow Marines and people he tried to save as a first responder, took a devastating toll. “Basically, I became a ticking time bomb,” said Cameron. “Experiencing so much loss in such a short amount of time really affected me mentally and emotionally. I felt like I was always surrounded by death and trauma.”

In 2021, Cameron hit rock bottom and attempted to take his own life. A chance encounter with a local flag shop owner introduced him to Guiding Reins, though it took over a year before he found the courage to pick up the phone and call. “I went into it with very little trust, but by the third week, I started to experience this incredible sense of peace.” He credits the horses themselves as part of the breakthrough. “The horses can see through to your true emotions, and you’re forced to let your guard down if you want them to work with you.”

After completing the Guiding Reins program, Cameron felt a mental and emotional liberation from the trauma he had been carrying for so long. “Guiding Reins gave me the tools I need to work through my issues and taught me it’s okay to be vulnerable.”

Now, Cameron has made it his mission to pass on his experience to other veterans and first responders who may be struggling. “I believe I can be the spark that lights the fire for someone else to start their own healing journey.”

Your generosity to Guiding Reins makes these healing transformations possible. Thank you for being part of this vital work.