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Dear Southern Reins Family,
Our Summer Session crossed the finish line stronger than ever. From first hoofbeats to final high-fives, we watched communication turn into confidence and small steps grow into big wins. Special thanks to our participants who worked hard, volunteers who shared their incredible support, and to our community that lifts us higher. We are excited to have our Fall Session now underway, delivering 16 weeks of purposeful, life-changing programs that turn practice into progress.
Mark your calendar for two standout events this fall! Our 4th Annual Southern Supper returns to Memphis Country Club on Thursday, November 6, 2025. We have a limited number of sponsorships remaining, and early-bird tickets are available through August 22. We are also honored to welcome Dr. Temple Grandin to the farm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - more information about this incredible event is below.
This month also launches our Hay For A Day Campaign to keep our equine partners strong and healthy throughout the year. We would love to have your help to reach our $12,500 goal! Every Hay for a Day donation turns kindness into hay and hay into progress, fueling incredible breakthroughs and joyful moments that happen here at the farm every single week.
We are delighted to share the news of a few big additions to the farm, with three new therapy horses who have joined the herd, and are happy to welcome Kimberly Douglas to the team, who has stepped in as our new Director of Development.
Check out all the great happenings in this month's newsletter - and thank you for helping make every ride, every smile, and every milestone possible.
| | 4th Annual Southern Supper | | |
Be our guest and experience the extraordinary charm of Southern hospitality at this year’s Southern Supper on Thursday, November 9. Gather with family, friends, and clients to share cocktail hour on the patio with our therapy pony, Rusty, live music by The Bonfire Orchestra, and a savory Southern meal served family-style at the beautiful Memphis Country Club.
Early bird individual tickets are just $175 now through August 22 — after that, tickets will be $200 each. Seating is limited, so secure your tickets and sponsorships TODAY and experience a night of incredible Southern hospitality!
For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit our Southern Supper event website or contact Lizzie Cash at lizzie.cash@southernreins.org.
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Hay For A Day
Fueling Life-Changing Moments
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It takes a lot of hay to keep our therapy horses healthy, strong, and ready to serve. Thanks to your support, our herd has the fuel they need to put their best hoof forward for every child and adult who participates in our programs. Did you know each of our therapy horses consumes an average of 95 bales of hay every year? That adds up to more than 1,200 bales annually to nourish our entire herd!
This year, our goal is to raise $12,500 through our Hay for a Day campaign. Every tax-deductible gift provides the nourishment that keeps our horses happy, comfortable, and able to give their very best in every lesson, every visit, and every heart they touch. Your one-time or recurring monthly donation of $25 will provide hay for a day for our entire herd. You can also give Hay for 2 Days, Hay for a Week, Hay for 2 Weeks, or be a HAY HERO with Hay for a Month! You can also setup a recurring monthly donation and select any amount you would like to give.
When you sponsor Hay for a Day, you are not just providing hay, you are fueling life-changing moments.
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Welcome back to Southern Reins!
Our 16-week Fall Session began on August 11, and we are so excited to have so many returning and new participants and volunteers back at the farm. We are thrilled to serve more than 100 participants this session in Adaptive Horseback Riding, Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy, PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes, Beyond the Saddle, Making Strides Recreation Therapy, and the HorsePOWER Work-Based Learning Program.
Be sure to check out all the great photos from our recently concluded Summer Session now live on Facebook! We love seeing so many smiles shared by everyone at the farm.
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An Evening with
Dr. Temple Grandin at Southern Reins
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We are honored to welcome Dr. Temple Grandin to Southern Reins on Wednesday, November 19!
Recognized worldwide as a pioneering voice for autism and a groundbreaking leader in animal science, Dr. Grandin has transformed the way the world understands both neurodiversity and animal behavior. Join us for a special event, Autism: The Way I See It, as she shares her remarkable insights and inspiring perspective.
The evening will include a keynote talk, audience Q&A, and book signing. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices of our time.
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy
Wednesday, November 19
Doors open at 5:30 PM | Talk begins at 6:30 PM
Presale: $64.95 | At the door: $74.95
Tickets are limited. Register now by clicking the link below or call 817-277-0727.
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Welcome Kimberly Douglas
Director of Development
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Please join us in welcoming Southern Reins' new Director of Development, Kimberly Douglas!
Kimberly is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and has been passionate about horses since she was eight years old. She currently competes as an Amateur in Dressage and Sport Horse disciplines with her Arabian horses. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Florida Atlantic University after attending the University of Kentucky. In addition to her role at Southern Reins, she currently works as a Financial Representative with Ashford Advisors. Prior to joining Southern Reins, she worked in the specialty division of Markel Insurance, where she managed equine-related insurance including Equine Mortality, Medical/Surgical, Farm & Ranch, and liability coverage across national and international markets.
Kimberly has also served as a volunteer and board member for several Arabian horse organizations, further deepening her connection to the equine community. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys running, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her horses and two Standard Poodles, Babette and Rowdy.
| | Meet the Newest Members of Our Herd | | | | |
Bailey is a charming American Quarter Horse gelding with a calm, confident demeanor that makes him an ideal addition to our therapy herd. He brings years of top-tier training to Southern Reins after successfully competing in various disciplines, but what truly sets Bailey apart is his laid-back personality and rock-solid temperament. His steady presence makes him an incredibly reliable partner for participants who benefit from his friendly, calm, and trusting companionship.
Bailey is on trial and on loan from Suzanne Whitehead to be donated to our program. He joined the herd in August of 2025.
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Curly is a precious 13.3-hand American Bashkir Curly gelding who brings both heart and history to our program. Once a rescue horse, he spent many cherished years with the owner who saved him, nurturing his gentle spirit as a Western pleasure and trail partner. With his steady nature and distinctive silver mane and tail, Curly is as unique as he is lovable. His calm demeanor and kind disposition make him an ideal therapy horse, offering reassurance, patience, and a living reminder that second chances can truly change lives.
Curly is on trial with our program and is on loan from Mississippi Horses. He joined our herd in August of 2025.
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Kenny is a wonderful 16-hand bay Percheron–Connemara cross gelding whose steady presence and extensive training make him a true schoolmaster. Before joining us, he served as a program horse at Bridge Up Giddy Up, where he played a pivotal role in helping at-risk youth develop confidence, skill, and a love for horsemanship and riding. With his gentle nature, reliability, and willingness to teach, Kenny now brings that same gift of patience and encouragement to participants at Southern Reins.
Kenny is on trial with our program and is on loan from Mckrell Baier. He joined our herd in August of 2025.
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Celebrating Principle Toyota in Memphis' Partnership.
We are incredibly grateful to Principle Toyota in Memphis and Principle Auto Group's Principle In Action for their generous donation to Southern Reins and to serving individuals with disabilities and hardship through the healing power of horses. Their contribution helps sustain our life-changing programs and ensures continued access to services for those who need it most.
Endless gratitude to our dear friends, John Snell and Suzy Hoyt, whose kindness and connection made this gift possible. Your partnership means the world to us, and to every participant, family, and horse whose lives are touched by Southern Reins.
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Smiles All Around at the Too Hot To Trot Barnyard Bash.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Southern Reins’ Too Hot to Trot Barnyard Bash! From horse painting and chalk art to fishing fun and water play, the day was filled with laughter, creativity, and community spirit.
Our participants, families, and volunteers came together to celebrate summer in true Southern Reins style, and the joy was unmistakable. Everywhere you looked, there were smiles, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. Events like this not only bring our community closer but also highlight the incredible impact of our horses and programs.
We are so appreciative of everyone who helped make this special day possible!
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Honoring Vetericyn's Ongoing Support.
We are so thankful for our friends at Vetericyn! Since 2017, they have supported Southern Reins as an Equine Care Partner, helping us give the very best care to our amazing therapy horses. Their generous donation of equine wellness products makes a world of difference every day. Learn more about their incredible products by visiting their website. Vetericyn, your dedication as champions of our mission means the world to us!
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Our mission is to serve individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities and hardship by providing equine-assisted service to empower, inspire, nurture and succeed. | |
SOUTHERN REINS CENTER FOR EQUINE THERAPY
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