As we reflect on another wonderful year at Southern Reins, we recognize the people and partners who make our mission possible. From the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers to the steady presence of our therapy horses and the determination of our participants, each plays an essential role in the impact we create together. Thank you for being part of our Southern Reins family. 

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with joy, health, and happiness.

Support Hope.

Support Strength.

Support Southern Reins.

A Sky full of possibilities opens when someone believes . . . someone like you.

Life-changing progress happens every day at Southern Reins. It begins with a first ride, a new sense of balance, or the moment someone realizes they are capable of more than they imagined.

Sky, an 11-year old participant, experienced that transformation this year. He arrived with a quiet uncertainty, but everything shifted when he met Baloo. With each ride, Sky grew stronger and more confident.

Stories like Sky's are only possible because of your generous support. By giving to the Annual Fund, you help enhance our programs and provide ongoing care for our therapy horses. All gifts made by December 31 are tax-deductible and ensure that children and adults can continue discovering strength, confidence, and independence at Southern Reins.

Sharing the Season with Joy and Cheer

Our Annual Christmas Party this month was full of holiday magic!

From festive treats to heartwarming moments, our annual Southern Reins' Christmas Party was a wonderful celebration of our community.

A special thank you to our guests, Collierville Santa and Alex and Sophie from Rollingwoods Farm, for making the day unforgettable and bringing extra cheer to our farm. We truly appreciate everyone who joined us and helped make this celebration so special.

2025 Horse of the Year

Colonel is proudly named Southern Reins' Horse of the Year!

Chosen by our supporters, volunteers, and participants, he has quickly won hearts with his gentle nature, playful personality, and steady presence. Colonel brings comfort and confidence to those he works with and is a trusted, calming partner in every session. Colonel joined our herd in June of 2024 and is proudly sponsored by Linda and Jon Casello.

Congratulations, Colonel! We are so lucky and proud to have you in our program.

Sharing a Warm Welcome to our Newest Board Member

Lauran Stimac, Evans Petree PC

Lauran is a graduate of the University of Richmond, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees. A native Memphian, she now practices at Evans Petree PC, where she is a Shareholder and Chair of the Litigation Section. Lauran specializes in business litigation and professional liability, defending lawyers, healthcare providers, and other professionals. She is the immediate Past President of the Memphis Bar Association, Chair of the Board of the Downtown Memphis Commission, and the Secretary and Communications Chair of the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court. She also serves on the District IX Hearing Committee of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. Lauran’s lifelong love of both service and horses brought her to Southern Reins, where she and her husband, Jack, look forward to supporting the great work of the organization.

Celebrating a Meaningful Fall Session

As our Fall Session came to a close, we witnessed the powerful connection between horse and human across our programs. After a well-earned holiday break for our equine partners, our Winter Session begins January 5, and we look forward to welcoming participants and volunteers back to the farm!



Be sure to check out the great photos from our recently concluded

Fall Session, now live on Facebook!

Dedication in Action

Honoring Our Team Leaders

This month, we celebrate our seven Team Leaders, Becky, Elena, Linda, Brenda, Lu, Louise, and Wayne. Together, they contributed more than 1,549 hours in 2025, offering expertise, heart, and steady leadership that helps every participant experience growth, confidence, and joy. We sincerely thank them for the lasting impact they make on our Southern Reins community.

Building Skills and Confidence

at Southern Reins

CHS Transition Academy Students Interact With Our Herd

Students from Collierville High School's Transition Academy are all smiles after a semester of hard work completing various jobs around our farm. In appreciation for their incredible dedication, they were rewarded with hands-on interactions with our herd of therapy horses. The smiles and memories shared is a testament to the joy they bring to Southern Reins.

We so appreciate you and cannot wait to see you all next year!

Our Mission is to serve individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities and hardship by providing equine-assisted services to empower, inspire, nurture and succeed.