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Dear Southern Reins Family,
February is in full swing at Southern Reins, bringing exciting celebrations, meaningful initiatives, and opportunities to make a difference!
We begin with the very special announcement of our 2025 King of Hearts winner – Rebel! Our February Valentine's Day heart campaign filled our barn with love and so many pretty Valentine's Hearts, while also providing vital support to our Guardian Angel Horse Fund. This fund plays an essential role in ensuring our herd receives the medical care, diagnostics, and nutrition they need. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who shared a Valentine for our horses.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Spring Session! With a full session schedule, we are excited to welcome new supporters and will be hosting a New Volunteer Training on Saturday, March 8. We need your help to fill over 108 volunteer spots each week at the farm! Your time and dedication will have a meaningful impact on the lives of our participants, and it is a great way to make new friends while enjoying the great outdoors.
This edition also introduces several wonderful new additions to our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared commitment to our mission. Their leadership and dedication is invaluable as we continue to grow and make a positive impact in our community, and we are thrilled to welcome them to our farm family.
Lastly, we invite you to mark your calendars for our flagship event of the year - the 10th Anniversary Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party! Join us for an unforgettable day featuring BIG HATS, BOURBON, BLUEGRASS, incredible silent and live auctions, and a live broadcast of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Recognized as the Party of the Year in Memphis, we would be honored to have you join us as an event sponsor or ticketed guest to celebrate a decade of changing lives . . . one ride at a time.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of our Southern Reins family. Here’s to creating more unforgettable memories together!
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10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party | |
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Discover the thrill of the Kentucky Derby and the heart of Southern Reins at this special 10th Anniversary Derby Day as we celebrate the Run for the Roses . . . Memphis Style!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
12405 Macon Road, Collierville, Tennessee
The 10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party brings together more than 800 Mid-South guests for BIG HATS, BOURBON, BLUEGRASS, an incredible silent and live auction, and a live broadcast of the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Your sponsorship or ticket purchase for the 10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party helps create life-changing opportunities for individuals living with disabilities and hardship, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
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Interested in donating an item for our Silent or Live Auction? | |
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Your Auction Donation Will Make a Big Difference!
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Align with an Impactful Cause: In-kind auction donor support directly improves the lives of individuals living with disabilities and hardships through the equine-assisted programs we provide.
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Transformative Programs: Funds raised from our Silent and Live Auctions fuel life-changing initiatives that benefit every participant in our program.
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Premier Visibility: Elevates your brand with influential community leaders.
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Social Responsibility: Showcases your commitment to making a lasting, positive impact.
Contact Jill Haag if you are interested in donating to our auction: jill.haag@southernreins.org.
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Be My Southern Reins' Valentine! | |
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With a barn full of love, we are thrilled to announce that Southern Reins' King of Hearts winner is our sweet boy, Rebel!
This month, our barn has been overflowing with generosity and kindness, and we are so grateful for everyone who participated in spreading joy and sending hearts. All proceeds have benefited our Guardian Angel Horse Fund to cover excess medical costs, diagnostic care, medication, and the best nutritional support for our herd - and we are oh, so thankful.
For just 16 cents a day, you can still help our horses continue to make a profound and life-changing impact for people with disabilities and hardship throughout our community. Click on the link below to donate today.
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Sharing a Warm Welcome to Southern Reins' New
Board and Advisory Board Members
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Leslie Bisignano
Board of Directors
Leslie earned her Ed.S. from The George Washington University and holds an M.P.A. and B.S. from Georgia Southern University. She is a retired research administration professional who served as Vice President of Research Administration at the J. Craig Venter Institute, a nonprofit genetic research center whose scientists helped sequence the human genome. Leslie held previous leadership roles at The George Washington University Medical Center and Savannah State University overseeing grant development, funding and administration. A dedicated advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, Leslie has worked extensively with the National Down Syndrome Society to support advocacy initiatives. She and her husband, Michael, served as Honorary Chairs of the 2024 Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party, and their son, Michael Jr., has been a longtime Southern Reins participant while their daughter, Samantha, volunteers with the program.
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Mason "Bubba" Ezzell, III,
President & CEO of LSI Graphics
Board of Directors
Bubba is graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Business. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of LSI Graphics, a leading provider of visual communication solutions based in Bartlett, Tennessee. Bubba has a strong background in community service, including a four-year tenure on the board of Make-A-Wish Mid-South, where he also chaired their annual golf tournament. An avid golfer, Bubba enjoys the outdoors and traveling with family and friends.
A dedicated supporter of the nonprofit community, Bubba has been a strong supporter of Southern Reins since its inception.
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Mitch Graves,
Chief Executive Officer of
West Cancer Center & Research Institute
Board of Directors
Mitch earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University and was recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus in 2012. As the CEO of West Cancer Center & Research Institute, he has over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare. Prior to joining West in 2019, he served as CEO of HealthChoice, LLC, focusing on improving community health and patient care. He currently serves on the board of Memphis Light, Gas, and Water and the Finance Committee for Church Health Center. He previously chaired the boards of Christian Brothers University, the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, and the University Club of Memphis, and served as a member of United Healthcare’s Executive Advisory Council, Qsource Board, and Cigna’s National Health Care Advisory Council. Mitch was also appointed to the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments by Tennessee Governor
Bill Lee.
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Daniel Bishop,
Daniel Bishop Horseshoeing
Advisory Board
Born and raised in Arlington, Tennessee, Daniel has been a professional farrier for nearly 30 years. After attending Eastern School of Farrier Science, he founded Daniel Bishop Horseshoeing, specializing in therapeutic shoeing. His passion for equine health and well-being has driven him to attend numerous veterinary and farrier conferences to further his expertise. An avid horseman, he has owned and shown horses in various disciplines, from dressage to working cattle. Guided by his deep faith and passion for helping others, Daniel is excited to continue making a difference as a member of our Advisory Board.
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Elaine Haw Gore,
Owner of Full Circle Equine Services
Advisory Board
Dr. Elaine Haw Gore was raised on her family’s farm in northwest Tennessee, where her love for agriculture and animals began. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business from the University of Tennessee at Martin, an MBA from Middle Tennessee State University, and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She also completed the ACES chiropractic certification program, further expanding her expertise in equine care. As the owner of Full Circle Equine Veterinary Services, Elaine is passionate about the profound physical and emotional healing that horses offer to their riders. Elaine competes in AQHA and NSBA hunter classes, where she has earned multiple World and Congress championships and national titles.
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Marley Slutz,
Fields Landscape Architecture
Advisory Board
A native Memphian, Marley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. After diverse career stops in Wyoming, New York and Nashville, she returned home to Memphis as sole proprietor of Fields Landscape Architecture. Marley has served on the board of Dogwood Elementary PTO, and contributed design services to Memphis Botanic Garden and Southern Reins. As a parent of a Southern Reins participant, Marley has witnessed first hand the healing power of horses and the supportive community Southern Reins provides
for families.
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Make a Difference as a Spring Session Volunteer! | |
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Be a part of something special! Volunteer with Southern Reins this Spring and help create lasting impact!
Volunteers are the heart of our program, and we need your help to fill 108 volunteer spots each week this upcoming Spring Session! Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or just beginning your journey with horses, your time, dedication, and support have the power to create meaningful change in the lives of our participants. Together, we can encourage success in the saddle and provide a nurturing environment for growth and achievement every day.
Join us at the farm for New Volunteer Training on Saturday, March 8 at 12:30 PM! To sign up or for more information, email meredith.massa@southernreins.org.
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Welcome Back University of Memphis TigerLIFE! | |
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Our amazing friends from Memphis TigerLIFE began their Spring internship this month through our HorsePOWER Work-Based Learning program. Twice a week, with the help and guidance from our amazing volunteer, Donna, and intern, Denise, this dedicated group, along with Collierville High School Transition Academy, will work at the farm to learn job skills that help them succeed in obtaining and maintaining employment, while also learning the importance of leadership and teamwork!
Thank you from all of us at Southern Reins for your support of our mission!
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Join Us for the NAEP Regional Wet Lab! | |
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Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy, located in Collierville, TN, is honored to be the host site for the NAEP (National Alliance of Equine Practitioners) Regional Wet Lab on April 4-5, 2025. This wonderful continuing education session will focus on The Foundation of Equine Biomechanics: Tackling Negative Palmer Angles and Suspensory Injuries, presented by Dr. Elizabeth Lordan, DVM, CJF, and Cody Gregory, CJF, ASF, FWCF.
Sponsored byVet-Ray Technology by Sedecal, this hands-on wet lab provides an outstanding opportunity for farriers, veterinarians, and equine professionals to expand their knowledge and skills.
Learn more and register today by clicking the link below!
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Rusty's New Journey Begins with Support from the Addison Family!
We are thrilled to announce that Rusty, one of our newest additions, has found his sponsor! He is over the moon to be supported by the amazing Addison family. This month, Rusty had a blast posing for photos with our dear friend and neighbor, Leslie Addison.
We are incredibly grateful for the Addison family's continued generous support and are excited to see Rusty make a difference through our Pony Pals and TEACH programs!
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Winter Wellness For Our Herd!
When temperatures drop, staying hydrated is key to keeping our herd healthy and happy. To help our four-legged friends stay hydrated, our incredible staff and volunteers are brewing up some delicious winter "teas"! By adding our horses’ feed to warm water, we create a tasty, nutrient-packed beverage that encourages them to drink more – and it is a cozy way to support their hydration needs!
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CHS Transition Academy Students Learn New Job Skills!
Students from Collierville High School's Transition Academy have been dedicated this semester, mastering valuable job skills that pave the way for greater independence. This month, our incredible students honed their abilities by tackling office tasks like emptying garbage bins, operating printers, and preparing brochures.
We are so grateful to each of you for helping us fulfill our mission!
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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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