The start of a new year at Southern Reins is less about big changes and more about coming back to what grounds us. Caring for our horses, welcoming participants back to the barn, and easing into the months ahead with purpose and heart. January always feels like a steady reset - one that reminds us how much care, commitment, and community go into every moment at the farm.

Annual Fund Appreciation

We would like to share our deepest gratitude and thanks to all of our donors who supported our 2025 Annual Fund campaign. We are incredibly humbled by your generosity . . . and grateful for every dollar that will make more stories of success possible for people with disabilities and hardship throughout our community.

You can still give a gift to support hope, support strength, and support Southern Reins this new year. Click on the link below to donate today.

Save the Date

11th Annual Jockeys & Juleps

Join us for the 11th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Day as we celebrate the Run for the Roses . . . Memphis Style! 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

12405 Macon Road, Collierville, Tennessee

Experience the thrill of Derby Day with Southern-inspired cuisine, signature mint juleps, bluegrass music, thoughtfully curated silent and live auction items, and a live broadcast of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, all set against a backdrop made for connection and celebration. Your sponsorship or ticket to the 11th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party helps create life-changing opportunities for individuals living with disabilities and hardship in our community.

Beginning February 1, share a meaningful gift that supports our therapy horses and the people they serve.

Each heart tells a story. We will create a Valentine featuring the name of someone special to you and hang it on the stall of one of our beloved therapy horses. Honor a partner, friend, family member, pet, or someone who has truly left hoofprints on your heart. As the hearts add up, our barn fills with love, color, and kindness - creating a heartwarming sight for everyone who visits.

Your $25 donation will stirrup the love with a Valentine’s heart on your favorite therapy horse’s stall. Want to rein in an even bigger impact? Upgrade with a $35 donation to add an extra-large heart and share the love in a BIG way.

Here’s the sweetest part: as each Valentine’s heart is added, our barn fills with love with each heart celebrating someone who means the world to you.

A Valentine’s heart for Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy turns love into meaningful support for our horses and the people they serve, while helping us reach an exciting goal this year: funding a new horse run-in shed for one of our pastures! This much-needed shelter will give our horses a cozy place to rest and stay protected from the elements year-round.

On Sunday, February 15, we will reveal the King or Queen of Hearts - our therapy horse who receives the most Valentines - on social media. Celebrate all the love with us this Valentine's Day and make a difference that will carry on far beyond the holiday.

Celebrating Our 2025 Impact

Thank you for making 2025 such a remarkable year at

Southern Reins!

Whether through the generosity of our supporters, dedication of our volunteers and therapy horses, or the hard work of our team, every effort contributed to meaningful experiences for our participants and their families. The impact of the year is clear in the numbers, and each figure reflects the care, time, and passion that fuel our mission.

We are so grateful for everyone who helps our community grow stronger . . . one ride at a time.

Sharing a Warm Welcome to our Newest Board and Advisory Board Members

Stefan Smith, Lexus of Memphis

Stefan Smith is a graduate of Memphis State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps on active duty from 1970 to 1972, continuing his service in the Marine Corps Reserves through 1976. He has spent his entire professional career in the automotive industry, beginning with Ford Motor Company, followed by Dobbs Bros. Management, and currently as the owner of Lexus of Memphis. Stefan and his wife, Barbara, have been tremendous supporters of Southern Reins since the organization’s inception, strengthening our programs and contributing to our continued growth.

Nadia Fares White, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices McLemore & Co., Realty

Nadia is an Associate Broker and Luxury Real Estate Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices McLemore & Co., Realty. Originally from Canada, she relocated to the Memphis area in 1998 and brings a strong background in business and retail management, having enjoyed a successful career in those fields prior to entering real estate. Nadia has been involved with Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy since 2022 and has served as the Auction Chair for the annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party since 2023. She values Southern Reins’ mission and is deeply committed to the meaningful difference the organization makes for individuals and families throughout the Mid-South. Nadia resides in Germantown with her husband, Tyler, their four children, and their beloved Pomeranian, Baby.

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

 Did you know you can support Southern Reins every time you shop at Kroger?

It's simple! Sign up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program, link your Shopper’s Card to Southern Reins, and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to help us continue our mission! Here is how you can get started:

1. Create a digital account: If you do not have one, sign up for a Kroger digital account to earn discounts and fuel points. If you already have an account, simply link your Shopper’s Card.

2. Link your card to Southern Reins: Log in to your account, search for "Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy," and click "Save." Your purchases will then support Southern Reins.

Every dollar makes a difference, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for shopping with purpose!

Corporate Teambuilding

at Southern Reins

Stronger teams start with clear communication and trust. Southern Reins’ corporate teambuilding program offers a hands-on experience where teams learn how clarity, consistency, and collaboration lead to better communication and stronger connections. Through guided challenges with our therapy horses, participants gain practical insights they can take back to the workplace, resulting in more confident, aligned, and effective teams.



Interested in bringing this experience to your team? Reach out to Sara at sara.zurenko@southernreins.org for details and availability.

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.