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Dear Southern Reins Family,
Summer has arrived, and the 2025 Summer Session is officially underway. The farm is full of energy as returning participants reconnect with our therapy horses, volunteers, and staff, and new participants begin their journey with us. This season holds the promise of personal growth, meaningful achievements, and strong bonds built both in and out of the saddle. We are honored to share some of this month’s standout moments with you - from inspiring programs and community partnerships to memorable visits and first-time experiences - Southern Reins is alive with purpose.
We are thrilled to share just a few highlights of all the great things happening at the farm as we continue to change lives . . . one ride at a time.
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Since June 16, the farm has been full of happy hoofbeats, big smiles, and heartwarming moments as we kicked off our Summer Session. There’s just something about this time of year - longer days, warmer sun, and a whole lot of magic in the barn.
It has been incredible to see our Southern Reins family back in the saddle, reconnecting, reaching milestones, and cheering each other on every step of the way. This season is already shaping up to be one to remember!
Before we get too far into summer, we want to share a look back at the joy and accomplishments of spring. The photo album below captures many of the moments that made the season so special.
| | Make a Difference as a Summer Session Volunteer | | |
Be a part of something special: Volunteer with Southern Reins this Summer
Volunteers are the backbone of our program, and we need your help to fill over 100 volunteer spots each week for our Summer Session! Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or have loved them them from afar, your time, dedication, and support have the power to create impactful change in the lives of our participants. Together, we can encourage success in the saddle and provide a nurturing environment for everyone we serve.
For more information, email meredith.massa@southernreins.org.
| | Valero Volunteers Brighten Our Barn | | |
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing team from Valero Energy who generously spent the day at Southern Reins lending their time and talent to help make our barn shine. Their crew rolled up their sleeves and got to work painting the interior of our barn, bringing new life and brightness to a space that plays such an important role in the day-to-day lives of our participants, volunteers, and therapy horses.
Thanks to their hard work, our barn is now an even more welcoming and uplifting place for everyone who steps through its doors. We are so thankful for community partners like Valero who stand with us to make lasting impact where it matters most.
| | Nature Explorers Experience Brings Hands-On Healing | | |
Our first-ever Beyond the Saddle: Nature Explorers Experience wrapped up this week, and it was a huge success filled with creativity, connection, and learning. This unique outdoor program provided children with sensory-rich opportunities to explore nature, engage in hands-on activities, and build important life skills through therapist-led support.
From painting our therapy horses to participating in fun, engaging adventures, each session was thoughtfully designed to promote individuality and self-care in a nurturing environment. We are so proud and grateful for everyone who participated!
| | Sharing a Warm Welcome to Southern Reins' New Advisory Board Members | | | | |
Rachel Dodson,
Director of Financial Services at
Youth Villages
Rachel is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Tennessee and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Memphis. She began her career in public accounting at Watkins Uiberall, PLLC, where she spent over a decade in the audit department. Rachel currently serves as the Director of Financial Services at Youth Villages where she has led financial operations for more than five years. She is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Growing up on her family farm, Rachel has a lifelong passion for animals. She is an avid horseback rider and enjoys spending time outdoors. She and her husband, Peyton, live in Arlington, Tennessee.
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Alicia Norman,
Executive Director of NEXT Memphis, Porter-Leath
Alicia is a lifelong Memphian with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She leads NEXT Memphis in supporting more than 36 childcare centers and family day homes across Shelby County. She serves as the Board Chair for Believe Memphis Academy, Board Member for First 8 Memphis, and is active with First Baptist Church Broad in Women’s Ministry and Sunday School. She is also a Leadership Memphis Alumnae from the class of 2014. Alicia is the wife of Pastor Keith Norman and they share 4 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren.
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Rusty Brings Smiles to
Page Robbins
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Southern Reins had the pleasure of bringing our gentle mini therapy pony, Rusty, to Page Robbins Adult Day Center. Rusty loved meeting their wonderful clients and staff, sharing comfort and countless smiles throughout his visit.
Through our Pony Pals program, we bring the benefits of equine-assisted services to those who aren’t able to make it out to the farm. We offer these meaningful interactions to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, grief and therapy centers, rehabilitation programs, memory care facilities, and local schools.
For more information on our Pony Pals program,
visit www.southernreins.org/pony-pals!
| | Equine Healing For Our Heroes | | |
Southern Reins is deeply honored to welcome back Alpha Omega Veterans Services to our farm!
Their steadfast commitment to supporting our nation’s veterans makes our partnership truly special. Together, we create a space for healing and mutual respect where those who have served can embrace the transformative power of horses. We are excited to embark on another valuable PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes Summer Session, bringing hope and empowerment to local veterans.
Our PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes program proudly supports active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel as well as first responders who have been physically or mentally injured in the line of duty. Offered at no cost through generous support from organizations like AutoZone, our Veterans Program honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel by helping them rebuild trust, confidence, emotional balance, and resilience through meaningful connections with our therapy horses.
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Celebrating our Southern Reins Family!
What a truly wonderful day we shared at our 2025 Participant and Volunteer Cookout! The farm was alive with laughter and the energy that makes Southern Reins so special. It was a perfect opportunity to come together, relax, and celebrate the incredible community that drives us forward.
We want to extend a sincere thank you to every participant and volunteer who joined us. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and kindness are the driving force of Southern Reins, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our family.
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Fresh Faces, Big Hearts:
Welcoming New Volunteers.
We are thrilled to open our barn doors to the newest members of the Southern Reins volunteer community! Every new volunteer arrives with their own unique spirit, kindness, and passion, enriching our farm in countless ways. It is truly inspiring to witness so many caring individuals stepping forward, ready to support our mission and make a positive impact. We couldn’t be more grateful to have you with us!
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Participants Unwind at the Farm with Club Pilates Mat Class.
Our recent Mats and Manes Pilates class at the farm was a truly peaceful and rejuvenating event for all who attended! Hosted by our wonderful friends at Club Pilates, participants of all fitness levels gathered at the farm to stretch, breathe, and unwind. We hope you had as much fun as our horses did watching you!
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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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