Dear Southern Reins Family,

As we embrace the season of giving, we are excited to share highlights from a remarkable November at the farm. The month began with our 4th Annual Southern Supper on November 6, a celebration of community, generosity, and impact that raised over $92,000 for our mission. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and donors, whose generosity made this event possible.

We were honored to host the amazing Dr. Temple Grandin at Southern Reins, an inspiring event attended by over 170 guests. Dr. Grandin is recognized around the world as a leading voice for autism and a trailblazer in animal science. Her work has transformed how we understand neurodiversity and animal behavior, and we were proud to welcome her to Southern Reins for this special event.

Also this month, our Beyond the Saddle program continued to engage and inspire participants. Groups had the opportunity to experience firsthand the bond between humans and horses, learning valuable lessons in confidence and empathy. The program remains a powerful way for the community to connect with our mission and witness the transformative impact of equine-assisted activities. 

In addition, we warmly welcomed our newest Equine Care Assistant, Karen Bengoa, to the Southern Reins family. Karen brings a passion for horse care and a commitment to our mission, and we are excited to have her as part of our team!

Continue reading for all the updates and stories that showcase the transformative work happening every day at Southern Reins.

4th Annual Southern Supper

An Unforgettable Night of Impact and Inspiration

Memphis Country Club served as the perfect setting for our signature fall fundraiser on November 6, 2025. Presented by 

Kimery Wealth Management and graciously hosted by Kim Jordan, Vice Chairman of the Southern Reins' Board of Directors, and her husband, Bryan Jordan, this year's Southern Supper welcomed more than 200 guests in support of the life-changing programs Southern Reins provides for individuals with special needs in our community.

The evening began with a lively cocktail hour featuring music by The Bonfire Orchestra. Guests were deeply moved when participant Kristin Rapan took the stage to share her personal journey with Southern Reins — her heartfelt story of growth, confidence, and connection drew a standing ovation and perfectly captured the transformative power of the organization’s programs.

Following a family-style Southern dinner paired with wine, guests connected over shared purpose and lively conversation before participating in spirited silent and live auctions. A standout moment came when Bill Townsend offered a Cocktail Party for 50 at Annesdale Mansion — an exclusive experience that sold three times and raised $23,500 alone.

This year's Southern Supper raised more than $92,000 to provide transformative services for children and adults living with disabilities and hardship throughout the Mid-South.

To all our wonderful sponsors and guests, THANK YOU for joining us for a Taste of the South . . . with Memphis charm. We are incredibly grateful for your support.

Dr. Temple Grandin Visits Southern Reins

A memorable evening with Dr. Temple Grandin.


What an amazing night! Dr. Temple Grandin brought so much wisdom and inspiration to Southern Reins, and we were thrilled to welcome her to the farm. Her insights into neurodiversity, animal behavior, and the power of purposeful connection resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. It was a meaningful opportunity for our community to learn, engage, and celebrate the mission we share. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening truly unforgettable.

UTHSC

Continuing Education Fieldwork

We were honored to welcome 30 Occupational Therapy students from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Southern Reins is proud to partner with UTHSC as a continuing education fieldwork location. We would like to send a very special thanks to all of the Occupational Therapy students who will be assisting us in the new year as they learn more about our Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy program and the tremendous benefits it provides. 

Thank you, UTHSC, for your dedication to creating positive change!

Karen Bengoa

Equine Care Assistant

Please join us in welcoming Southern Reins’ newest Equine Care Assistant, Karen Bengoa!

Karen is a native of Puerto Rico and now resides in Moscow, Tennessee with her husband, where she enjoys life on their farm surrounded by horses and cattle. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and a Master of Arts in International Development. Karen previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in both Paraguay and Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to community development initiatives in rural regions.



Her love for horses began at age 10 with her first horse, Taina. Today, she continues to care for, train, and compete with her two AQHA palomino horses, Sunny and Baby Joe.

2026 Winter Session Registration

Southern Reins' 2026 Winter Session registration 

is now open!

Spots are filling up fast for our 9-week Winter Session beginning on January 5 and ending on March 7. The deadline to register is Monday, December 8, and all current and new participants are required to complete the online Winter Registration Form. 

Program scholarships are also available!

For registration questions or more information, please contact Kirsten Barnette at kirsten.barnette@southernreins.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the farm this winter!

Community Connections Shine During Recent

Beyond the Saddle Visits

Southern Reins was delighted to welcome residents from StoryPoint Collierville, Opus Memphis, Heritage at Irene Woods, and Hearthside Senior Living for five wonderful Beyond the Saddle visits this month. These visits are designed to create meaningful connections through the power of horses, and both groups enjoyed a memorable and heartwarming experience at the farm.

Participants spent time meeting our therapy horses, learning about their personalities, and exploring how equine-assisted activities can inspire joy and connection. Smiles, stories, and lots of gentle horse hugs filled the barn as residents engaged in hands-on interactions.

We are grateful for the chance to share the Southern Reins mission with our community partners and look forward to welcoming our friends and other local groups back for more Beyond the Saddle visits soon.

Gift With a Purpose

Get your Honorary Notecards Today

Our Holiday-Honorary Notecards are Now Available!

$100 for each pack of 10

We are pleased to announce that Southern Reins Holiday-Honorary Notecards are NOW AVAILABLE to order! For $100, these 10-pack of cards display wonderful moments between our participants and their horses, making the perfect gift to share your holiday cheer. All proceeds make a difference for everyone we serve . . . and the most valuable gift we can give is the gift of helping others. 

Contact Lizzie Cash to order: 
lizzie.cash@southernreins.org.

Thank you for changing lives . . . one ride at a time!

Fun Around the Farm

Collierville Twentieth Century Club Sponsors Hay for a Month

We were thrilled to welcome Dee Porter from the Collierville Twentieth Century Club, who presented a check to Southern Reins’ Program Director, Sara Zurenko, sponsoring Hay for a Month to support our incredible therapy horses. We are grateful for their continued support as an equine care donor, as gifts like theirs are crucial in helping us fulfill our mission and enhance the lives of individuals living with disabilities and hardship.



Thank you from all of us at Southern Reins for being a wonderful champion of our program and our horses.

Welcome New Southern Reins' Volunteers

We are so pleased with the incredible response to our recent Volunteer Trainings. It is always a joy to see so many enthusiastic individuals who are ready to become part of the Southern Reins farm family. Each new volunteer brings unique energy and heart, and we are truly grateful to welcome so many wonderful new faces into our community.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with our programs, please contact Meredith Massa at
meredith.massa@southernreins.org.

Strides of Strength and Confidence

Smiles and strides are happening every day at Southern Reins! During an Occupational Therapy session incorporating Hippotherapy, our client was all smiles while enjoying the gentle, rhythmic movement of the horse and building strength, balance, coordination, and confidence. Every ride is a step toward greater independence, fun, and progress. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.