October is filled with meaningful milestones at Southern Reins as we mark 11 years of changing lives and prepare for a sold-out Southern Supper. We are especially grateful for a community that shows up with generosity, encouragement, and a deep belief in what is possible, and it has already been a record-setting year at the farm, with more than 1,000 children and adults served in 2026.

This newsletter shares a few of the people making that work possible: supporters investing in our herd, new leadership joining our team, and friends finding meaningful ways to bring Southern Reins' services to additional participants and families. Thank you for being part of every ride, every breakthrough, and every life changed.

Southern Reins Day is Monday, October 26! As we celebrate 11 years of changing lives, we are so thankful for the amazing community that has made it all possible. Every milestone reached and every life touched is part of a story we are proud to share with you.

Help us celebrate 11 years by making a gift! Our goal is to receive 110 gifts in honor of our 11th year of service. Whether you donate $11, $110, $1,100, or any amount meaningful to you, your support helps us continue providing life-changing equine-assisted services to the individuals we serve.

Join us in spreading the word! On October 26 at 11:11 AM, share a favorite Southern Reins memory, photo, or special moment on social media and tag us.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to all that lies ahead!

5th Annual Southern Supper

Our 5th Annual Southern Supper Is Sold Out!

We are excited to announce that our 5th Annual Southern Supper is officially sold out! We are looking forward to gathering on Thursday, November 5, at Memphis Country Club for a special evening celebrating the people, horses, and community that make our mission a reality.

This event would not be possible without the generous donors, sponsors, supporters, and community partners who stand behind Southern Reins. Your support helps create incredible opportunities for children and adults living with disabilities and hardship throughout the Mid-South.

We invite you to recognize the sponsors whose generosity brings our signature fall fundraiser to life year after year.



Unable to attend? A donation can help sustain the life-changing work happening every day at Southern Reins.

Welcome to the Southern Reins Family

Please join us in welcoming Southern Reins' new

Director of Philanthropy, Susannah Whitehead!

A native of Okolona, MS, Susannah grew up on a farm, where her lifelong love of horses began. She attended Southern Methodist University graduating with a B.A. in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs. Post college, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she began her career in fundraising. She later spent six years in New York City working in public relations, representing both domestic and international clients in the luxury travel and lifestyle sectors. Most recently, Susannah co-founded The Bulb House, a garden and lifestyle brand inspired by her love of gardening and beautiful spaces.

Susannah is excited to bring her professional experience and lifelong love of horses together in her role at Southern Reins. She is married to Woodson and has two children, Mimi and Woodson, Jr.

We are excited to welcome Susannah to the team and look forward to all she will bring to our mission!

Making a Difference Together

Thank you, Dodson Family

We would like to share a special thank-you to Rachel and Peyton Dodson for generously sponsoring our beloved mini donkey, Smokey! Rachel recently brought her nephew, Auggie, to visit Smokey at the farm, and we loved seeing this sweet new friendship begin.

We are also thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Southern Reins Board of Directors, where she will serve as Treasurer. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment to Southern Reins during her time on our Advisory Board have already made a meaningful difference, and we are so grateful she is continuing her service in this new role.

Thank you, Rachel and Peyton, for investing in Smokey, our herd, and the people we serve. We are so fortunate to have you as part of the Southern Reins family! 

Celebrating Autumn’s ESMHL Certification

Please join us in congratulating Autumn on earning her Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) certification through PATH Intl.!

As a licensed teacher, Autumn brings a wonderful combination of educational expertise and a passion for equine-assisted services to Southern Reins. She will be leading our TEACH program, bringing meaningful learning experiences to students in our community, while also supporting many of our other programs and the daily care of our horses.

We are so proud of Autumn for continuing to expand her knowledge and professional skills. This certification is another great addition to the experience and dedication she brings to our team!

Congratulations, Autumn!

Your Year-End Giving Can Change Lives

Make Progress Possible . . . One Ride at a Time

In 2026 alone, Southern Reins has served more than 1,100 children and adults, the most in our organization’s history! Every day, our horses, programs, and dedicated team help participants build strength, confidence, connection, and independence.

As you begin planning your year-end giving, we invite you to keep

Southern Reins in mind. Our Annual Fund campaign launches later this fall, but you can make an impact today. Every gift helps sustain the programs families count on, giving participants the opportunity to build strength, confidence, connection, and independence.



Stay tuned for more about our upcoming campaign, and if you are ready to give, you can make your year-end gift today!

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars for Southern Reins’ Fill-A-Bag Tack Sale on Saturday, November 14 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. For a $40 donation, grab a bag and fill it with as much tack and gear as you can fit — boots, helmets, saddle pads and more! Plus, we will have additional items available for purchase. 100% of proceeds fuel our mission to help people with disabilities achieve, aspire and amaze.

Have tack or rider gear to donate? Email kirsten.barnette@southernreins.org!

If your workplace has a United Way giving campaign this fall, we would be grateful if you would consider supporting Southern Reins. If we do not appear on the list of designated charities, please write in “Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy” when you make your pledge.

Children and adults living with disabilities or facing hardship encounter obstacles every day. At Southern Reins, they have the chance to discover what they can do - with a horse beside them and a team that believes in them.

Your generosity can open the door to these experiences for even more individuals.

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.