Dear Southern Reins Family,

Our Fall Session is in full stride, and the season is already filled with progress and possibility. From new goals to fresh breakthroughs, we are seeing participants and therapy horses come together in powerful ways that showcase the life-changing impact of our programs. With autumn officially here, we are energized for the weeks ahead and grateful for the community that makes every ride and every achievement possible.

A special thank you to everyone who has donated to our Hay For A Day campaign this year! With your support, we are getting so close to our $12,500 goal, helping to keep our equine partners strong, healthy, and ready to change lives every day.

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating two very special events this fall! On Sunday, October 26, we look forward to welcoming you to the farm as we celebrate Southern Reins’ 10-Year Anniversary. R.S.V.P. today to be part of this extraordinary milestone. Also, our 4th Annual Southern Supper at Memphis Country Club on November 6 is almost sold out, with only a few sponsorships remaining, so be sure to reserve your spot today.

This week is extra special at the barn as we kick off Spirit Week and Volunteer Appreciation Week. We are proud to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make our mission possible and to bring extra happiness and energy into each lesson highlighting the heart of our community.

There is so much happening this season, and we invite you to be part of it all. Thank you for helping make every lesson, every smile, and every step of progress possible.

Southern Reins’ fall session has been underway since August, and the barn is full of energy as participants continue their journey of growth and achievement. This week marked the first official day of fall, and with it comes a renewed sense of possibility and momentum. Each lesson is designed to set measurable goals, recognize progress, and deliver the proven benefits of equine-assisted services - improving balance, mobility, focus, and self-confidence. Thanks to our incredible instructors, dedicated volunteers, and therapy horses, every ride is filled with progress, confidence, and excitement. As autumn settles in, we are honored to witness the impact of equine-assisted services coming to life in so many meaningful ways.

From our very first lesson to the tens of thousands that followed, Southern Reins has been a place where courage takes the reins, milestones are celebrated, and possibilities shine. For ten years, more than 1,700 children and adults living with disabilities and hardships have discovered new strength and assurance through the healing power of horses — supported every step of the way by incredible volunteers, donors, and friends like you.

On Sunday, October 26, we invite you to the farm to celebrate a decade of hope, perseverance, and transformation. Together, we will honor the past, reflect on achievements, and look ahead to the future we will create.

R.S.V.P. by October 18 to save your spot! We cannot wait to celebrate this special accomplishment with you!

Happy Volunteer Appreciation and Spirit Week!

Volunteer Appreciation Week is here, and we want to share a big THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers at Southern Reins! Our participants and their families are so appreciative of the cheer you bring, the smiles you create, and the lives you change each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and energy truly makes a difference for so many.

We are also having fun celebrating Spirit Week! Our volunteers and participants have been showing off their favorite gear, and we love seeing everyone having fun showing off their team spirit.

Join Us in Welcoming our Newest Southern Reins Volunteers!

This month, we have had the incredible opportunity to train several new volunteers, and we are eagerly looking forward to having everyone back at the farm soon! Together, we can truly transform lives and empower those we serve through our meaningful programs. Your dedication and support make a world of difference, and we are so pleased to have you as part of our mission.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Southern Reins, please reach out to meredith.massa@southernreins.org.

Vetericyn is a Game-Changer in Rebel's Recovery Journey.

Our beautiful Rebel continues to recover from his surgery and from a painful corneal ulcer. To protect his healing eye, he has been wearing a mask and visor, which unfortunately caused rubbing that left his skin sore and irritated. We are so thankful to Vetericyn for their continued support of Southern Reins as an Equine Care Sponsor - and their Vetericyn Hydrogel has been a game-changer to help his skin heal. The before and after photos speak for themselves.

Thanks to Vetericyn’s generous in-kind support, Rebel is more comfortable as he continues his recovery and is on the path back to doing what he loves most: changing lives through our programs.

Celebrating Success in the Saddle.

Big smiles and high-fives! Participant Tera and her instructor Kirsten shared a celebratory moment after an awesome Adaptive Riding lesson at the farm.

These joyful experiences highlight the confidence, independence, and connection that grow through every ride!

Bringing Hope and Strength to Veterans.

Southern Reins Executive Director, Jill Haag, was honored to present at the September Membership Meeting of the Collierville Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter. She shared how our Equine Services for Heroes Program provides veterans with the opportunity to experience the impactful physical, emotional, and social benefits of equine-assisted services.

We are so thankful for the chance to connect with local veterans and share how horses help foster hope, resilience, and community!