Southern Reins 2019 Annual Report

CHANGING LIVES
THROUGH THE
HEALING POWER
OF HORSES.
2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Kayden

DEAR FRIENDS,
Over the past five years, Southern Reins has experienced significant
growth and program expansion to serve our community. With a
passion for improving the quality of life for people with disabilities
and hardship, we are inspired and in awe each day with the positive
and meaningful benefits our horses provide to their participants. The
generous support of donors and community partners has given us the
means to grow our services to a climbing roster of 240 individuals. To
have the opportunity to experience such exponential growth attests
to the previously unmet need for services such as ours, and we are
grateful to support our people with special needs in such a significant
way. Participants take part in programs including adaptive horseback
riding, Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy, Making
Strides Recreation Therapy, Unbridled Horsemanship, Silver Stirrups,
and PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes. To have the opportunity
experience such exponential growth attests to the previously unmet
need for services such as ours, and we are grateful to support our people
with special needs in such a wonderful way.
Using horses, we are able to provide transformative experiences that
contribute in incomparable ways to physical, cognitive and emotional
well-being for people with disabilities and hardship. We see children
with autism spectrum disorder grow in their communication and
sensory processing ability at the farm.. For individuals with cerebral
palsy, adaptive horseback riding helps loosen tight muscles, improving
fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. Veterans who work with
our horses experience decreases in anxiety and stress, as well as reduced
symptoms of trauma. Milestones such as these happen every day.
The passion and dedication of our team are essential contributors to
the growing success of Southern Reins, and their personal investment
to provide creative and compassionate experiences is unmatched.
Paired with the generous donation of time and talent by our
enthusiastic team of volunteers, we have been able to increase our
capacity to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies to children
and adults throughout the Mid-South.
As we look forward, we are excited about future opportunities to provide
meaningful experiences with our horses to serve even more people
throughout our community; using the healing power of horses to improve
the quality of life for children and adults. There is still much more to do.
On behalf of our entire organization, we are grateful for the generous
support of so many who have made our programs possible, and we look
forward to continuing our work to provide meaningful moments at the
farm for decades to come.
COURTNEY SMITH
Chairman
JILL HAAG
Executive Director
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MEET JULIA
“Julia has loved horses since she was four years old and learned to ride when she
was around eight. She is now 33, and her life has given her a lot of challenges. Julia
has dealt with epilepsy and “partially” controlled seizures for all of her life. This
has affected her ability to process information, as well as her behavior and physical
abilities. She was able to walk until she was 12 or 13. Since then, she has had to use
a wheelchair due to her cerebral palsy and frequent falls. Before this, she had always
seen herself as just like everyone else. Now, she looks at herself and says, “I just want
to be normal.”
As Julia’s physical limitations have increased over time, we have worked hard to find
places for her to experience her love of horses and riding. What we have found here
at Southern Reins is truly wonderful. The facility is outstanding, and the staff and
volunteers who are here every day make this place outshine everything else we have
seen. The instructors challenge Julia during every session, and she has to work with
her horse to learn and practice new skills. She is challenged, and for at least one hour
every week, Julia is the most “normal” she can be.
Julia is the happiest I have ever see her when she is in the saddle on Jazz. Her smile
says everything, and her time spent at Southern Reins carries over into the rest of her
life – and for weeks afterward. Jazz is rock solid and unflappable, and is absolutely
tuned into Julia when she is riding him. He may be more aware of her seizure activity
than any of us, and yet he is always patient and gentle with her.
To everyone here, we can only say thank you for all that you give to Julia and all of
the others who find help here. For Julia, it is great to be in control of something she
loves. And for her family, it is great to know there are others out there who care and
who can, and do, make a difference.”
JOEL KASERMAN, JULIA’S DAD
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“Julia is the happiest I have
ever see her when she is in
the saddle on Jazz. Her
smile says everything,
and her time spent at
Southern Reins carries
over into the rest of
her life – and for
weeks afterward.”
Julia riding Jazz
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Caroline
4
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ABOUT SOUTHERN REINS
After years of dreaming of a non-profit
that combined the founders’ passion for
horses and the desire to help people with
disabilities and hardship throughout
the greater Memphis area, Southern
Reins began its mission in July of 2015,
and offered its first program in the
fall of that same year by serving 12
participants. The need for a program
offering activities and therapies using
horses was made evident by the quick
and exponential growth as Southern
Reins’ now serves 240 individuals.
Southern Reins offers adaptive horseback riding,
Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy,
Making Strides Recreation Therapy Program,
Silver Stirrups Program, horsemanship and barn lessons
through our Unbridled Horsemanship Program,
equine-assisted psychotherapy and PATH Intl. Equine
Services for Heroes. We offer sessions throughout the
year and all activities are conducted by PATH, Intl.
certified riding instructors, AHA certified therapists and
mental health professionals.
Through healing power of horses, Southern Reins
was born, and continues to improve the quality of life
and life skills for people with disabilities and hardships
throughout the Mid-South.
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CASE FOR SUPPORT
In the greater Memphis area, there are 322,690 residents with disabilities
age 5-64 who have the opportunity to benefit from equine-assisted activities
and therapies offered by Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy.
With a focus on access and inclusion, compassion and caring, education and
collaboration with community nonprofits and partners, Southern Reins has
increased the number of people served significantly since its inception.
Southern Reins subsidizes the cost for
EVERY PARTICIPANT in our program through
generous grants and donations received from
individuals, businesses, clubs and foundations.
2015 22
2016 76
2017 98
2018 189
2019 240
0 50 100 150 200 250
Total Participants
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DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
AGE – 2019 (Most Recent Year)
2-5 Years (5%)
6-10 years (10%)
11-18 years (19%)
19-30 years (15%)
31-50 years (19%)
51-65 years (10%)
66+ years (22%)
8
SOUTHERN REINS | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

“JP absolutely LOVES riding horses.
Rain is his favorite. When decorating
his new bedroom, he selected couple
of prints of horses instead of the usual
Grizzlies or Tigers posters. He looks
forward to every Saturday for his
session at Southern Reins. Thanks for
providing this life changing option –
adventure – for my son.”
JP and therapy
horse Rain
DENNY SIMS, JP’S DAD
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Cooper
10
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SUSTAINABILITY
Southern Reins is dedicated to ensuring financial and
organizational sustainability. Our 5-year Strategic Plan
was created to ensure we can meet the demands of our
continued program growth.
PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL
AWARENESS
FINANCIAL
SUSTAINABILITY
PEOPLE
FACILITY
MANAGEMENT
To ensure the sustainability of Southern Reins, we are:
Developing a program growth matrix to identify ways to increase
efficiencies to reduce the funding gap and ensure necessary infrastructure is
in place for expansion.
Increasing organizational awareness to attract, develop and retain donors,
volunteers and advocates for our program.
Evaluating funding streams to identify additional revenue sources, and
maintaining an operating reserve.
Investing in our people to implement a succession plan, Board and staff
development, and volunteer engagement and recognition.
Identifying the capacity of our facility and preparing for maintenance and
facilities improvements.
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Stacey
12
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We are honored to have developed community
partnerships with fellow non-profits. By sharing
resources, we are able to greatly multiply the
positive effects that all of these programs provide
to the people we serve.
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
For the year ending December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 703,667
Accounts Receivable 12,252
Unconditional Promises to Give, Net 102,300
Prepaid Expenses 12,417
Property and Equipment, Net 1,295,450
Total Assets $ 2,126,086
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 23,879
Deferred Revenue 2,200
Total Liabilities $ 26,079
Net Assets
Without Donor Restrictions $ 2,026,842
With Donor Restrictions 73,165
Total Net Assets $ 2,100,007
Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 2,126,086
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SOUTHERN REINS | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
For the year ending December 31, 2019
REVENUE
Jockeys and Juleps Derby Party $ 309,109
Other Events 1,083
Capital Campaign 53,070
Contributions 232,308
In-Kind Contributions 17,103
Program Service Revenue, Net 73,948
Other 4,507
Interest Income 4,052
Gain on Sale of Property and Equipment 2,228
Total Revenue $ 697,408
EXPENSE
Program Services $ 314,674
Management and General 76,513
Fundraising 114,952
Total Expense $ 506,139
Change in Net Assets $ 191,269
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Julie and therapy
horse Ozzie
“Southern Reins has opened up a whole new world of
possibilities for our residents at Trezevant Episcopal
Home. They have given back them a piece of what
Alzheimer’s has taken away, particularly their sense of
pride in accomplishment and adventure.
In a time in life where their bodies and minds are
trying to limit them, the staff and volunteers at
Southern Reins shows them that it’s never too late for
new experiences or to rediscover old passions.”
MARGARET MORTON, RECREATION THERAPIST
AT TREZEVANT MANOR
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“The amount of confidence and “ownership”
that Sharron has gained through this program
is immeasurable. She thinks of “her”
volunteers and trainer as family, she shows
up on time for travel, she plans ahead,
checks the weather, etc. We appreciate
the love and support she has been
given through Southern Reins. The
scholarship program has allowed
her to participate and feel a sense
of belonging outside of Baddour.
We are truly grateful for this
opportunity and know that
Sharron feels the same way!”
MELISSA BAKER,
THE BADDOUR CENTER
Sharron and therapy
horse Fred
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AnnElise
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SOUTHERN REINS | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Mission
To serve individuals with
physical, cognitive and emotional
disabilities and hardship by
providing equine-assisted activities
and therapies to empower, inspire,
nurture and succeed.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide
transformative experiences
through equine-assisted activities
and therapies to serve the
growing needs of the
Mid-South community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
COURTNEY SMITH
VICE CHAIRMAN
KIM JORDAN
SECRETARY
LEE ALEXANDER
International Paper
TREASURER
CHARLES BURKETT
First Horizon Foundation
BOARD MEMBER
CLIFF HUNT
Standard Construction
BOARD MEMBER
KEVIN KIMERY
Kimery Wealth Management
BOARD MEMBER
LANCE MOLL
FedEx Freight
BOARD MEMBER
JILL HAAG
ADVISORY BOARD
VALERIE CALHOUN, FOX-13 News
MIRANDA HARBOR, FedEx Freight
BRUCE HOPKINS, First Horizon Bank
BRETT HUGHES, Harris Shelton
WHIT MARBUT, AutoZone
GARY LYNCH, Lynch Ranch
BRIDGET TRENARY
BILL WILLIAMS, Allen Electric
KAKKI WRIGHT, Full Circle Equine Services
OUR TEAM
JILL HAAG
Executive Director
SARA ZURENKO
Program Director
DIANE KIRKSEY
Volunteer & Program Coordinator/Instructor
MARIAH JOHNSON
Instructor
AMANDA COBB
Therapist – Occupational Therapy
GINNA RAULS
Community Liaison
KATHARINE ALLEN
Barn Staff
ALICIA LARTIGUE
Barn Staff
TERRY LEMMON
Barn Staff
CARRIE ROSS
Barn Staff
ELENA SMITH
Barn Staff
SOUTHERN REINS | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 19

VOLUNTEERS
800+
TRAINED
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers contribute as
horse leaders, sidewalkers,
horse and barn care, and for
special events.
311
ACTIVE
VOLUNTEERS
Program volunteers are the
cornerstone to our program,
offering support, encouragement
and friendship to all the
participants we serve.
9,235
SERVICE
HOURS
In 2019, volunteers donated
9,235 hours of service in
support of our program.
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Volunteer
Brenda Heindl
“Southern Reins is one of the best – if
not the top – non-profit organizations I
have had the pleasure to be a part of.
It is rewarding to work with program
participants that include people
with disabilities, veterans, seniors
and the inspirational children
from Youth Villages. The staff,
board members, supporters,
other volunteers and the horses
are dedicated to the work
Southern Reins does, and
all are so appreciative of
volunteer support.
Come see for yourself –
sign-up today to be a part
of the Southern Reins
experience as a participant,
volunteer and supporter!
The contributions of time,
resources, donor dollars and
more made by ALL come
together to make Southern Reins
a great place to learn, grow, give
back, make friends, and have fun.”
BRENDA HEINDL,
PATH INTL. REGION 5
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
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Micah and therapy
horse Possum
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MEET SOUTHERN REINS’
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND
HEAD INSTRUCTOR:
SARA ZURENKO
Sara Zurenko has been a part of the Southern Reins team from day one.
An avid equestrian since the age of 6, Sara’s passion for horses growing
up in Charlotte, North Carolina led her to begin her equestrian career as
a trainer and professional equestrian at the age of 16.
“I moved to the Memphis area in 2005 and ran
my own boarding facility. The barn grew to have
a fantastic group of clients with a variety of
interests; including horse showing, trail riding, and
English and Western disciplines. As an instructor,
my lesson program specialized in English in the
Hunter/Jumper discipline, where I had multiple
students locally showing at the A level. After many
years working in the show horse industry, I was
introduced to PATH Intl. from founding board
members of Southern Reins, and after looking into
the program, I began to wonder why I hadn’t been
working with people with disabilities and teaching
adaptive riding my whole life!”
Sara had taught students who were on the Autism Spectrum in her
regular lesson program, and she was excited to learn more about
focusing on programming to serve people with disabilities. In 2015,
she received her PATH Intl. certification as a Therapeutic Riding
Instructor, and she officially joined the Southern Reins family as the
Head Instructor and Equine Director.
Since 2015, Sara has gained additional certifications as a PATH Intl.
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor, and a PATH Intl.
Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
“There has been tremendous growth in the industry of equine-assisted
activities and therapies, and it is amazing to be a part of providing
greater opportunity to celebrate the ability of people with disabilities
here in our community.” says Sara. “I knew horses would be a big part
of my life since I was young, and seeing how our horses improve the
quality of life and improves life skills for our participants makes me so
proud to be a part of it.”
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Kaitlyn and therapy
horse Rebel
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Veteran Charita with
her service dog and
therapy horse
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916 Billy Bryant Road
Collierville, TN 38017
WWW.SOUTHERNREINS.ORG
information@southernreins.org • 901-290-1011