Southern Reins 2020 Annual Report

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Reese 

“When Reese was 8, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, severe ADHD, and 

Sensory Processing Disorder along with several food allergies. Life has always been a struggle 

for her. After 2 years of therapy for Autism, we decided to take a break around the time 

the COVID-19 closures happened. I was nervous about her going into lessons without autism 

therapy happening, but I was blown away at how much the lessons have replaced the therapy. 

Horseback riding has helped Reese in ways I could never have imagined. She is learning to 

strengthen the leg muscles she has always had problems with. She is learning to listen to 

instructions in an outdoor environment. She is learning to follow multiple instructions at a 

time. She is learning to make split second decisions, which has always been one of her greatest 

struggles. Now that she has completed a full session of riding lessons, she never wants to stop.” 

Jamie Chandler, Reese’s mom 

2 

Southern Reins 2020 Annual Report

Our Mission 

Southern Reins serves individuals with physical, 

cognitive, and emotional disabilities and hardship by 

providing equine-assisted activities and therapies to 

empower, inspire, nurture and succeed. 

Since our inception in 2015, we have 

served 443 children and adults with 

disabilities and hardship throughout 

the Mid-South. 

Southern Reins 2020 Annual Report 3

ACHIEVE

About Southern Reins 

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy was founded in July 

of 2015 to serve children and adults with disabilities and 

hardship throughout the Mid-South. Located in the heart of 

Memphis horse country, Southern Reins offers equine assisted 

services throughout the year, and programming is provided six 

days a week. 

Southern Reins offers programming to individuals with 

disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, multiple 

sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, 

mental and physical disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and 

more. 

Participants range in age from 2 to 78, with no upper limit to 

age. Southern Reins is committed to improving the quality of 

life for people with disabilities through our programs that 

provide access and inclusion, foster compassion and caring, and 

encourage goal achievement and personal growth. 

We offer 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. 

Our program uses the talent of our staff, the time of our 

dedicated volunteers, and the training of our therapy horses to 

create a community of care for our participants. 

Southern Reins subsidizes the cost for EVERY PARTICIPANT 

in our program through fundraising income, grants, and 

generous donations received from individuals, businesses, and 

clubs and organizations. 

Serving the Mid-South since 2015 


Clark 

“We are very appreciative of the services and therapy offered by Southern Reins for our son. 

Therapeutic riding greatly benefits Clark, and we see a major difference in his gait and balance 

after riding. His self-esteem is amazing and he is very proud of his riding accomplishments. 

Thank you for the opportunity Southern Reins provides for Clark.” 

Cheryl and Tom Tompkins 

6 

Southern Reins 2020 Annual Report 

Southern Reins is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization 

EIN# 47-4647784

Participant Demographics 

In 2020, we provided services to 88 participants 

Representing 18 unique diagnoses, 66 individuals were enrolled in our adaptive horseback 

riding program, and 22 participated in unmounted activities 

Female 48% 

Male 52% 

Caucasian – 79% 

African American– 13% 

Asian– 7% 

Hispanic– 1% 

2-5 years – 3% 

6-10 years – 25% 

11-18 years – 34% 

19-30 years – 22% 

31-50 years – 6% 

51-65 years – 6% 

66+ years – 1% 

Serving 18 municipalities throughout the Mid-South 

Participants represented 6 counties, including Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties in Tennessee, 

and DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate counties in Mississippi 

Memphis– 36% 

Germantown – 16% 

Collierville - 14% 

Senatobia - 8% 

Eads - 3% 

Lakeland - 3% 

Millington - 3% 

Cordova - 2% 

Hernando - 2% 

Olive Branch - 2% 

Arlington - 1% 

Bartlett - 1% 

Byhalia - 1% 

Covington - 1% 

Oakland - 1% 

Rossville - 1% 

Southaven - 1% 

Walls - 1% 


ASPIRE

Message from the Chairman 

2020 was certainly a year that no one could have predicted. 

At a time when resources and support for people with 

disabilities were scarce, Southern Reins was one of the first to 

reopen its doors when the shelter in place mandate was lifted. 

Our team quickly pulled together to pivot our approach in the 

services we offer to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our 

participants, families, volunteers, and staff. 

During a challenging year, we successfully offered 30 weeks of programming to serve the 

Mid-South Community, and experienced historic growth in our adaptive horseback riding program. 

The passion of our participants is what drives our mission EVERY DAY and it was a paramount initiative 

for our organization to continue operating to provide a sense of normalcy and enjoyment in the midst of a 

chaotic year. Working with horses can spark unparalleled change for people with special needs, and over the 

past year, our participants experienced incredible breakthroughs toward independence, as well as improved 

strength, balance, and cognitive function. At a time when being homebound was the ‘new normal’, our 

participants were able to experience community and friendship, not just with their horses, but also with the 

staff and volunteers who have become an extension of family to so many. This year, we were grateful to 

provide unparalleled experiences where enthusiasm was kindled, friendships were made, and everyone was 

safe to flourish in who they are in their abilities. 

The achievements, inspiring moments, and lifelong relationships forged at the farm would not be possible 

without the contributions of many. On behalf of our entire organization, we are grateful to be a part of such 

a wonderful community that supports the work we do. Together, we are giving children and adults the 

chance to discover their purpose and identity by helping them uncover their true potential. 

As our journey continues, we look forward to every step and stride that makes a world of change 

possible to help our participants achieve, aspire, and amaze. 


Our Commitment to Efficacy during a 

Challenging Time 

Plans for 2020 took a sharp turn when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, and programs like ours were 

presented with unique challenges. Inspired by the tenacity of our participants, our team was able to 

quickly pivot from our traditional services to a modified format so that we could continue to provide the 

essential services our participants have grown to rely on. 

With a focus on safely serving as many individuals as possible, programs were adapted to accommodate 

each participant's needs to give them the opportunity to remain active, social, and connected. This 

process resulted in a significant increase in our Adaptive Riding Program, rising from 22 riders in 

January 2020 to 51 riders in September 2020. 

With the support of the community, Southern Reins hosted a successful Jockeys & Juleps virtual event, 

raising over $250,000 to ensure the sustainability of the organization that simultaneously enabled our 

program to flourish and grow in the coming year. 

Throughout the year our generous donors and friends continued to provide their support, and our 

dedicated team of volunteers continued to serve. As we continue to persevere during this challenging 

time, we are grateful to all who have stood by us so we can continue to change lives . . . one ride at a time. 

10 


We served 88 participants 

and delivered 

958 

individual and group 

lessons to children and 

adults with disabilities 

in our community 

In 2019 and 2020, our 

horses contributed 

2,157 

hours of service to 

improve the quality of 

life for the participants 

we serve 

2020 

by the numbers 

Throughout the 

pandemic, we offered 

30 

weeks of programming 

to provide essential 

services to 

individuals with 18 

different diagnoses 

259 active volunteers 

donated 

30 

5,478 

service hours as 

sidewalkers and horse 

leaders, barn and 

equine care, and 

landscaping projects 

Over the past five years, 

we have trained 

259 

870 

volunteers to provide 

support for our 

participants, facility, 

fundraising and special 

events, and more 



STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

ASSETS 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Accounts Receivable 

Unconditional Promises to Give, Net 

Prepaid Expenses 

Property and Equipment, Net 

1,054,092 

6,836 

46,320 

10,326 

1,350,158 

Total Assets 2,467,732 

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 

Liabilities 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expense 

Deferred Revenue 

Paycheck Protection Program Loan 

Total Liabilities 

Net Assets 

Without Donor Restrictions 

With Donor Restrictions 

Total Net Assets 

19,495 

5,562 

45,622 

70,679 

2,297,149 

99,904 

2,397,053 

Total Liabilities Net Assets 2,467,732 

12 



STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 

REVENUE 

Special Events 

Capital Campaign 

Contributions 

In-Kind Contributions 

Program Service Revenue, Net 

Other 

Interest Income 

251,961 

40,000 

233,955 

19,918 

46,134 

3,920 

3,955 

Total Revenue 599,843 

EXPENSE 

Program Services 

Management and General 

Fundraising 

Total Expense 

319,884 

64,520 

69,085 

453,489 

Change in Net Assets 

Net Assets - Beginning of Year 

297,046 

2,100,007 

Net Assets - End of Year 2,397,053 

Total Liabilities Net Assets 2,126,086 


Our Vision 

To provide transformative experiences through equine assisted activities and 

therapies to serve the growing needs of the Mid-South community. 

Chairman 

Vice Chairman 

Secretary 

Treasurer 

Board Member 

Board Member 

Board Member 

Board Member 

Board of Directors 

Advisory Board 

Courtney Smith 

Kim Jordan 

Lee Alexander 

Charles Burkett 

Cliff Hunt 

Kevin Kimery 

Lance Moll 

Jill Haag 

Valerie Calhoun, FOX-13 

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 

14 


Staff 

Executive Director 

Program Director 

Volunteer & Program Coordinator 

Communications Assistant 

Instructor 

Therapist 

Community Liaison 

Barn Staff 

Barn Staff 

Barn Staff 

Barn Staff 

Barn Staff 

Jill Haag 

Sara Zurenko 

Kendall Christian 

Diane Kirksey 

Mariah Johnson 

Amanda Cobb 

Ginna Rauls 

Katharine Allen 

Alicia Lartigue 

Terry Lemmon 

Carrie Ross 

Elena Smith

Volunteer Impact 

Southern Reins volunteers are the foundation of 

our programs, aiding instructors and therapists to 

promote growth and celebrate success in the saddle 

for every participant. 

Over the past 5 years we have trained hundreds of 

volunteers who contribute their time as sidewalkers 

and horse leaders, helping hands with barn and 

equine care, and talents for our special events. 

Since our inception, volunteers have 

contributed 38,705 hours of service valued 

at $1.1M to help us deliver life-changing 

experiences for children and adults with 

disabilities in the Mid-South. 

THANKS A MILLION 

for your service to our community 


Elizabeth 

“Due to the pandemic, Elizabeth had very little contact with anyone outside of our house, 

except for her doctor and therapist visits. Since they started back with lessons, Elizabeth has 

had something to look forward to each week. That is why Southern Reins has meant so much 

this year. She is a very social little girl, so the isolation really affected her. She is just so happy to 

be talking to people other than her family. 

16 

The pandemic has been really hard on children, and especially special needs kids because they 

don’t understand why they can’t leave the house, and why there is a break in the typical daily 

routine. Being able to participate in adaptive riding lessons has brought back a small piece of 

normalcy for Elizabeth, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you Southern Reins for 

giving my baby a reason to be excited during such a difficult time.” 

Neely Draughon, Elizabeth’s mom 


AMAZE

Southern Reins is honored to have the generous support of 

453 

donors in 2020 who contributed 

$475,000+ 

to foster life-changing experiences for people with 

disabilities through the healing power of horses. 

In Gratitude, we are proud to recognize our 2020 contributors: 

18 

$25,000+ 

Bryan and Kim Jordan 

First Horizon Advisors 

$10,000 - $24,999 

AutoZone 

BBSE LLC 

Carol and Charlie Kronquist 

Charles and Judy Burkett 

Dr. and Mrs. John Whittemore 

and Mrs. Julie Bondurant Mills 

Lee and Margaret Alexander 

Lexus of Memphis 

Pattie Hearn 

Stefan and Barbara Smith 

$5,000 - $9,999 

Baptist Memorial Health Care 

Donna and Mike Glenn 

Grinder Taber Grinder 

International Paper 

Jean and Charlie Tuggle 

John and Debbie Bryce 

Kimery Wealth Management 

Leonard H. Armistead III 

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Jubbard 

nexAir 

Novartis 

Stephen P. Bratkowski Memorial Foundation 

Scott and Susan Plunkett 

Susan and Jared Patterson 

Youth Villages 


$1,000 - $4,999 

Allen Electric 

Barbara and Lewis Williamson 

Bill and Amy Rhodes 

Brian McBride 

Bridget Trenary 

Cargill Animal Nutrition 

Carolyn and Kent Brown 

Carrie and Mark Temme 

Christina and Richard Roberts 

Cliff and Louise Hunt 

Clifton and Debbie Phillips Fund 

Collier Insurance 

Collierville Community Fund 

Daniel Bishop 

Darrell and Jodi Kirksey 

Deborah Dunklin Tipton 

Don and Marcia White 

Dr. and Mrs. Mervyn Israel 

Dr. Steve and Brister Shum 

EQUUS Foundation 

First Horizon Foundation 

Full Circle Equine Services 

Galler Foods, Inc. 

Gill Properties 

Ginna and Jason Rauls 

Haygood Realty 

Heather and Alan Durham 

Hollywood Feed 

James and Margaret Lackie 

Kim Coppess 

Lance and Nancy Moll

$1,000 - $4,999 cont. 

Leigh Rhea Frazier 

Linda Adams 

Linda Conlee 

Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance 

Lu and Wayne Burkett 

Marsha Cayce 

Max and Sally Shelton 

Melanie Smith Taylor 

Mercy for Memphis 

Michael and Leslie Bisignano 

Mid-South Endodontics 

Nancy Bauman 

Nancy Kirksey 

North Berkeley Imports 

Off the Square Catering 

Rachel McKinley 

Rhea and Ed Crenshaw 

RKA Construction 

Robert Coleman Family Fund 

Solutions Medical Center 

Tammye and Mark Christian 

The Addison Family 

The Downs Family 

The Live Love Memphis Group 

Tim and Carrie Sellers 

Watkins Uiberall 

Wendy Shea 

Will and Angie Deupree 

$500 - $999 

Bill and Katherine Kaelin 

Camille McNeill 

Courtney and Bryan Smith 

Elmer Sidney Miller Fund 

Goddard Foundation 

Jenny and Wilbert Bynum 

Joel and Avery Kaserman 

Julie and JN Raines Family Fund 

Julie Issacson 

Michael Wilder 

Mike and Elizabeth Neel 

Miller Cowan 

Natalie Joyner 

Orrion Farms 

Robert McDill 

Ryan Burkett 

Sally and Bobby Alston 

Sharon Farris 

Stachia and Brett Cutchin 

Sunde Smith 

Terri Harris 

Terry Lemmon 

Whit Marbut 

Jeff 

“I love horse lessons. 

I like to walk the horse and ride it, and I like to 

jog the horse the best. When I ride the horse 

it makes me feel comfortable and free. 

I love my time with the horse 

because it makes me happy.” 


916 Billy Bryant Road 

Collierville TN 38017 

southernreins.org 

901-290-1011

Southern Reins 2020 Annual Report

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