2025 Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party

SOUTHERN REINS CENTER FOR EQUINE THERAPY CELEBRATES A DECADE OF IMPACT AT THE

10TH ANNUAL JOCKEYS & JULEPS DERBY PARTY, RAISING OVER $430,000 TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES AND HARDSHIP THROUGHOUT THE MID-SOUTH

Collierville, TN - On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the 10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party marked a milestone celebration in support of Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy. Presented by First Horizon Advisors, the event raised more than $430,000 to benefit the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges through its equine-assisted programs. Dressed in their Derby best, guests enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon featuring bluegrass music by The River Bluff Clan, a live broadcast of the 151st Kentucky Derby, and powerful moments that highlighted the transformative bond between horses and humans.

The event featured an exciting mix of entertainment and purpose, with a lively silent and live auction led by Auctioneer Jeff Morris and co-emceed by FOX-13’s Valerie Calhoun and Darcy Thomas. Highlights included a luxurious vacation in Paradise Valley, Montana, an exclusive wine and dinner experience for 20 at Annesdale Mansion with Chef Kelly English, and a guitar signed by 18 country music legends including Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, and Tim McGraw. Ryan and Melissa Clinton, parents of a Southern Reins participant, served as Honorary Event Chairs and shared their personal connection to our mission. Their heartfelt message of empowerment, hope, and inclusivity inspired attendees, reminding everyone of the profound impact of Southern Reins’ work.

Guests raised their glasses with signature mint juleps, provided by Athens Distributing and Woodford Reserve, as they were deeply moved by the premiere of a heartwarming video that beautifully captured the powerful connections between participants, volunteers, and therapy horses. Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Board Chairman Courtney Smith shared, “Southern Reins has grown so much since we started in 2015 – and we are incredibly grateful to celebrate a decade of service this year. Since our inception we have served over 1,600 people living with disabilities and hardship throughout our community, thanks to the generous support of donors who make our programs possible.” The remarkable success of this year’s Derby Party stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to make a difference.

2025 Jockeys & Juleps Event Sponsors:

First Horizon Advisors, Lexus of Memphis, Friends of Southern Reins, Lauren and Allen Cohn, Charles and JudyBurkett, FedEx Freight, Barbara and Stefan Smith, Kelly Jo and Mitch Graves, Anne and Mike Keeney,Kimery Wealth Management, Standard Construction Co., Margaret and Lee Alexander, Grinder Taber Grinder,Yimmi Stables, Lifesigns, Highland Capital Management, Donna and Mike Glenn, 901 Nadia, Marley and Matt Slutz, Melissa and Ryan Clinton, Ana Yambrek, Stateline Animal Clinic, The Lilly Company, The Armstrong Company,White Door Events, Deborah Dunklin Tipton, Watkins Uiberall, Hollis & Burns, Inc., Full Circle Equine Services,Mid South Endodontics, Tower Ventures, Stephanie and John Sheahan, Semmes Murphey, Evans Petree. Billie’s Pecans, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, Tim Mullins, Mid-South Scaffold, Andrew and Shannon Cook, O.T. Marshall Architects, Athens Distributing and Woodford Reserve, Oak Hall, Off The Square Catering, LSI, Youth Villages, Buster’s Liquors and Wines, Holliday Flowers & Events, RKA Construction, Cheers Photo Co., International Paper, Higginbotham, Miranda and Beau Yarbro, DirectFX Solutions, FOX-13, and The Dabney Nursery.

About Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy - Southern Reins was founded in 2015 to provide equine-assisted services to help individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities and hardship. We serve children and adults with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, cognitive and physical disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and more. We are the only Premier Accredited Center in greater Memphis area recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) representing the highest industry standards for safety, program quality, and facility operations to support people with special needs. Southern Reins is a nonprofit organization, EIN 47-4647784. To learn more, visit www.southernreins.org or call 901-290-1011.