2026 Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party

SOUTHERN REINS’ 11TH ANNUAL JOCKEYS & JULEPS DERBY PARTY RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $460,000 TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES AND HARDSHIP

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Southern Reins celebrated a milestone day at its 11th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party, presented by First Horizon Foundation. The record-breaking event raised more than $460,000 to support children and adults living with disabilities and hardship through the organization’s equine-assisted services programs. 

Held at Southern Reins’ farm in Collierville, guests dressed in their Derby best for an unforgettable afternoon filled with bluegrass music by The River Bluff Clan, signature mint juleps, the live broadcast of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, and powerful moments that reflected the life-changing connection between horses and humans. Funds raised from the event will help Southern Reins continue providing equine- assisted services, scholarships, and exceptional care for the therapy horses who make the mission possible. 

Erik and Kate Krull, parents of Southern Reins participant Lucy, served as Honorary Event Chairs and shared their family’s personal connection to the organization. A heartfelt message from Lucy moved attendees as she spoke about finding confidence, belonging, and joy through her experiences at Southern Reins. Guests were also deeply touched by the premiere of a special video highlighting the remarkable bond between Lucy and her therapy horse, Clint. 

The celebration featured an exciting silent and live auction led by Auctioneer Jeff Morris and co-emceed by FOX13’s Darcy Thomas and Jeremy Pierre. Memorable auction items included a “Rock and Roll Royalty” Fender Squier guitar signed by The Rolling Stones, an exclusive North Berkeley wine and dinner experience for 10 with Chefs Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman, and a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather. Guests also enjoyed signature mint juleps generously provided by Athens Distributing and Woodford Reserve. 

Reflecting on the organization’s growth and the impact of the event, Board Chairman Courtney Smith shared, “Since our founding in 2015, Southern Reins has served more than 1,800 individuals living with disabilities and hardship, made possible through the generosity of our community. The incredible success of this year’s Derby Party is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together to create opportunities for hope, connection, and independence."

2026 Jockeys & Juleps Event Sponsors:

First Horizon Foundation, Lexus, Friends of Southern Reins, Barbara and Stefan Smith,

Judy and Charles Burkett, Lauren and Allen Cohn, Nancy and Lance Moll, Kimery Wealth Management, Kelly Jo and Mitch Graves, Anne and Mike Keeney, Yimmi Stables, Rose Construction, Lifesigns, Grinder, Taber & Grinder, Inc., American Home Shield, Honest Monument Company,

Ridgeline Capital Management, Platinum Jewelers, Beth and Fred Share, Supporters of Southern Reins, Donna and Mike Glenn, Angie and Jon Ashford, Kristin and Angelo Rapan, Alicia and Stephen Davis, Townsend Development, Southern Reins Winner’s Circle, The Lilly Company, Deborah Dunklin Tipton, Standard Construction Co., Inc., Mid-South Scaffold, Evans Petree, The Armstrong Company,

TAG Truck Center Memphis, Highland Capital Management, LLC, 901 Nadia, RKA Construction,

Derek Mills, Youth Villages, Semmes Murphey, Collierville Funeral Home/Dignity Memorial,

Watkins Uiberall, PLLC, Tower Ventures, Stephanie and John Sheahan, Grace Construction Company, Inc., Full Circle Equine Veterinary Services, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Higginbotham, Ashford Advisors, Southern Security Federal Credit Union, Alla and Nathan Lubin - Lubin Enterprises, Inc., Construction, CBIZ, Next Day Access, 901 Aesthetics, FOX-13, Athens Distributing and

Woodford Reserve, Buster’s Liquors and Wines,DirectFX Solutions, Greenview Landscape Services,

Hollis & Burns, Inc., Holliday Flowers & Events, LSI, Miranda and Beau Yarbro, Oak Hall,

Off the Square Catering, Cheers Photo Co., White Door Events, 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.