Jordan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and her Masters of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy from the University of Memphis. Jordan is passionate about the nonprofit sector in Memphis. She previously worked for West Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society before joining the Southern Reins’ team. She is an active volunteer for the Junior League of Memphis, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and 901 POP. 

Jordan looks forward to contributing to Southern Reins' program that serves individuals with special needs while reigniting her childhood love of horses. 

This year our horses went out on the town to spread the news about our HAY FOR A DAY Campaign! You can find the stories about where they were and why on Facebook and Instagram!

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We are grateful beyond measure to this year's Hay for a Day sponsors for helping us keep our horses healthy and happy so they can provide unmatched joy and accomplishment to everyone they serve. CLICK HERE to visit our Hay for a Day Page, and a special thank you to everyone who contributed!

Meredith has been a volunteer with our program since 2019, so she is a familiar face around the farm. She grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Memphis in 1987 to attend Christian Brothers University where she graduated with a degree in Telecommunications and Marketing. Meredith worked at Baptist Memorial Health Care for 11 years as a sales representative in their managed care department before becoming a stay at home mom to her 2 boys.

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She started riding horses with her parents when she was 2, and she enjoys being with our participants, horses and wonderful volunteers.

Alex grew up in Oregon, and her love of horses started at a young age. She competed for her high school's equestrian team and competed at the state level multiple years in a row. Alex earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship from the University of Montana Western. While in college she was the 2019 Colt Challenge Champion. Alex currently barrel races and enjoys going on trail rides.

Southern Reins Jockeys & Juleps Virtual Event delivers Derby Day celebration and watch party packages to Memphis, raising $180,000 to support its program outreach using horses to help people with disabilities and hardship.

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To view the Press Release: CLICK HERE

2020 was a year we learned to expect the unexpected. The steadfast resolve of our entire organization to succeed for those we serve - in good times and in bad - is what continues to define and drive us to ensure the sustainability of Southern Reins.  Our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers came together to pivot our approach - not just in programming, but also in the transition of our largest fundraiser of the year to a virtual event. Gratefully, our donors, supporters and advocates stood behind us and supported us to 'ride out' a challenging year. Overall, we have learned that the journey we shared in 2020 has made our organization stronger than ever.  CLICK HERE to see our 2020 - By the Numbers review.

Galloping to GIVE was a tremendous success this year, raising more than $40,000 to sustain the organization and subsidize the cost of every participant who takes part in the programs offered.  Through the generous support of 168 donors, the funds raised helped Southern Reins finish strong during a challenging year.  

Southern Reins’ Jockeys & Juleps Virtual Event was an Authentic Success:
Raising more than $250,000 to sustain the operation of its equine therapy program to make a real difference for people with disabilities and hardship throughout the Mid-South.

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To view the Press Release: CLICK HERE

Gary Lynch has been involved with our program as a volunteer since 2015.  He is a resident of Hernando, MS and can be found each week helping our participants at the DeSoto Campus.  Gary is a life-long horseman, and his dedication to sharing equine assisted activities and therapies with people with disabilities encouraged him to pursue his certification as a PATH Intl. Instructor.  Gary received his certification in December of 2020, and we are delighted to congratulate him on this well earned achievement.

Given the social distancing requirements to combat the spread of COVID-19, along with our commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all of our guests, Southern Reins has made the decision to transition our Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party to a virtual event.  This year, we will host not 1, -but 2 virtual events - as we celebrate the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes!

To visit our Event Page: CLICK HERE

Southern Reins announced it will discontinue lessons during Safer at Home pandemic initiative implemented by Shelby County, Tennessee.  The organization is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. Any action we take will be to ensure the safety of our participants, family members, volunteers and staff.

To view our Reopening Plan Page: CLICK HERE

This fantastic article in The Tennessee Magazine showcases an article about

"The Healing Power of Animals"and how our PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes program helps veterans and first responders with symptoms of PSTD, anxiety, depression, and more.

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To view the article: CLICK HERE

Make-A-Wish Mid-South reached out to us sharing the news that a sweet little girl named Gabby had always dreamed of riding and meeting a REAL LIVE unicorn. Sponsored by our dear friends the Vergos Family, we knew we could help make Gabby's dream come true. With gorgeous glitter, ribbons, flowers and bows, Unicorn Jazz and Unicorn Huey were so happy to welcome Gabby to the farm on her Wish Day in December. And Jazz even took her on her very own unicorn ride!

Valerie Calhoun is co-host of the Emmy Award-winning newscast, Good Morning Memphis. Valerie is in the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame.  She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her investigative and feature reporting.    

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As an IT Director at AutoZone, Whit Marbut is responsible for the strategy of the systems supporting the company's rapidly growing $2.6 billion B2B/Commercial business. He volunteers at the Southern Reins' Desoto campus and is a youth mentor with Strive, a Memphis non-profit bringing mentorship to local elementary school students. 

Southern Reins is delighted to welcome Miranda Harbor, Communications Advisor at FedEx Freight, to our Advisory Board.  Miranda graduated from the University of Alabama in 2002, and has worked in non-profit or corporate communications in the greater Memphis area since then. 

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy hosted a ribbon cutting dedication of the Bryan & Kim Jordan Learning Center and the Plough Foundation Learning Center Arena at its farm in Collierville TN on Thursday, August 15, 2019.     

To view the Event Photographs: CLICK HERE

Southern Reins is happy to welcome new Board member Lance Moll, Senior Vice President for U.S. Operations at FedEx Freight.  Lance has been with FedEx Freight since 1992, and previously served as the Vice President of Operations for the Midwest Region and as Managing Director for several districts.

The weather didn't stop the amazing Mid-South community from attending Southern Reins’4th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party on Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Presented by FTB Advisors for the 4th year in a row, the event featured BIG HATS, BOURBON, BLUEGRASS and a live broadcast of the 145th annual Kentucky Derby.   Attended by more than 900 guests, Jockeys & Juleps was hosted at Southern Reins’ farm in the heart of Collierville horse country.

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To view Press Release: CLICK HERE

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Event Announcement: On Friday, May 17 Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy will be presented with a check for $25,000 by
FedEx Freight to support its Capital Campaign initiative.

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To view the Event Announcement: CLICK HERE

Volunteers are the cornerstone of our program, and Southern Reins is honored to recognize Brenda Heindl as our 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Her service also earned her the distinction as the PATH Intl. Region 5 Volunteer of the Year! 

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To view Press Release and her story CLICK HERE

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The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. has awarded a $250,000 grant to Southern Reins to support new construction to include a covered cross tie pavilion and covered ADA compliant mounting ramp to accommodate the growing number of participants our non-profit organization serves. 

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To view the Press Release: CLICK HERE

Southern Reins hosted its 3rd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at its new Collierville location, where guests enjoyed an amazing day dedicated to supporting program services.  

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To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

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Southern Reins is honored to welcome new Board Member:

Kevin Kimery, President & CEO of Kimery Wealth Management. Kevin received his B.A. in business administration from the University of Memphis and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from Vanderbilt University. He remains active with Vanderbilt’s Alumni Board and the University of Memphis business school.

Southern Reins is honored to welcome new Advisory Board Member:

Bill Williams, Allen Electric. Bill is a long time Memphian, turned West Memphian. He is a graduate of Raleigh Egypt High school with two additional years of electrical engineering studies. Bill left academia to begin his career as an electrician and electrical contractor. In 2012 Bill helped re-open Allen Electric and serves as Vice President.

Southern Reins is honored to welcome new Board Members:

Charles Burkett, First Tennessee Foundation Chairman

Lee Alexander, International Paper Director of Fiber Supply

Cliff Hunt, Owner of Standard Construction Company and Hobson Development Corporation

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Southern Reins is also honored to welcome new Advisory Board Member:

Dr. Kakki Wright, DVM and Owner of Full Circle Equine Services

After an extensive property search, Southern Reins has found a beautiful farm located in Collierville TN that features a 12-stall barn, covered riding arena, 6 turnout pastures and a home that will be converted to office space.  The organization launched a Capital Campaign in September of 2017 to raise funds for its purchase, and we are thrilled to have a new, forever home starting in January of 2018!

A great time was had by all at our Christmas Party last night. We were delighted to celebrate the holiday season with our participants and their families, volunteers and friends to celebrate a wonderful year - with a surprise visit from Santa! A big thanks goes out to the Smith family for hosting at Lexus of Memphis, and to the staff for their hard work to make it such a magical night!

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Southern Reins was proud to be the beneficiary of a day of shopping at Southern Muse, located in Collierville TN. Featuring beautiful couture clothing for women and great gifts for all, we were honored to partner with Kim Clark and her amazing team to raise funds for Southern Reins!  

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For more information about Southern Muse, visit their Facebook Page.

CLICK HERE

We are pleased to announce that Bruce Hopkins, First Tennessee Bank Region Market President, has been appointed to the Advisory Board. Bruce has been with First Tennessee for 30 years. Prior to being named West Tennessee Region Market President in 2011, he was Executive Vice President and Manager Private Client, Trust and Wealth Management. On July 1, 2016 Bruce was promoted to Chairman of the West Tennessee Region.

Southern Reins' 2nd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party was a resounding success, raising funds and awareness to help people with disabilities throughout the Mid-South.

To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

Standard Construction Company paves the way for all Southern Reins' families to enjoy the best seat in the house.

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To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

Southern Reins is honored to receive a generous gift from a 12-year old girl to support our mission to serve people with disabilities.

To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

First Tennessee Foundation generously donates $15,000 to support Southern Reins' Spring Lesson Session

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To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

Southern Reins' inaugural Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party raises more than $290,000 to support program services.

To view our Press Release CLICK HERE

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy offers equine assisted activities and therapies to serve people with disabilities throughout the Mid-South.

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To view our Press Release CLICK HERE