Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy
Collierville, Tennessee
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a 30-acre farm in Collierville, Tennessee. It offers adaptive horseback riding, occupational therapy that uses hippotherapy, unmounted and learning programs, and a free program for veterans and first responders. It serves children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities from West Tennessee and North Mississippi.
- Adaptive horseback riding
- Occupational therapy incorporating hippotherapy
- Equine Services for Heroes
- Adaptive Discovery Summer Camp
- HorseSense equine-assisted learning
- Beyond the Saddle unmounted activities
- HorsePOWER work-based learning
- Program scholarships
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with autism or Down syndrome
- People with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis
- People with traumatic brain injury or amputation
- Veterans and military personnel
- First responders
- Children with ADHD, anxiety or sensory processing differences
More about this center
About the Program
Southern Reins was founded in July 2015 at a partially leased facility in Nesbit, Mississippi, and acquired its own facility in Collierville in 2018. It became a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in 2021.
Adaptive riding is for ages 5 and up and is taught by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Lessons are one-hour group or 30-minute private lessons, held weekly in session blocks of 6 to 15 weeks throughout the year. The program page lists $55 per lesson.
Hippotherapy is offered as part of occupational therapy, delivered by a licensed occupational therapist who is a PATH Intl. Registered Therapist. It is open to ages 2 and up with a physician's prescription. The page lists $112.50 per 45-minute weekly session. The center says it cannot bill health insurance for this service, though clients may be able to seek reimbursement through their own provider.
Veterans and First Responders
Equine Services for Heroes is for active, reserve and retired military personnel and first responders injured physically or mentally in the line of duty, including those living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury or amputation. Weekly 1.5-hour group sessions run in six-week tracks, either unmounted only or a mix of unmounted and mounted work; mounted participation requires a physician's referral. Through donor support, the program is offered at no cost to participants.
The Horses and Staff
Jill Haag is the executive director and a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Sara Zurenko is program director and head instructor, with PATH Intl. certifications as a therapeutic riding instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. The team includes two occupational therapists.
The center says more than 1,000 volunteers have been trained since it opened. Volunteers help with lessons, barn work, horse care and events.
Location
Southern Reins is at 12405 Macon Road, Collierville, TN 38017, on a 30-acre equestrian facility east of Memphis.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do we get started?
Complete the participant application package, which includes a physician's referral, then schedule a new participant evaluation before the first session. Contact Program Director Sara Zurenko at Sara.Zurenko@southernreins.org or call (901) 290-1011.
Is help with the cost available?
Yes. Full and partial scholarships are available for one adaptive riding session per calendar year, and families who need help with the cost can apply at least two weeks before a session starts.
What ages can take part?
Adaptive riding is for ages 5 and up, and occupational therapy with hippotherapy is for ages 2 and up. The summer camp is for children.
Is there a summer camp?
Adaptive Discovery Summer Camp runs Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with guided horse activities such as grooming, nature activities and STEAM projects. The camp page lists $350 per camper, with up to 15 campers per week.
Location
Collierville, Tennessee 38017
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.