TEACH Program
The TEACH Program (Therapy and Education Activities for Children with Horses) incorporates equine-facilitated learning to improve literacy and learning readiness, and contribute to the social and emotional health of children ages 3-7. With two learning tracks, the TEACH Program is a mobile outreach initiative that supports the educational achievement of children in Memphis schools.
LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM
Southern Reins’ Learning Readiness Program incorporates Tennessee Academic Standards to create an equine-facilitated educational environment for preschool students. In collaboration with educators, the program integrates reading, science, geography, social studies, and math into its curriculum. Students participate in a series of consecutive weekly classroom visits complemented by hands-on interactions with our miniature therapy pony, whose small size and gentle nature provide an approachable and engaging learning partner.
The program utilizes specially designed books and lesson plans to enhance social-emotional learning, fostering skills such as self-regulation, empathy, and communication. This approach prepares students to achieve educational milestones, laying a strong foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. By combining academics with equine interaction, the Learning Readiness Program offers a unique, research-based strategy to promote early childhood development and educational goal achievement.
READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Southern Reins’ Reading Incentive Program is designed to encourage literacy development and foster a lifelong love of reading among elementary school students. Aligned with Tennessee Academic Standards, the program is modeled after the evidence-based “Reading with Rosie” initiative created by Strides to Success. Through this program, students engage with stories featuring animals, creating positive associations with reading and supporting the development of English language skills.
Children participate in interactive sessions with our therapy pony, whose calming presence and engaging demeanor enhance the learning experience. By integrating academic instruction with equine interaction, the program motivates students to build consistent reading habits while working toward improved comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence. This innovative approach provides a supportive and engaging environment to inspire young learners on their educational journey.
All TEACH Program activities are conducted under the direct supervision of a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor or a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning in collaboration with education professionals at each school.
For more information, contact Sara Zurenko, Program Director: Sara.Zurenko@southernreins.org.
The TEACH Program is generously funded by the following community partners who fully fund the cost to provide services to enhance the education of Memphis city students.
Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). PATH Intl. premier accreditation assists the public in selecting quality centers that deliver safe equestrian services and certifies that a member organization has achieved industry standards for equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs. Southern Reins is the only Premier Accredited Center in the greater Memphis area and is one of only three in the state of Tennessee, joining the top tier of centers across the country who have received premier accredited status.
