Reining Strength’s 2025 Derby Day Shatters Fundraising Records While Championing Equine Therapy in Fort Bend County
It was a record-breaking night for Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship as over 450 guests gathered for its 11th annual Derby Day Party on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The sold-out fundraiser, held at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land, raised more than $350,000 in support of the nonprofit’s mission to change lives through equine-assisted services.
From the moment guests arrived in their best Kentucky Derby attire, the energy was high. The event blended the elegance and excitement of Derby Day with heartfelt purpose, creating an unforgettable evening of celebration, storytelling, and giving.
An Evening of Fashion, Fun, and Philanthropy
The Derby Day event, one of the most anticipated nonprofit galas in Sugar Land, featured signature activities that have become a staple of Reining Strength’s annual fundraiser. Guests posed for photos, competed in the crowd-favorite boots and bowties contest for gentlemen, and donned show-stopping hats for the highly competitive ladies' hat contest, all judged by local community members.
As the 151st Kentucky Derby race unfolded, the spotlight shifted from Churchill Downs to the powerful impact being made locally. The program took a heartfelt turn with the story of Zac and Uma, a family that has benefited from Reining Strength’s equine-assisted services.
“After the dust settled from an exciting race, guests were reminded why they were celebrating such a powerful organization through the story of sweet Uma and Zac. Their family is grateful and looking forward to what the future holds for Zac and Uma at Reining Strength,” organizers shared.
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A Mission Fueled by Horses and Community
Founded in 2014, Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship has spent over a decade serving individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges across Fort Bend County and Greater Houston. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Reining Strength specializes in equine-assisted activities and therapies that empower clients of all ages to realize their potential.
The organization is a Premier Accredited Center through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl.), a distinction held by only the most trusted centers nationwide. With programs tailored to each participant, Reining Strength’s team of professionals and trained horses creates a supportive, personalized environment where growth and healing take center stage.
Making an Impact, One Ride at a Time
The evening’s fundraising efforts were powered by a live auction led by Michele Fisher and Auctioneer Todd Sherrill, raising critical funds to support Reining Strength’s year-round programming.
“The community that supports Reining Strength is amazing, and we are so grateful that they have enabled our team to continue to change lives through horses,” said Heather Hernandez Sedillo, Executive Director. “This was our 2nd year at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land and we are thrilled our guests had such a wonderful time while making an impact. We want to thank our Run for the Roses Title Sponsor Houston Methodist and all the sponsors and contributors who made Derby Day a success.”
While the horse Sovereignty may have claimed victory at the Kentucky Derby, it was clear that the true winners of the evening were the families and individuals touched by Reining Strength’s work.
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Looking Ahead
With over $350,000 raised, Reining Strength is poised to expand its equine-assisted therapy programs and reach even more individuals in need throughout the region. The success of the 2025 Derby Day marks not just a milestone in fundraising, but a celebration of community support and the enduring bond between people and horses.
For those seeking equine therapy near Sugar Land or Richmond, or looking to support a mission that empowers people through horsemanship, Reining Strength continues to lead the way.
To learn more about Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship, its programs, or ways to get involved, visit reiningstrength.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
