Founder Tammy Stackhouse speaks to rider at Magical Meadows, Skylar Payton.

WARSAW — The non-profit organization Magical Meadows has offered therapeutic services to individuals with physical or mental disabilities and veterans, for a number of years. The organization has recently received a matching grant of $80,000 from K21. The funds of the grant will go towards land acquisition. Magical Meadows has one year to raise their half of the funds.

On Monday, Oct. 17, Magical Meadows opened its doors for an open house to welcome the community to show what they have been doing there.

Several people who often ride at Magical Meadows explained how the organization had helped them in the past.

A father and daughter have been frequenting Magical Meadows after they suffered unexpected situations in their lives. Ashley Buss began going to Magical Meadows after she lost her eyesight when she was sixteen. Buss explained when she first lost her sight, she was afraid. Through practice, Buss became able to ride a horse without assistance. She says that riding is a therapeutic way to gain confidence.

“A lot of people don’t understand the benefits of riding horses,” explained Buss.

Buss’s father Lance Buss began riding at Magical Meadows after a stroke rendered the right side of his body paralyzed three months ago. When he first began riding he said, “I could barely hold on to the reigns with my right hand.” Now Buss says he is able to ride soley using his right hand.

A war veteran named Ted, stated he had joined a new program offered, Warrior’s Mount Up, this program is a therapy for veterans. He explained this program has changed his life.

“This is my sanctuary, because out there, I can actually exhale,” said Ted.

K21 President and CEO Rich Haddad stated, “They have a unique and special role in our community.”

Founder of Magical Meadows Tammy Stackhouse said, “Eighty thousand isn’t a lot to some people, but to me, it’s the world.”