This signed guitar by the Rolling Stones was the hottest bid item of the evening.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — An evening to support and celebrate the importance of Magical Meadows took place Saturday evening, March 25, at Tippecanoe Country Club.

Close to 130 people attended to help raise money, learn about Magical Meadows and hear testimonials from parents of four of the participants.

Magical Meadows is embarking on its 15th year of offering therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with physical and mental challenges.

The stories shared and brief videos shown pulled at the heart strings. Each person there was challenged to come out and watch what goes on.

Owen Siebeneck holds the bunny basket to collect informational cards from guests. Owen participates at Magical Meadows and has made great strides since being there.

“If you’ve never been to Magical Meadows, it’s hard to just say what Magical Meadows is,” said Carl Adams, executive director. The videos and testimonials showed just that. “We have boys and girls club, we have Joe’s Kids, we have the Animal Welfare League. All of those are great,” said Adams. “But I just feel like Magical Meadows puts all those things together and you get all of that and a little bit more. That’s what you’re going to experience.

“I challenge you, if you have a few minutes sometime to come out to The Meadows and just watch, you cannot go out there and not leave without being moved. It’s an amazing place.”

Testimonies were heard from the parents of Owen, Alice, Jack, Addy and Anna. Each one had a story of where their child was before going to Magical Meadows and the improvement since, but more importantly the excitement each one has going to Magical Meadows. Parents reported strength in mobility, core body strength and balance all through what they feel are games, but are actually means to help.

Parents related how their children’s faces light up when they know they are going “horseback riding,” how smiles appear and how their child is trapped in a body that won’t let them do what they want to do. One parent stated Magical Meadows has built confidence in their child. “It is something they can do and feel almost normal.”

One of the stories dealt with a person who suffered impairment from COVID-19. “It could be any one of you in the room,” said Tammy Stackhouse, founder. “You could wake up and have a stroke or a traumatic brain disorder.”

Another testimonial is of a young girl who learned how to walk while participating at Magical Meadows and how Magical Meadows has been life changing for her and her family.

The evening included a number of silent and live auction items. A special live auction item — a guitar signed by The Rolling Stones — brought in $5,800 to the highest bidder. Additionally, a donor pledged $3,000 in a matching grant that was matched that evening.

Adams and Stackhouse noted the fundraising goal this year is $75,000. Prior to the evening they had reached close to $40,000.

“I cannot tell you in the 10 years I’ve been blessed as executive director the miracles I’ve seen on a regular basis,” said Adams. “Step on a horse and all goes away. The parents are beside themselves. It is a place to relax, a healing place. … Kosciusko County needs Magical Meadows.”

Magical Meadows has 150 children and adults who ride consistently every week “Each one is special and we treat each one like they are special.”

Stackhouse stated it was time for Kosciusko County to step up. She noted those who come to Magical Meadows can’t be included in many things, but at Magical Meadows there are opportunities to be included where there is time and a place for them.

They noted Stage 2 of their building phase is starting with two additional buildings “We’re moving forward. We don’t have a lot of time.”