Magical Meadows, a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding center near Warsaw, will host a free family picnic for military veterans and first responders on Saturday, Aug. 17. Photo provided.

News Release

WARSAW — A new group of people will soon have the opportunity to experience the “magic” of The Magical Meadows for free. On Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1-4 p.m., the nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding center will host a family picnic for all veterans, first responders and their families. Attendees will be able to take horseback rides, play games, enjoy a bounce house and eat a variety of food all at no cost.

“Our veterans and first responders, along with their families, have given and continue to sacrifice so much to ensure our safety and freedoms. This event is a small way that we can give back to those people,” said Michael Kuhn, Magical Meadows executive director.

The family picnic is a part of The Magical Meadows’ “Warriors Mount Up” program, which provides equine therapy for veterans and first responders. The organization started the program within the past few years, but it is looking to expand it and serve more people in that demographic through new partnerships and community outreach.

“These men and women have seen and experienced trauma that most typical citizens can only imagine,” said Kuhn. “Our Warriors Mount Up program is designed to provide a safe and quiet space for them to connect with our horses and nature as they cope with the physical, mental and emotional scars that their service has left on them.”

Magical Meadows instructors guide participants in the Warriors Mount Up program and teach them to care for horses as well as ride them to learn to quiet the mind and heart.

The family picnic will be at The Magical Meadows, located at 3386 E. 525N, Warsaw. It is not required that attendees respond that they plan to attend, but they can do so by visiting the Facebook event page at https://fb.me/e/5BkKbY1IF.

Besides veterans and first responders, The Magical Meadows also serves children and adults with disabilities and at-risk children and teens. The organization is always looking for supporters to volunteer and donate. To learn more, you can visit themagicalmeadows.org.

Magical Meadows was founded by Tammy Stackhouse in 2007 out of a love for horses and a belief that getting away from the noise and busyness of everyday life to connect with the natural world has the power to heal. The organization exists to provide a natural space for those with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, along with their families, to experience the healing power of horses.