News Release

WARSAW — Students at Jefferson STEM Elementary raised $1,200 for Magical Meadows through a student-led 3D printing fundraiser.

Kyle Kuhn’s fourth-grade class designed and 3D printed Valentine-themed items in Jefferson’s STEM lab, selling them throughout the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. The project blended engineering design, entrepreneurship and real-world problem solving while supporting a meaningful community cause.

All proceeds will directly benefit Magical Meadows. The nonprofit organization provides therapeutic horseback riding services to children and adults across the region.

Executive Director Michael Kuhn expressed gratitude for the partnership and the students’ efforts, sharing that the funds raised will support therapeutic riding sessions for individuals who benefit from the program’s physical, emotional and developmental impact.

Throughout the project, students practiced iterative design, budgeting, production planning and customer service. Most importantly, they experienced firsthand how classroom learning can extend beyond school walls to positively impact the broader community.

The post Jefferson STEM donates money to Magical Meadows appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — K21 Health Foundation announced grants totaling $1.2 million to nonprofit organizations whose projects improve the health and wellness of Kosciusko County residents.

“K21 is committed to impacting the residents of Kosciusko County,” said Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president and CEO.

“These grants clearly connected to our purpose — wellness for generations  — advancing the health and well-being of all ages here in our community,” he said.

K21 Health Foundation awards grants focused on four key Health Pillars: Community Culture & Wellbeing, Direct Services & Prevention, Health Access & Opportunity and Youth Development & Activity.

The 2025 fourth quarter grant recipients are:

• Brightpoint - Covering Kids & Families Health Insurance Program
• Combined Community Services - Fresh Produce Program
• Combined Community Services - Self-Sufficiency Programs
• KCV Cycling Club - Winona Lake Bike Park Development: Phase 2 Funding
• Kosciusko Community YMCA - 2026 LIVESTRONG Program
• Kosciusko County Senior Services - Senior Activity Center Programs
• Live Well Kosciusko - Health and Well-Being Programs
• Magical Meadows - Organizational Growth Support
• Pavilion Help Center - Help Center Program
• Pavilion Help Center - Healthcare Assistance Fund
• Questa Education Foundation - K21 Questa Scholars Program

For more information and to learn more about K21 Health Foundation’s grantmaking, visit k21healthfoundation.org or contact Angie Summers, operations manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org or 574-269-5188.

The post Newest K21 Health Foundation distributes $1.2 million to local groups appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The Magical Meadows has had what's likely its biggest few weeks since the therapeutic horseback riding facility first took root 19 years ago.

The non-profit has enjoyed a huge year as it unveiled plans for a major expansion, enjoyed strong support through fundraising, and then announced a new agreement in which Joe's kids will oversee a special therapy class at Magical Meadows on Mondays beginning next spring.

Hippotherapy has been shown to benefit kids in various ways for those who face differnt kinds of physical and mental challenges.

Michael Kuhn, executive director with Magical Meadows, tells News Now Warsaw that upcoming construction on two new arenas (plus plans to renovate its main building) will set the stage for much more foot traffic.

"We are anticipating, at least in the first year, for those to double from the previous year, and then over the next five or ten years, we anticipate numbers being close to a thousand people a year we are serving,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn said when they decided to begin working to establish structured kinds of therapy activities with local groups, Joe's Kids was their first choice.

Joe's Kids will begin overseeing hippotherapy at the Meadows this spring. Several people remarked on Saturday at the announcement that the two groups' mission statements overlap nicely.

But Kuhn said they're also looking to work with other groups.

“Joe’s Kids is kind of the first of these that we’re looking at doing. But a lot of opportunities for more things like this, especially as we expand our facilities,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn, along with the founder Tammy Stackhouse, spoke with News Now Warsaw for In The Know, the public affairs show you can listen to this weekend.

Other aspects they discussed included the future arena set aside for veterans and first responders and the role of Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith in supporting that endeavor.

Recent stories (see links below)

Magical Meadows expansion aims to grow services, aid first responders

Giddy up! Magical Meadows set to begin construction on two new riding arenas

Joe’s Kids will provide specialized therapy service at Magical Meadows

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

The post With expansion, Magical Meadows envisions more use, programming appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE — Two like-minded groups providing specialized care for young people — Joe’s Kids and Magical Meadows — are formalizing a more structured approach that will start in the Spring of 2026.

The new arrangement was celebrated at Joe's Kids' 11th annual fundraiser at the Miller Sunset Pavilion in Winona Lake Saturday night.

[caption id="attachment_120214" align="alignright" width="450"] Several hundred people attended the annual Joe’s Kids fundraisner Saturday at Miller Sunset Pavilion. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Joe's Kids Director, Rebecca Bazzoni, made the announcement Saturday about a new transformational program overseen by Joe's Kids at Magical Meadows that can yield significant improvements for recipients with various needs and can be billed through Medicaid and insurance, thereby helping expand access for life-changing care.

The program, Hippotherapy, uses the horse’s natural movement to engage a child’s body and brain in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional clinical setting. 

The rhythmic, three-dimensional motion of the horse challenges balance, strengthens muscles, and improves posture. For children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental delays, 

Through the partnership, Joe’s Kids will manage all scheduling, billing, and communication with client families, while The Magical Meadows will provide the therapeutic setting, specially trained therapy horses, and an experienced equine handler to facilitate safe, effective interactions between the children and horses.

Hippotherapy can lead to gains in mobility, communication, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. By incorporating this evidence-based practice, therapists can help children reach milestones that might otherwise take longer to achieve.

A select group of Joe’s Kids physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists are currently completing specialized training and certification to provide Hippotherapy.

Both organizations have been in expansion mode in recent years. Joe's Kids is in its third phase since the organization moved to its new location on Old Road 30 several years ago, and Magical Meadows broke ground last week on construction of two indoor riding arenas that will greatly expand services at its facility north of Warsaw.

Kuhn said he and his board were looking at ways to expand services to the most vulnerable and that Joe’s Kids was the first to come to mind.

Bazzoni and Tammgy Stackhouse, the founder of Magical Meadows, have known each other for many years … "so it just seemed like a no-brainer to see what that would look like,” Kuhn recalled.

Brainstorming and research led to the development of the plan

"It all became clear and we realized this would be a such a win-win-win," Kuhn said.

Joe's Kids worked with 700 different children in Kosciusko County and ten surrounding counties in the past year with a diverse array of special conditions and need.

Many of Joe's Kids patients have used Magical Meadows in the past, but this program will be more specialized and structured.

Bazzonni talked about one patient named Charlie who had significant limitations, including language and balance, among others, but excelled while on top of a horse at Magical Meadows.

"Even though he might not have been able to verbalize it, he knew how to communicate joy, and he knew how to communicate love," Bazzoni said.

"If you have never been to a horse show at Magical Meadows, I highly recommend you go see one," Bazzoni tol several hundred guests at Saturday night's dinner. "It's pretty amazing to seee our kids on horses and see the pride in their faces and how they're doing," she said.

"I'll tell you, there is something pretty magical happening there at the meadows," she said.

Saturday's event was Joe's Kids' biggest fundraiser of the year.

A more detailed news release will be issued later this week.

Magical Meadows will be the subject of the public affairs show, In the Know, that will air next weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

The post Joe’s Kids will provide specialized therapy service at Magical Meadows appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The Magical Meadows celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with a groundbreaking for two new year-round riding arenas at the therapeutic horseback riding center north of Warsaw

[caption id="attachment_119992" align="alignright" width="300"] Kosciuko County Sheriff Jim Smith is a big supporter of Magical Meadows and spoke at Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

In just four months, organizers have raised more than half of the $2 million fundraising campaign, which means construction can begin soon.

The improvements will increase capacity and improve accessibility. One of the arenas will be dedicated to serving veterans and first-responders.

Executive Director Michael Kuhn credited God with what’s happening at Magical Meadows.

“We knew building two new indoor arenas, expanding our facilities, and creating more room to serve people with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and first-responders would take resources far beyond our own strength and resources we have never seen in our organization’s history,” Kuhn said.

“But we also knew when God calls you, he equips you,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn thanked the many anonymous donors ane K21 Health Foundation, which provided $400,000 to assist with the construction of both arenas.

Passion, faith and generosity in the community are fueling the improvement, he said.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith, himself a veteran, has become a key supporter of expanded services at Magical Meadows.

"It’s hard to make things like this happen without the support of the community, and we have such a darn good community to buy into these missions and these visions,” Smith said. “This is going to be incredible.”

A riding arena set aside for veterans and first responders iss a unique opportunity.

“I worry a lot about the mental health of my employees. This is another tool and opportunity for them when they're having those rough days," Smith said. "They don’t have to explain it to anyone. They’re going to have a chance to be able to come out here and just have their time and work through those with these beautiful creatures at Magical Meadows.”

The founder of Magical Meadows, Tammy Stackhouse, more commonly known by many as Miss Tammy, talked about how her vision has grown to something she never fully expected to ever see.

She and her family, including her grandparents, grew up in property very close to the facility on CR 525N.

At times, she was nearly overwhelmed with emotion as she reflected on the amount of support their expansion efforts have received.

“God is good. And I am blessed,” she said.

Groundbreaking featured many of the people who benefit from services at Magical Meadows.

[caption id="attachment_119995" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Many of those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony are recipients of services at Magical Meadows. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post Giddy up! Magical Meadows set to begin construction on two new riding arenas appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Magical Meadows seems to be seeing some magical momentum ahead of Thursday's fundraiser that will seek to raise $100,000 to help construct a dedicated riding arena for first responders.

A group of ten people, including two elected Kosciusko County elected officials and first responders, is set to begin a 12-hour rockathon at noon Thursday in which they won’t stop moving in their rocking chairs for up to 12 hours or as long as it takes for each of them to individually raise $10,000.

A website has been registering people to support the ten participants, but Michael Kuhn, executive director of the therapeutic horse riding facility north of Warsaw, said they're already seeing lots of support.

Kuhn sounded exuberant when asked how things were trending Tuesday.

"We've already raised almost $18,000 as of this moment, and my email has been blowing up with notifications letting me know more people on board, more people on board, more people on board," he said.

Two downtown merchants — Male Fashions and Maggie's Coffee and Treats — have dedicated a portion of sales this week to support the fundraiser.

That promotion ends Wednesday for both stores.  

"It's been a great collective effort and we've just been so blessed by everybody who really got involved in one way or another," Kuhn said.

To get involved, check out a link at The Magical Meadows website.

The first responder's riding arena is part of an even bigger expansion project at the facility. You can read a recap of what's happening here.

The post Magical Meadows sees early momentum ahead of Thursday’s Rockathon appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Magical Meadows has announced its full lineup of participants who will try to raise $100,000 for a new riding arena.

• Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith
• Kosciusko County Prosecutor Brad Voelz
• Turkey Creek Fire Chief Mickey Scott in Syracuse
• Warsaw Police Captain Paul Heaton
• Carla Quintero, with Lutheran EMS and the Pierceton Fire Department

Team Magical Meadows

The post Additional participants announced for Magical Meadows Rockathon appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW – Kosciusko County's sheriff and prosecutor, along with a crew of local first responders, are going head-to-head with The Magical Meadows team in a unique fundraising showdown.

On Aug. 7, Sheriff Jim Smith and Prosecutor Brad Voelz and other participants will rock in a chair at The Magical Meadows for 12 hours straight — or until they individually raise $10,000 in support of the organization’s Growing with Heart Capital Campaign.

Together, they have a combined goal of raising $100,000, according to a news release.

All funds raised will go toward building a dedicated riding arena for veterans and first-
responders — a space for healing, connection, and growth.

The building project aims to enhance and expand the Warriors Mount Up program, which is designed to help veterans and first responders work through the stressors and trauma they live with on a daily basis.

“We’re honored to have the support of Sheriff Jim Smith, Prosecutor Brad Voelz, and
other warriors in our community who believe in the life-changing mission here at The
Magical Meadows,” said Michael Kuhn, Executive Director.

“We look forward to seeing the transformational impact this fun and unique fundraiser has on the men and women who have served our country and communities so faithfully.”

Each participant will have their own fundraising page for people to donate to their
$10,000 goal. The public is also welcome to stop by in person during the Rockathon
event to drop off donations, encourage the participants, and observe riding lessons
happening in real-time at The Magical Meadows.

The current participant fundraising pages can be found by clicking here.

The new veterans/first-responders arena is one of two new buildings that will be
constructed this year as part of the non-profit’s Growing with Heart Capital Campaign.

The east arena will boast 14,000 square feet and will consist of a large dirt floor riding
arena, a lounge room, accessible restrooms, stalls for horses, a tack room, and storage
for veterinary supplies and materials.

The west arena will have the same dimensions as the east facility, but its focus will be
on serving individuals with disabilities and expanding the capacities of the non-profit’s
legacy therapeutic horseback riding programs. The west arena will also include a
spacious observation room for families and caregivers of the riders, accessible
restrooms, a tack room, and storage space.

The project will cost $2 million, with approximately $1.7 million allocated to construction
costs. The other $300,000 will help cover anticipated increases in operating expenses
like utilities, depreciation, insurance, and the addition of two new full-time staff members
for two years to help continue growth in programming.

The Magical Meadows expects to see significant increases in participant numbers
thanks to the expansion of available service space. The new facilities will also be fully
equipped to accommodate year-round programming.

Historically, therapeutic horseback riding at The Magical Meadows has only run from April through November each year.

The new arenas will both be insulated and fully heated so there will not be any
interruptions to services throughout the year except for holidays and cases of severe
weather.

Program numbers for individuals with disabilities are expected to grow from 120 to more
than 400 annually, while veteran/first-responder participation will likely grow from 50 to
250 annually.

In addition to the growth in individual participants, the organization anticipates this
project fostering new partnerships with schools, service providers, non-profits, and other
organizations to expand the types of services that will be offered on-site at The Magical
Meadows.

Construction is expected to begin this fall to be completed by the summer of
2026.

You can learn more by clicking here.

The post Sheriff, prosecutor part of 12-hour fundraiser for Magical Meadows appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — The Magical Meadows officially launched a $2 million capital campaign Thursday as part of a two-phase expansion project at the therapeutic horseback riding center in Warsaw.

[caption id="attachment_110326" align="alignright" width="300"] Magic Meadows Executive Director Michael Kuhn spoke at Thursday's announcement. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Phase 1 of the “Growing with Heart” expansion project and capital campaign will include the construction of two new indoor horseback riding arenas. The east arena will boast 14,000 square feet and will be dedicated to serving veterans and first-responders through The Magical Meadows’ Warriors Mount Up program.

The 70’x200’ facility will consist of a large dirt floor riding arena, accessible restrooms, stalls for horses, a tack room, and storage for veterinary supplies and materials.

The west arena will have the same dimensions as the east facility, but its focus will be on serving individuals with disabilities and expanding the capacities of the non-profit’s legacy therapeutic horseback riding programs.

[caption id="attachment_110327" align="alignright" width="300"] Tammy Stackhouse. the founder of Magical Meadows, provided an uplifting speech about how the faciilty has evolved over the years. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The west arena will also include a spacious observation room for families and caregivers of the riders, accessible restrooms, a tack room, and storage space.

“We are overjoyed to see our vision for the future of The Magical Meadows start to become a reality. This project has been a dream for many years, and now we’re excited to see the community rally behind it and help bring it to fruition through the Growing with Heart Capital Campaign,” said Michael Kuhn, Magical Meadows executive director.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith spoke and talked about how important it is to support law enforcement.

"PTSD is absolutely a real thing. Where it's different now, in my opinion, the younger generation is more open to addressing some causes or emotions they are feeling or other issues that might keep them up at night," Smith said.

"I also believe the leadership in these organizations are more understanding and we want to help when we can," he said. "So when an organization like Magical Meadows kicks off a campaign that will be another great resource for our department, that really excites me," Smith said.

The organization has already secured $735,000 in funding, most of which is pledged via matching funds. An anonymous donor pledged $300,000 as a matching challenge to the community, while K21 Health Foundation added another $400,000 through its most recent grant cycle. That means all donations to the campaign up to $700,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.

The first phase of the project will cost $2 million, with $1.7 million allocated to construction costs. The other $300,000 will help cover anticipated increases in operating expenses like utilities, depreciation, insurance, and the addition of two new full-time staff members for two years to help continue growth in programming.

The Magical Meadows expects to see significant increases in participant numbers thanks to the expansion of available service space. The new facilities will also be fully equipped to accommodate year-round programming. Historically, therapeutic horseback riding at The Magical Meadows has only run from April through November each year. The new arenas will both be insulated and fully heated so there will not be any interruptions to services throughout the year except for holidays and cases of severe weather.

Program numbers for individuals with disabilities are expected to grow from 120 to more than 400 annually, while veteran/first-responder participation will likely grow from 50 to 250 annually.

In addition to the growth in individual participants, the organization anticipates this project will foster new partnerships with schools, service providers, non-profits, and other organizations to expand the types of services that will be offered on-site at The Magical Meadows.

“The people we serve deserve the best we have to offer. We believe that this project will help The Magical Meadows become a beacon of hope, love, and healing for the people we already call family, and for hundreds of others who will join us in the coming years,” Kuhn said.

The first phase of the expansion project also includes the addition of nearly 40 parking spots, relocation of the existing hay barn and chapel, and fencing for approximately eight acres of new grazing pastures. Construction is expected to begin by late summer or early fall of this year and be finished by spring of 2026.

Phase 2 of the project will begin after the completion of the two new arenas. That project will cost an additional $1.5 – 2 million and will involve a complete remodel of the existing indoor arena and office building that was built in 2011. The building will be converted into an accessible recreation space specifically for children and adults with disabilities. It will include a high school regulation sized basketball/volleyball court, therapy rooms, a sensory room, new accessible restrooms, a new family restroom, and remodeled office space. More details about phase 2 of this project will be released at a later time.

To learn more about The Magical Meadows and the Growing with Heart Capital Campaign, visit www.themagicalmeadows.org/growingwithheart.

The post Magical Meadows expansion aims to grow servces, aid first responders appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — It’s time to don your best diamonds and denim for Rise Up 2025, Sponsored by Wildman. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser event benefitting The Magical Meadows is sure to inspire and encourage you to have some fun along the way.

This year’s event will be held inside Adams Arena at The Magical Meadows on Thursday, April 24 from 6-9 p.m.

New features include a live bluegrass band, dancing, an ice cream bar, and new auction items that are sure to get you excited about bidding.

Willie 103.5’s Chris Cage will also be there serving as the event emcee.

The non-profit will also be bringing back the features that guests have come to know and love, including therapeutic horseback riding demonstrations (weather dependent), horse meet n’ greet, inspiring speeches, delicious food and drinks from Farmhouse Events & Catering, live & silent auctions, and mingling with friends.

All proceeds from this event benefit the life-changing mission of The Magical Meadows, which is to provide a natural space for those with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, along with their families, to experience the healing power of horses.

The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $100,000, which will cover more than a quarter of the 501c3 organization’s 2025 operating budget.

This comes as the organization anticipates nearly doubling its service numbers for individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and first responders this year.

Individual tickets cost $100/person and a table of 8 costs $800. People interested in attending the event can register online at https://www.themagicalmeadows.org/riseup/ Attendance is limited to 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

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