Indiana's Reins of Life promotes physical, occupational and emotional wellness
On a horse, Kelsey Marie Meekhof felt free.
Out of her wheelchair and perched in the saddle, the five-year-old’s body and spirit were visibly transformed. Her muscles – stiff and spastic because of cerebral palsy – relaxed, loosened by the rhythm of the horse’s motion and the warmth of its body. Her confidence was awakened, and in a loud, clear voice, she was able to direct her equine companion to perform a series of tasks, undaunted by the size and power of the animal.
For 10 years, therapeutic riding at Reins of Life in South Bend, Ind., was not only Kelsey’s physical, occupational, and emotional therapy – it was her social network and most cherished pastime until her untimely death at age 15, due to complications during surgery.
“Kelsey’s cerebral palsy affected her physically pretty profoundly,” says her father, Dr. Mark Meekhof, an obstetrical-gynecological physician in South Bend. “(Reins of Life) did amazing things for her, and continues to do amazing things for people with special needs in our community.”
Enbridge is proud to sponsor Indiana-based Reins of Life, a community-minded organization that helps kids and adults with special needs learn, grow, and achieve a better quality of life by receiving elements of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or emotional support.
With programs in South Bend and Michigan City, Ind., Reins of Life works with about 120 children and adults per week. The riders have a range of impairments, either physical, emotional, cognitive, or social – and, while learning how to ride a horse, receive elements of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or emotional support.
“The benefits of therapeutic riding are multiple. The horse’s motion makes every muscle in a rider’s body move together with the horse, which helps the rider build strength and balance,” says Dorota Janik, executive director of Reins of Life. “The riders are in charge of this huge animal; they tell the horse where to go and what to do. Imagine what that does for their self-esteem.”
Reins of Life operates primarily through the organization’s fundraising efforts, its largest being the Kelsey Marie Meekhof Memorial Dinner and Auction, founded 17 years ago by Dr. Meekhof and his wife Carla. In recent years, the annual event has raised more than $100,000, almost 25 per cent of the organization’s operating budget.
To show support for the organization’s work in the community, Enbridge was one of the major sponsors for the Kelsey Marie Meekhof gala in 2013 and 2014 – and also presented Reins of Life with a grant, for a total contribution of $10,000.
Jennifer Smith, Enbridge’s Indiana-based community affairs manager, visited the program’s Michigan City stables and was moved by what she saw.
“The entire facility had an energy around it I cannot explain. I saw a little girl around six years old sitting on a horse with a big smile on her face,” says Smith. “I heard the story of a mother whose daughter had not spoken for years, until she started therapeutic riding—then, one day out of the blue, the girl spoke a command to the horse. It was incredible to hear this story.”
Enbridge is proud to partner with Reins of Life, and similar community-minded organizations, and support the profoundly meaningful work they do in the community – helping those with special needs learn, grow, and achieve a better quality of life.
Janik is touched by Reins of Life’s relationship with Enbridge. “It’s amazing to have the support of people who believe in our mission. I am happy to have (Enbridge) behind us.”
