December 16, 2024
Mary Lou Spellmeyer had been away from the St. Louis area for 20 years and felt disconnected upon moving back. She played tennis and went to lunch with old friends but found herself “a bit down at the end of the day not having a distinct purpose.”
She took to Google, looking for volunteer opportunities in the area. She was intrigued when she saw information about Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, having been around horses at a young age. She decided to give it a try, though she wasn’t sure it would be a good fit.
“All of my doubts eased that first day,” she recalls. “As I walked into the barn, I was overcome with what a horse barn smells like. I breathed it in, and it soothed me.”
It was April 1, 2010. She remembers the day like it was yesterday, because a new baby was born.
“As I watched Jester nurse from his mother, I was overtaken by the magical moment and knew right then I had found my place.”
In the years since then, Mary Lou’s involvement at Longmeadow has grown and grown. She’s a member of the groundwork team, helps muck stalls and can often be found working with Twister the painting horse.
She notes that taking care of ranch animals is a lot of work, and everyone at Longmeadow pulls together to ensure all the animals get the care they need. Horses are turned out and brought in, and everyone is fed and has their stall cleaned.
“While none of this is glamorous, it is important and fulfilling,” Mary Lou says.
Like many volunteers, Mary Lou’s favorite part of volunteering is seeing an animal she has helped care for get adopted into a loving home.
“Our goal is to rehab and rehome, and sometimes that comes with a tear or two,” she says. “As a volunteer, you can be drawn to a certain horse. Something draws you to him, and you look forward to that head popping out of stall when you walk in the barn. You lead him. You pet him. You tell him he is the best horse ever. And then one day, a potential adopter sees him and knows that ‘your favorite’ is also his favorite. I think there will be a hoof print on your heart forever.”
Anyone who has visited the Ranch during Spring Fling or a Wagon Days event is likely to have seen Mary Lou in action. She played a big role in helping teach Twister to paint and tells his story to visitors while they watch him create artwork.
“The first day he held the brush in his mouth and stroked the paper… well, it was a team of ladies cheering like we were at the Super Bowl! We didn’t know if it would or could happen, and when it did, the feeling was like none other.”
Mary Lou’s advice to anyone who’s considering volunteering at Longmeadow: just do it!
“At the end of your shift, you should walk out the door feeling a little proud because you did a good thing,” she says. “Volunteers come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, ages and experience, and connecting with these folks has enriched my life in more ways than I can count. Put on your boots, and bring your gloves. I’ll meet you in the barn where we will have the best day ever!”
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