Scott Mead Riding Scholarship and Memorial Fund
On Giving Tuesday 2024, Rider's Relief and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) announced an ongoing cause-marketing partnership and the launch of "The Scott Mead Riding Scholarship and Memorial Fund." Rider's Relief, LLC. has committed to donate $2 for every wellness product purchased or $1 monthly for every active wellness related subscription through December 2025, as well as fund a minimum of four riding scholarships throughout the year. In addition to monetary donations, the Rider's Relief team will volunteer time working at the CKRH facility, which is located at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Do you think you, or someone you know, may benefit from equine-assisted therapeutic activities? Wondering if you qualify for the Scott Mead Riding Scholarship? Reach out to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope for additional information!
The Story of Scott Mead
The Pioneer
Scott was born on the 6th of September 1962 in a world that was not ready for him. Rather than choosing the traditional path, Scott took another. His path led him to do what others said he could not. His impact was pure joy for those he met and even life-changing for the many that got to know him. He was a pioneer in not allowing his “special needs" to define him or people like him. He was one of the earliest students to be mainstreamed in a normal school in the late sixties. He participated in the first Special Olympics, and he was one of the first members of "The National Association of Downs Syndrome".
In 1975, at just thirteen, Scott was active in meetings with law makers who courageously passed Congressional Bill 94-142. A bill, which to this day, serves as the foundation for the right for the least restrictive environment for anyone with a disability. Scott also was active in Cub Scouts and Indian Guides which is where he found his lifelong friends.
(Image: Scott Mead at an art fundraiser)
The Worker
After graduating from High School in 1983 he set out to work. He had many jobs and professions. Like all of us he found some he loved and some that he didn’t, but his work ethic was always next level. If you wanted something done it would not be done fast, but it would always be done right with never a complaint. He loved to work and he loved to spend time with the people he worked alongside. He wasn’t driven by what he earned but he was always proud when the paycheck came knowing he earned it. No job was too big or too small for him and he did it all with equal intensity.
(Image: Scott and his cousin Emily, founder and CEO of Rider's Relief, at a work function in 2018.)
The Housemate
In 1992, Scott moved to Misericordia where he found his home (or “pad” in his words) for the rest of his life. Misericordia provided Scott the independence he craved and a community of peers and caregivers who helped him thrive. Scott was often a leader that would step in and help other residents by advocating for them or lending a helping hand to those who needed it. He was center stage at countless open mics, holiday and birthday parties, field trips and BBQs. He loved all that surrounded him at “Mis” and they all loved him in return. It was truly his heaven on earth.
(Image: Scott Mead at home in his "pad".)
The Artist
Scott lived for music and art. His love for The Beatles, The Bay City Rollers, Rick Springfield and bands from the 70s, all served as the soundtrack of his life. He had incredible recall for lyrics, album dates and television appearances. His "air guitar" skills were legendary. His paintings, pottery and mixed media art allowed him to express himself in a way he struggled to do with words. Today, his pieces hang on the walls of many homes and offices.
(Image: A photo of one of Scott's many paintings.)
The Fan
He was an avid Cubs and general sports fan. He loved the Cubs players from the 70s and 80s and over the last few years got to spend time with many of them. He was a fixture at Cubs games and the ushers, players and people that worked at Wrigley knew him by name and beverage preference. Nobody to this day can figure out how he could cheer for both the Bears and the Packers, but some mysteries are meant to go unsolved.
(Image: Scott Mead throwing out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game.)
The Family Man
To Scott, family was always first. He adored his family...his brothers, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces. He looked forward to every holiday and family meal. Scott insisted on going to the store and buying and wrapping all the gifts. We were never sure why he chose certain items but the pride he showed on his face was the real present. His nieces and nephews looked forward to a visit with Uncle Scott where they would sit on the couch for hours watching cartoons, The Rockford Files, drinking Diet Cokes, a happy hour beer and eating countless trays of appetizers. He was caretaker to our mom, a gentle companion to our pets, and to the rest of us, a teacher of manners, kindness and the spirit of family.
(Image: Scott Mead with his two younger brothers.)
The Gentleman and his Legacy
He led a simple life, but the impact he had on so many lives is impossible to measure. He loved all and judged none. His greatest lesson he taught by example; if you are kind, you do what’s right, you always try your hardest and you put love first...you will leave the world a better place. Scott’s impact will continue through all of those that knew him.
(Image: Scott Mead at an art gallery with one of his paintings.)
About Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
CKRH provides services that improve the quality of life and health for children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse. These activities are facilitated by our staff of highly trained PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs). CKRH takes great pride in offering programming across the lifespan and we find that individuals from all backgrounds can benefit from interaction with our equine partners.
Want to learn more about our services and how equine-assisted therapeutic activities might be a fit for you or your loved one? Please contact CKRH directly to learn more!