Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch was founded in 1995, by Troy and Kim Meeder. After the rescue of its first two horses, a remarkable transformation was set into motion; children began to come to the ranch. They were not coming for what they could get, as the horses were not ridable, they were coming for what they could give. In their efforts of making the horses better, the children themselves got better.
After witnessing a mute girl speak freely to one of our rescued horses, it became vitally clear the need to build a ranch where horses and children could help heal each other.
A safe and peaceful environment was created as the foundation where broken children, horses, and families could find hope within the healing circle of unconditional love.
What makes our program unique is that many of the 25-30 horses that live on the ranch have been rescued from violent abuse or life threatening neglect. These extraordinary horses, which each have their own stories of triumph and hope, are paired with one leader and one child for a 90 minute private lesson. The lessons are flexible, allowing that time to best serve the unique needs of the children. Instead of being lost in a group, each child is nurtured by a leader who shares in his or her individual tears and victories. All of this is done free of charge. It is our hope that through hands-on experience, kids will learn the values of life, family, faith, and trust. They in turn, teach us true resilience and the remarkable wonder of life.