How and when do I schedule my children for a CPYR Session (ages 8-17) or Sm
all Group (ages 5 – 7)?
Our season opens in April and runs until mid-November. Scheduling for April begins on the 15th or our next ranch business day of March. You need to call our office to schedule with us at 541-330-0123. April 15th or our next business day, we start scheduling for May and we continue this pattern every month during our open season. Please make a note to call either that day or within a day or two because our availability may be limited and our schedule usually fills quickly each month. We do occasionally have cancellations and do not mind if you call each week to see if our schedule has any openings.
We also recommend that you check our web site calendar for events and closure dates to assist you in your scheduling plans.
Who needs a completed release form to be on ranch grounds?
Everyone! Because of the unpredictable nature of horses and ranch life, you and each person you bring is required to have our current release form on file or completed first thing on arrival. Release forms must be renewed at the start of every year. Our insurance dictates that anyone who does not have a current/complete release form cannot be allowed involvement in our activities and programs.
Do I need to stay on the property during my child’s session?
Yes. Though parents are free to rest at the picnic tables, rest in the barn next to the fire on cold days or stay in their car in the parking lot, we require that parents stay on the property during their child’s session.
Though we request that you be on the property during your child’s sessions, we understand that you may be out of sight from the courtyard area if you have gone to wait in your car in the parking lot. In this circumstance, we ask that you please let the office staff know so we can locate you quickly in case of an emergency. It is also helpful to let your child know where you are as well.
Where do I park when I come to the ranch?
For the safety of the children and horses, we request that parents and visitors park in the lower parking lot. When the parking lot fills you are welcome to park along the road to the left of our driveway. Please do not obstruct any mail boxes. If you have a physical condition that makes it difficult to walk up the hill, feel free to park up next to the office. Please drive slowly up the driveway and be sure to keep your eyes open for children and animals as well as stay prepared to wait as leaders move horses from the path of your vehicle.
Will my child always ride during his or her session?
There may be times when your child will not ride during his or her session. According to the staff member's discretion or the child’s wishes, they may take part in any number of alternate activities during their session, including ranch chores, crafts, games, lizard catching, etc.
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch aims to offer mentorship, ranch-style activities, healthy friendships and horse rehabilitation involvement free of charge to youth in our community. Our riding lessons are a conduit towards these goals. Although we aspire to help your child become a safe rider who understands and cares for horses, our main goal is not to produce “accomplished” riders. If this is your hope, we would recommend scheduling your child for riding lessons at a traditional stable.
What should my child wear to lessons?
Our season opens in April and runs until mid-November. Due to the unpredictable weather in Central Oregon, as well as the magnified weather intensity on the ranch hill, we recommend paying close attention to the clothes your child wears to his/her session. Layers are a good idea for rapid weather changes.
Required Attire:
Remember:
Here are a few additional suggestions for HOT weather:
Here are a few additional suggestions for COLD weather:
How often can I expect my child to be scheduled at Crystal Peaks?
Currently, there is high demand for our program. If there is availability in our schedule, it is our goal to start the month with every child scheduled twice. In addition to this, if we have cancellations and/or a low sign up rate, parents can check the schedule availability for the weeks in between their children’s original sessions.
What happens if something comes up and we cannot make it to a session?
We would appreciate a call at least 3 days in advance to allow us enough time to give another child from our waiting list an opportunity to adjust their schedule for that appointment. However, we understand unexpected schedule changes do occur last minute. If this is the case, please call the office as soon as possible.
If I live outside of your area, can my child come to ride as a one time experience?
We embrace all children from all places that desire to be here; however we feel that overall our work is most effective for children who are able to attend consistently over a long-term basis. Though we believe even small interactions could have a great impact it is our general recommendation that you find a similar program with trusted mentors in your area that your child can attend on a continuing basis.
Can I bring my children’s friends to the ranch to play and watch while my child rides?
Your children’s friends are welcome to the ranch. However, you must bring a completed release form in their name to our offices before the child will be allowed to be involved in ANY activities at the ranch. Remember that their legal guardian MUST be the one to complete the form. Please call our office if you have any questions about the release forms. We will be happy to assist you.
While the visiting child is here, please be considerate of the children that are currently taking part in a horsemanship session by allowing the staff member's attention and guidance to be focused only on the child they are working with. As the adult bringing additional children, you are responsible for them during their visit.
How can my child get involved in the Junior Volunteer Program?
We love for participants in our program to also be involved in our junior volunteer program. This year, the Youth Volunteer Program is available by referral. If your child is participating in our Session Program, and has a heart to serve, they can ask their session leader if they would consider referring them to our Volunteer Team. If the leader feels they are at the age/maturity level necessary for this focused program, the leader will make a referral to our volunteer team for your child.
Do you offer any additional meetings for families outside of your horsemanship program?
Yes! We regularly hold family Fellowship gatherings, a roundup fun time each Thursday at 4, an annual Hoe Down and various parade activities. If you would like more information on any of these upcoming events, please talk to one of our staff members and check out our event calendar.
How can I learn more about the ranch?
If you would like to know a little bit more about the ranch and how we got started, feel free to sign yourself and/or your family up for a tour. You can schedule through the office by calling 541-330-0123.