Who We Are

Veteran Horses

 “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32, NLT)

Our “Veteran Horses” are those who have given their lives—for years—to faithfully serve the children who come to Crystal Peaks. These aging equines often require special care and attention. Each horse within our Veteran herd is assigned an individual who is commissioned and committed to oversee their daily needs. We often include children in this process. By doing so, the kids have an opportunity to give back to the beloved horses who have given so much to them. Also, by investing in the care of horses who’ve spent their lives in support of ministry, the young volunteers learn how to lovingly honor and respect the elderly. The special compassion given to our aging equine warriors is a small way to thank them for their service—and honor God’s precious gift to us through their lives.

  • Cassidy

    Cassidy

    Arabian

    This amazing little mare came to the Ranch as a blessing in disguise. Our program was in great need of another solid lesson horse to accommodate the great number of those coming to Crystal Peaks . One late afternoon, a truck and trailer chugged up the Ranch driveway and spun around in the main yard. The driver had heard of our ranch and on a whim, loaded up small Arabian mare.

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  • Halo

    Halo

    Arabian

    In 2001, the Ranch rescued what is, to date, the most rare horse in its history. The owner of an eight-month old Arabian stud colt called and asked for our help. The young colt kept escaping his dilapidated pens and had been seriously injured in the process. First aid attempts were complicated by the fact that a human being had never touched the young horse.

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  • Phoenix (Phoebe)

    Phoenix (Phoebe)

    Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse

    It was the winter of 2002. The Millican horse recovery would become the largest equine rescue in Oregon State history. Walking through unparalleled carnage, my eyes tried to take in what my mind never thought was possible. Evidence of the dead lay scattered in a tangle of dry bones at my feet. Numbness seized my soul as I drifted through the churning herd of more than one hundred and thirty horses.

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  • Tal

    Tal

    Arabian

    The ranch truck and trailer made its way up the hill and slowly turned into the Crystal Peaks main yard. Carefully stowed inside were five scrawny and starving weanlings. The smallest of the group was a spindly bay Arab. His reddish-brown hide was barely able to stretch over his spine and protruding ribs.

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  • Taylor

    Taylor

    Arabian

    Even though she was missing 150 pounds, she was beautiful. As an Arabian mare, her energy was still vibrant even though she stood on twisted hooves that hadn't been trimmed in over a year. Even though she was in pain, her attitude proclaimed that she had not given up, she had not lost hope.

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  • Zephyr

    Zephyr

    National Showhorse

    In 1998 Troy and Kim were called to investigate a large herd of nearly 60 horses that were in peril. From that rescue, Crystal Peaks adopted five neglected youngsters. The five new arrivals were all two year olds with the exception of one slender three-year-old National Show Horse. This frightened colt captured Troy’s heart and soon the two were inseparable friends.

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