Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
The Ranch Gives Home to Rescued Horses and Helps Abused Children
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch ministers to both rescued horses and children, giving hope for healing. As the ranch continues to grow, donations, fund-raising help are needed.
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch began in 1995, with the rescue of two horses. Founders Troy and Kim Meeder began the program to rescue abused and neglected horses. Then, a ministry followed, reaching out to abused children and those from broken homes.
"Equine Counselors"
The main element of the ministry is in fact, the testimony from the rescued horses themselves, coming back from near death experience, learning to trust again and live a healthy life. The lives of the horses offer an illustration to the suffering children, showing that if these creatures can survive, so, too, can the children. The children learn to trust the horses, healing in the meantime. The ranch calls the horses “Equine Counselors”.
The horses at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch all have a story to tell. Horses at the ranch have previously been victims of neglect, traffic accidents, Hurricane Katrina, or Premarin or PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) Industry rescued colts. The horses have been nursed back to health and cared for by the ranch’s volunteers. Several horses have even been born at the ranch.
The CPYR program emphasizes a one-on-one experience, designing programs with one child matched with one horse and one adult instructor. Children from 5 to 18 years old are offered a 90-minute private lesson with the horses. The program is open to all children, asking families to be involved as much as possible. The program is free of charge for those wanting to participate.
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch Information
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is located near Bend, Oregon. The ranch sits on a hill, facing the magnificent Three Sisters and Central Oregon mountains. The founders bought the property consisting of an old rock quarry, molding it into the functional ranch it is today. The non-profit ranch is home to 25-30 horses at a time, with limited room. Donations provide shelter and food for the horses; dedicated staff and volunteers operate the ranch.
Visitors are welcome to the ranch for tours. Visitors are encouraged to review the ranch’s calendar for hours or contact the ranch in advance of the visit.
Visit the CPYR website for more information on donations, and to read each horse’s story. A warning to those sensitive beings: have tissue nearby before beginning to read one of Kim Meeder’s books: “Hope Rising” or “Bridge Called Hope: Stories of Triumph from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams”. The books depict in beautiful detail the struggle and triumph of rescued horses and abused children alike.
Fund-Raising Help Needed
The ranch is currently looking to expand, as the existing property is becoming too crowded to have all the desired opportunities available. Volunteers can help the ranch raise money for the new property by hosting fund-raising events, with assistance from the ranch. Contact CPYR for more information on setting up fund-raising events or donations.
