Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch

I was browsing the web for something interesting to add to my blog when I came upon the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, OR. I was immediately struck by the selfless dedication of the owners and volunteers that run the ranch.

So now you are probably wondering what the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is. Basically it is a rescue ranch for both horses and children. Started in 1995 by Troy and Kim Meeder the ranch now is home to between 25 and 30 horses that have been rescued from abusive situations.

More importantly the ranch and the horses offer a means of bringing families together. 80% of the kids that come to the ranch are disadvantaged either mentally, physically, socially or psychologically. The other 20% are healthy children that may not have been exposed to horses and wish to interact with them.

Each child at the ranch is paired with a horse and a volunteer. Together the child, horse and volunteer work together to meet the individual needs of the child. The horse provides the medium for the child to bond to and receives love and attention in return. The volunteer provides a safe environment and guidence for the child. Each session is 90 minutes long and the parents are required to stay and lounge in the tranquile setting and encourage their child.

While faith plays an important role in the lives of the owners Troy and Kim and the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is a faith based organization it is not affiliated with any particular religious congregation. On the ranch faith is lived not preached.

The most incrediable thing about the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is that it is free. You are still required to make an appointment but there is no fee. The ranch is a non-profit organization and is funded through grants and donations.

Visit the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch website and learn more about this worthwhile cause. Kim Meeder has also published 2 books recounting heart warming success stories from the ranch and has 2 more books in the works. Check them out while you are there.