Hollee Kaseberg

I cannot look at the road that’s led to me being on staff at Crystal Peaks without seeing God’s direction over every step on the way. My mom first heard about the ranch when I was a little girl, and she gave me Kim’s books “Hope Rising” and “Bridge Called Hope” around the time I was in sixth grade. After reading both books, I told my mom that all I wanted for my thirteenth birthday was to tour this ranch and meet the horses in the stories. 

The day before my birthday in 2011 was the first time my mom, my sisters and I walked up the driveway hill, and God has continued to bring me back up year after year as a volunteer. In what became one of the most powerful examples of walking in obedience with the Lord and listening to His voice, Kim asked a shy and awkward girl she had just met if I would accept a gift from Jesus by taking one of the ranch horses home. She heard God telling her there was a bigger reason for me being at the ranch that day. We returned with a horse trailer that weekend and adopted Hannah. I learned so much from Hannah in the five years I had her before God called her to her true home in Heaven when I was in college. In my grief and heartbreak, I cried out to Him with so many questions and an emptiness I didn’t know or understand until, through prayer, I felt led to change my college major to equine science instead of kinesiology and to pursue serving Him through ranch ministry. 

I was an intern at Crystal Peaks in 2021, ten years to the day that I first walked up the drive, and it finally hit me what He meant when He said to me, “Daughter, it was never about the horse.” In a turn of events I didn’t expect or want, God asked me to trust Him and leave CPYR a month early to take a job elsewhere at a non-profit riding program that was not faith-based but had a mission that aligned with my heart to serve veterans. Just over a year later, that program was closed down and my hard head ran into a few closed doors before I found the one the Lord had opened for me to join staff at CPYR. Believe it or not, this is the short version of the story, so ask me more about it sometime. But don’t be surprised if a tear rolls down my cheek at the incredible provision and love of Jesus Christ. 

What I enjoy most about the ranch is the community and culture of this Christ-centered group I get to call my ranch family. I am humbled and honored every day by the way God uses the skills, knowledge and passions He put in me to serve Him, care for the horses He’s entrusted to the ranch and love the people who walk up the drive. It is a gift to have the opportunity to call this my job and do it every day.

Who is your favorite horse on the ranch?

I’d have to say my favorites here have always been Little Bear and Remnant. Little Bear has such a strong, commanding presence within the herd while still being a gentle giant. Remnant is simply the sweetest soul and was one of the first horses I met here. Spending time with him is like being with an old friend. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

My free time is entirely controlled by a cowboy corgi named Amigo and a mustang mare named Annie. I love exploring God’s creation out on a hike with Amigo or on a trail ride with Annie. Central Oregon is such a cool spot because of the proximity to desert, mountain, forest and coastal adventures! I also enjoy reading, watching baseball, going to rodeos and fine tuning my horsemanship skills.

What is one of the craziest or most fun things you have done on the ranch or with the ranch on a trip?

I have countless incredible memories at the ranch and with this ranch family over the years, but the wildest experience I’ve had was our whitewater rafting trip during my intern season in 2021. I was really nervous when I saw it on our schedule but was reminded of Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…” (NIV). The Lord used the experience to deepen my faith and make me lean into Him for peace, courage and safety in a way I’ve continued to apply since then.