session Horses
“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future . . . However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:4, 7, NLT)
Ranch horses who have completed specific and carefully supervised training are released to safely support children in our session program. These are known as our “Session Horses.” Within this group, each equine has a unique life story and personality that reflect the redemption of Jesus’ love offered to anyone who seeks it. For the children who come to the Ranch, the session horses literally carry the primary riding load. Many young hearts who experience sessions with these horses discover through their time together—the loving God who created and cares for them both. In many ways, our session horses are the frontline warriors in sharing the Gospel at Crystal Peaks.
As if locked in a prison cell, the giant colt waited for rescue in a stall with barely enough room to turn around. Filth coated his body and the young horse’s feathered legs stood knee-deep in his own waste. At only three years-old, his musculature was still in vital stages of growth and development. Instead … Continue reading “Benaiah”
“Dear Jesus, please send us the right horse.” This was a portion of our prayer, during a season where many of our four-footed friends stepped across the retirement threshold into a much-earned life of rest. Their faithfulness carried many a child into the loving arms of Jesus. Now, it was time for them to pass the … Continue reading “Bethlehem”
Sitting down at my desk, I turned my full attention toward reviewing a new horse donation application. My assistant, Deirdre, had already alerted me to the high potential of this prospect. The horse seemed to be an exceptional fit in every way. The gelding was a 16 year-old Pony of Americas (POA)/Quarter Horse. His bright … Continue reading “Hosanna”
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”– Romans 5:11 (NLT) In November of 2018, a spunky little horse arrived at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. With him came his half-sister, both finely bred Welsh-Arab crosses. Their bloodlines bestowed on them … Continue reading “Jude”
While admiring stone slabs at a local flooring store, Kim looked up just in time to see a woman half run-half hobble toward her. The lady called out in rushed animation, flailing her arms to capture Kim’s attention. In a flourish, the woman introduced herself as “Eileen,” and opened the verbal floodgates. A terrible story … Continue reading “Legacy”
“I knew that if he could survive traveling 1000 miles packed into my trailer with 100 other PMU babies who were three times his size, he was meant to be yours.” It was late in the fall and Virginia had just returned from Canada with a new load of yearlings. In a voice heavy with … Continue reading “Little Bear”
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you . . .” (Isaiah 66:13, NIV) The Ranch phone rang, relaying information about a filly in need. The voice on the line was upbeat, “The mare you rescued named Bethlehem, would you be interested in her daughter?” We were so thrilled we could hardly … Continue reading “Nakia”
Silas came to Crystal Peaks in the fall of 2015. His acquisition was unique because he was not a battered or neglected horse. His owner was experiencing personal crisis and needed financial assistance toward providing a safe home for her infant son. This beautiful golden gelding was purchased to help a human in need and … Continue reading “Silas”
A mutual friend placed the ranch equine staff in contact with a woman from Washington. Over the miles that separated us, we communicated through text and email. Slowly, the information rolled in like abstract puzzle pieces. As we placed each detail in the correct order, a dramatic picture of heart-wrenching redemption rose into sharp focus. … Continue reading “Spindrift”
During my first view of the starved equine, I thought his skeletal frame looked more like that of a dinosaur than that of a horse. The gelding’s dull black coat appeared to stretch nearly beyond its limits to cover his protruding ribs. Kim and I tenderly placed our hands over the gaunt hide in front … Continue reading “Warrior”