Our Herd
Rescue
“Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” (Psalm 50:15, NLT)
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch was founded in 1995 on four pillars, the first being, “Rescue the Equine.” The ranch supports between 25-35 resident horses. Although some of our herd have come to us through loving homes, many have been rescued from their own severe circumstances, surviving neglect, starvation and abuse. Because the Ranch was founded, in part, as an equine rescue and rehabilitation facility, we acquire our horses in every imaginable way. We also work closely with our local Sheriff’s Department and local veterinary clinics and equine surgery center. Since CPYR has no law enforcement abilities, we cannot “confiscate” horses in need. Consequently, the Ranch purchases nearly all the horses it rescues. Their freedom is not free. To date, the Ranch has assisted in over 350 horse rescue operations.
The nature of rescue is to redeem, rehabilitate and release. Many horses the Ranch acquires gain healing and then find safe and loving homes. Other new arrivals demonstrate a unique love for people and thereby choose to stay and serve the children of Crystal Peaks.
Herd Family
“God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” (Psalm 68:6a, NLT)
God created horses to live together as an intimate herd family. As much as we’re able, Crystal Peaks strives to honor God’s design by allowing all our horses to live together within a single group. Once a new rescue has arrived and is carefully integrated, they join the herd and learn the value of existing within a family.
Horses want to experience life side by side. For those who are willing to learn, they can teach us volumes about living in balance within a community. Often, we watch in amazement as beautiful family dynamics unfold among these beloved friends. Daily, many companions will choose to share the same pile of hay or stand quietly together in peaceful rest. We often observe older horses disciplining the young, teaching them the vital need for honor and respect within a family. In turn, those who can see lend their sight by leading their blind equine elders. And without fail, the young and playful bring humor and vitality to the aged.
At the Ranch, each horse fills a special role within their family unit while also serving in ministry with their unique nature and gifting. To help facilitate the best care possible, we have organized our herd into three primary groups:
Although our horses have been arranged into generalized positions within our program, each equine is loved and handled as a rare gift. Together, our treasured herd of individuals form a single beautiful family. This same principle is found in Scripture. While the family—the “body” of Christ is one unit—it has many members.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV