Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch was founded in 1995, by Troy and Kim Meeder. After the rescue of its first two horses, a remarkable transformation was set into motion; children began to come to the ranch. They were not coming for what they could get, the horses were not ridable, they were coming for what they could give. In their efforts of making the horses better, the children themselves got better.

After witnessing a mute girl speak freely to one of their rescued horses, the need to build a ranch where horses and children could help heal each other became vitally clear.

Members of the team.

A safe and peaceful environment was created as the foundation where broken children, horses, and families could find hope within the healing circle of unconditional love.

Today, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch stands as the only nonprofit organization of its type in the United States. What makes it unique is that nearly all 25 horses that live on the ranch have been rescued from violent abuse or life threatening neglect. The horses are paired with one child and one leader, one hundred percent of the time. Each child that comes to the ranch is given a private lesson that best serves their individual needs. Instead of being lost in a group, each child is nurtured by a leader who shares in their private tears and victories. All of this is done free of charge. Through hands on experience, they teach kids the value of life, family, faith, and trust. They in turn, exhibit true resilience and the remarkable wonder of life.