Building relationships through the building of relationship with your horse.
Cara Shearer Zehnder, along with her daughter, began taking lessons back in 2009. Dave and Tracy Cross from East Canton, gave their time and shared a vision with Cara regarding the ministry at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. In the winter of 2009 Cara's daughter, Anna, asked for horse lessons.. A mentorship began through friends, then through family, but first in the Lord. Our first miracle occurred in Spring of that year, when I ran into a old friend I hadn't seen since college. Through the checkout line at Drug Mart she handed me the number of someone who would forever change our lives. Dave and Trace Cross from Louisville OH, opened their home and their horses to two little girls and a mom who just wanted to be around horses. We were curious to see what this couple was so eager to teach us about horses, money not the forefront of their decision to work with us. In fact, it depended only on our desire to want to come as to whether they would work with us. So off we went on a visit to Crosswind Ranch. Miss Jodie, our dear friend accompanied on this day when we met Tracie and Dave for the first time and we were all amazed to watch them perform what seemed to be a "relationship" building training method with the horses. My dad was in awe, and the soft and nurturing demeanor of Tracie and Dave started a friendship that would last ....and teach...
As time went on Tracie and Dave shared their desire to start a ministry through horses. We were awestruck, as we had found the quiet hours in the barn proving to spiritually grow us significantly. Tracie and Dave for the second time, after a friend of mine Kendra Crawford also brought up this ranch, explained the ministry of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. At the time a bit overwhelmed, we had not yet taken the time to look into what would go into starting something like this, it seemed more like a dream than a reality. But I know my prayer started a bit like this..."If you want me to Lord...". A dear friend who came into my life in the summer of 2011, a very difficult time in my life, 34 years old, and feeling every bit of it. Rachel actually brought this book to me and after leaving it in her car, turned her car around to make sure I had the book to read. It was called "A Bridge called Hope" by Kim Meeder. I took the book home, third time, as the rooster crowed for Peter. I came to the realization that it took three times for me to listen. Out to Oregon in May of 2012 after gaining all sponsor funded ministry trip to learn about Crystal Peaks, for we prayed that if God wanted to fulfill this ministry through us, the success He had provided through CPYR must be the way to go. And here we are!! This ministry ranges from prayer partnership to working with or just being around horses located at various horse farms and friends, including Arohra Farms in New Lawrence Twp, OH. Our mission, to provide a leader, a horse, and time with whoever is needing a place to feel loved and to learn about horses. Anyone who would like to just be around horses, brush them, or eventually ride, will have the opportunity. There is no fee. Every person who comes to be a part of this family ministry builds on a relationship with a horse and then builds on their personal relationship with God as our Savior.
