Meet Crystal
"Located 4 miles south of I90, Exit 330 in Mitchell, SD, Reclamation-Ranch is committed to being a premiere facility to assist Veterans, Families & Youth, in achieving goals & reaching their full potential through interactions with Therapeutic Horses & Animals. With over 25 years of equine and animal experience, Owner/Operator, Crystal Young facilitates and encourages individuals to enhance healing and wellbeing at Reclamation-Ranch.
"In 2013, I realized I wanted to make some changes and give my life a purpose by making a difference in the life of others, both human and animal. If change is to be, it is up to me! I have found my calling, purpose and passion! As a SpiritHorse® Therapeutic Riding Instructor for Helping with Horsepower® & Equine Gestalt Life Coach®, I have come to know horses as the most non-judgmental teachers, I have ever met. I have seen and felt them heal in ways a person would have never imagined." ~Crystal Young~
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a main." ~Winston Churchill~
After graduating Touched by a Horse's® 2-year Gestalt Life Coaching program in 2015, Crystal reached out to Klock Werks, Vice President and successful entrepreneur, Laura Klock for mentorship and guidance. Laura was certified as a therapeutic riding instructor by "SpiritHorse International Therapeutic Riding Center® in 2010. Reclamation-Ranch became the home of Helping with Horsepower's® SpiritHorse® Therapeutic Riding Center in 2015.
Laura Klock
"In 2016, the number of riders benefiting from therapeutic riding lessons tripled! We gave over 125 rides from May through Oct. of 2016. That wouldn't have been possible without the support of our rider's families, our amazing volunteers and supporters." states Crystal. In 2020, Reclamation-Ranch and Helping with Horsepower ® combined sessions, instructors & resources to assist even more individuals. Today, Helping with Horsepower @ Reclamation-Ranch has over 100 clients coming numerous times a month.
Meet Ralph!
My name is "Ralph" and this is my story. I was less than 6 months old when I was dumped at the landfill on the reservation. Feeling abandoned, neglected and hungry, I wasn't sure how I was going to survive. I was on my own. Until one day, I was rescued by people from the Oglala Pet Project. They spent hours removing ticks, bathing, and caring for me. Once I was ready for adoption,, the family at Reclamation-Ranch wanted me!
I now live with all kinds of animal friends and love my family. I am valued for just being me, even when I get into trouble. Like one time, I chewed up my favorite move "Wreck It Ralph", But Hey!, That movie was asking for it, Right?
After my first year at Reclamation-Ranch, my mom discovered I had the perfect temperament to help people. mostly my days are filled with naps, playing with the cats, following my family around outside, greeting the Helping with Horsepower® therapeutic riding kids and families and of course, eating. But on my favorite days, I get to spend time with my friends at the Abbott House! As soon as we arrive at the Abbott House, I am filled with love, joy and happiness to share with the girls. We have so much fun during our time together! They share their stories about their own dogs & pets, laugh, play and some of them tell me they are from the same area I used to live at. My favorite part of the whole day is when I hear one of the girls say "I feel so loved when I'm with Ralph" I am very grateful for the time I share with the girls at the Abbott House and hope my story inspires them to find and do what they were born to do.
Other days, I get to tag along to nursing homes and assisted living centers to help cheer up the elderly residents. They are so fun and loving. Even if I have to share their time with "Beauty" the Black Queen at Reclamation-Ranch, it's still fun to get out and collect so many hugs.
Helping with Horsepower & Reclamation-Ranch Herd
Between Helping with Horsepower and Reclamation-Ranch, there are approximately 20 head of horses at the ranch. Most of these horses are used for the Therapeutic Riding and Equine Gestalt Coaching sessions. Others are used for private lessons and a few are just enjoying their retired years at the ranch. We have a great variety of horses; Fell Ponies, Quarter Horses, Hafflingers, Drafts and cross breeds, some young, some old and anywhere in between. Our riders range in age from 2 to 60+, but one thing is for certain; after spending some time at the ranch with all the animals, no one will leave without a heart full of peace and love.
Our Horse Herd: Batman, Robin, Trigger, Mississippi, Robin, Mickey, Sheeza, Bruce, Elvis, Beauty, Mia, Raven, Atari, Soli, Tanga, Nombay, Lucy
