Crossfire Ranch, Inc

Vision: To inspire true hope and lasting healing to every child. Mission: We pair kids in crisis with horses and mentors to find hope and healing. A nudge becomes a calling. It was a cold winter day. Drew, deeply challenged by anxiety and an incredibly low self image, leaned into Mercedes copper colored neck, and simply felt at peace and accepted. No questions. No measuring up. Just at home. This blonde-haired young man found that Mercedes could handle all that he brought to the table and his heart was eased. As Drew sat atop Mercedes back lead by his mentor he smiled and breathed in the fresh air - and many more have since done the same. Yes, Heidi Gossen had a dream. The New London mom of three and home schooling mom read book that not only touched her heart deeply but evoked a sense of personal purpose – a passionate mission she later could only attribute to God’s artful plan. “Hope Rising” was the book – and its author, Kim Meeder, chronicled heart wrenching  stories of abused horses she and her husband, Troy, rescued and the hurting kids who began to find hope and healing themselves while helping care for the extraordinary horses. The Oregon couple witnessed the natural connection between emotionally and physically wounded kids and horses – and embarked on an amazing journey by founding Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, which today is home to dozens of horses and has served thousands of kids and families.  Heidi Gossen grew up on a farm, her first pony brought home in the back of a pick-up truck by her dad. Farm life offered a sense of calm and the horses a freedom like the wind. Heidi watched the heart wrenching mental health struggles her brother went through. The loneliness and frustration that it brought. She knew New London needed a Crystal Peaks. In 2015 Jasper, a gentle giant of a horse, was brought to a Menasha boarding facility where first sessions began. Crossfire Ranch currently works out of a boarding facility in Reedsville and is working toward securing it's own permanent property. Sessions take place in the indoor arena or outside, both offer kids and horses a place to connect and work on ground skills.   It is a busy and bustling place at times – but also breathes tranquility and respite. Crossfire Ranch is a place where ordinary people—like Heidi Gossen—meet extraordinary challenges every day with God’s Grace and witness the triumph of hope and healing for kids and their families.

We pair those who are experiencing emotional challenges with a trained mentor and equine partner to find hope and healing. Current target population: school aged youth. Future will also include adults ie veterans, those in recovery, etc.