Hope Rising: Stories from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams

by Kim Meeder

Kim Meeder has seen horses go where no one else can tread - stepping through the minefield of a broken child's soul in a dance of trust that only God can understand. From a mistreated horse to an emotionally starved child and back again, a torrent of love washes away their barren places. Kim's ranch is a place where this miracle happens over and over again. It is a place where the impossible flourishes, where dreams survive the inferno of reality - a place where hope rises.

Where Wounded Spirits Run Free

Follow a horse where no one else can tread, through the minefield of pain that surrounds a broken child's soul. From a mistreated horse to an emotionally starved child and back again, a torrent of love revives their barren places.

In the presence of unconditional love, a mute girl speaks for the first time. A defiant teenager teaches a horse to trust again...and opens his own heart to love. A rescued horse gives a dying man his last wish. A battered girl finds love and protection in the friendship of a battered horse...

Come visit a place where the impossible flourishes, where dreams survive the inferno of reality--a place where hope rises.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horses, Animals, Christian, Memoir, Inspirational, Spirituality

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2003

About the author

Kim Meeder is the cofounder and director of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, an organization that rescues abused and dying horses and pairs them with children in need.

Kim’s first book, Hope Rising, propelled the ranch to win the national Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and launched her extensive public/motivational speaking schedule at schools, churches, and governmental conferences across the United States. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for twenty-five years and live in Central Oregon. The size of their family fluctuates each year with the number of horses and kids that they rescue.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is one of my favorite books! I cried through most of it. Although many of the stories are heartbreaking, the amazing love that God has for the neglected and abused will also bring you to tears.
This book is a compilation of true stories about a woman who rescues a neglected horse from certain death. She and her husband decide to open up a rescue ranch for abused and neglected horses. But this is only the beginning of their amazing ministry! God's plans are always so much bigger than ours!
For those that do not enjoy animal stories, this book is not really about the horses. It is about the children that also need someone to rescue them, in more ways than one. This book is a glimpse into the heart of God.
Erin

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this I really enjoyed, but at times it got to be like eating too much sugar. I would have liked to hear a little more about the nitty-gritty of actually running the ranch, as well as more about depth about both horses and people.

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible tale of hope through horses and healing.

[Kendra Stejskal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got to my heart so much. I used to work with rescue horses, and they are the most incredible animals. I remember that particular season of my life was a tough one...my dad was going through cancer treatments and I was struggling with several other things in my life. I would volunteer at the rescue ranch weekly, and I remember sometimes just talking with the horses in the field and crying into their manes because I was so confused, hurting and worn out from life. Their kind and loving spirits helped heal me in some deep places. I will always hold them in a special place in my heart.
The ranch (and the people who own it) in this book sounds amazing!! Hope Rising is filled with short stories regarding the broken lives of people (focusing on youth) and horses and how they come to love and help each other, on a ranch in central Oregon. It is filled with hurt and brokenness that is victoriously overcome by faith and love. I have a friend that lives in the same town where this ranch is located, and I hope to visit at some point! <3

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a little longer than normal to finish it because I had to put down between stories as it kept tearing my heart out. The stories of healing and compassion are so very heartwarming but it was the author's own story of overcoming tragedy and how she managed to turn her life into one of servitude to broken souls that truly captured my attention. Many people would have sunk into a deep depression and a life of "why me?" but she instead turned it around to help others and if she got a little preachy I was able to brush it off because it seemed like her faith was something that helped her get through the rough days. This was a very inspiring book. I hope she someday writes a book based on her life and her struggles to get exactly where she is today.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. The author has experienced so many stunning miracles, and all of the stories were heartfelt and beautifully written. Throughout all of her hardships, Kim Meeder displays such faith in God that really amazes me. She writes about how a few simple prayers went a long way to saving lives, both human and equine. Truly, this is one of the best books I've read. I'm not a very emotional person, and while I didn't cry throughout the book, it was certainly very touching and really just amazed me left and right when miracles occurred again and again in the stories. Definitely a fantastic book.

[The Gatekeeper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cool stories, but written in a rather sappy tone that got on my nerves. I also noticed that the author, while talking a great deal of angels and miracles, never mentioned God's sovereignty, sin, or even the Bible until the last page, when she quoted a verse. Considering some of the amazing stories in the book, one would think that God's sovereignty, at least, would play a role in the telling. One thing this book did for me, though: it made me more determined to continue my riding lessons next summer. :)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written about stories from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, this books will answer any questions you might have about the therapeutic connection between animals and children that are either in crisis or recovering from crisis. I am an avid supporter of this connection, having witnessed it many times. Animals ONLY see how they are treated, not the "broken" pieces in us. There are a few amazing programs that do this work and this is the story of one.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

each chapter was a different story. it started out well but as the chapters went on some bored me to tears and others were very good. i dont know if i will be reading the sequal to this book. i also couldnt stand how often the auther brought up "the lord" it got old real quick.

[Caren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could have done without all the Jesus business. The author jumps around too much and writes in a disjointed way. There are better horse rescue books out there

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't stand it any longer. Dumped this one halfway through because of overly dramatic and emotional writing style. Anyone interested in some purple prose?

[Graceful Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Rising by Kim Meeder is an inspiring, heartbreaking, and hope filled read.

[Reta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, intimate collection of horse-centered stories moved me to tears multiple times and brought back intense and wonderful equine memories. Each true story reveals Meeder’s love for horses, animals, healing, and justice, all causes that are deep-rooted in my soul as well.

The book is framed by ongoing conversations with God, a sixth sense knowledge of equine and child hearts, and so much passion and kindness.

One of my favorite horse books. I want to visit this place and support this place!

[Rowan Liddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's difficult for me to connect with ministry since I've accepted that Christianity wasn't for me. However, Christianity and horsemanship go hand in hand in most of the western world. Reading the accounts of hope for the children and horses was heartwarming enough to my heathen heart that I could appreciate the faithfulness. Regardless of what you believe in, I do agree that the empathy horses show their human counterparts is nothing short of miraculous.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO POWERFUL and moving.

I just love this quote:

For those who will simply commit to running the race, putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how big or small the step-for those, in the end, the victory will come. Because God is faithful.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, smile and cry, sometimes all at the same time. I would have given it 100 stars if I could.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I both enjoyed and was inspired by the stories in this book. There were times that I questioned the theology/philosophy of the writer; and, though eloquent, the descriptive writing used can feel burdensome and based on emotional perception at times. But I especially enjoyed the final chapter, "Hope Continues."

[Dark-Draco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - it's hard to know what to say about this book. I can't say that I enjoyed it as such, but at the same time, I'm very glad I read it. I found that I would read a story first thing in the morning (before I put my make-up on so it didn't run with the tears!!) and that would set me up for the day. My own problems seem so much less. I do agree that the preaching was a bit annoying, but that is obviously how Kim sees the world. She does so much good though, that she should take on the credit herself. Although, a few of the coincidences do get you pondering!! The biggest surprise that I had was that there seems to be no national organisation to deal with the neglect of so many horses - I know that in the UK, the RSPCA and assorted charities would have stepped in and rescued those animals without going through the heartbreak of having to actually haggle over a price with the negligent owner!!

[Becky Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the glimpses into this horse (& person) rescue lacked a significant point for me and others felt as though the religious allegory was a stretch. It was a quick enough read and kept me engaged enough to keep reading, but I admit to some eye-rolling as the author tried to draw special meaning from fairly mundane things that happened.

[Robin Hatcher]

Kim Meeder has a wonderful way with words. I was deeply moved by so many of the vignettes included in this book. I read it in bits and pieces throughout the year. I highly recommend this book.

I hope that next summer I can find the time to go visit Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. It would be such a treat to see what God has done/is doing there.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get out your tissues and begin to read a true tale of hope and healing. The work being done at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is remarkable. This is a must read for any animal lover or anyone who needs to believe that healing can occur. Don't forget to read the sequel, "Bridge Called Hope".

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming and at times heart-wrenching stories. Kim's stories are encouraging and stretch one's imagination and faith. Her writing style is engaging and filled with grace and insight. Loved this book.

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think people should read this book, especially if you like horses. You don't have to be a horse person to enjoy this book, and is a great book of realization. For 2 years I worked at a rescue and this book really reminded me of that time. This book does a great job at showing all the hard work rescues must do, and giving outsiders a real good inside scoop. The best part about this book is that it is based off of a real rescue. The author of this book runs their own rescue, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

Hope Rising by Kim Meeder is a book of events that happen at her rescue. She writes about some of the horses they rescued, and the kids they have helped. She also talks about some events that were personal.
I think honestly, my favorite character would have to be Kim’s husband Troy. Troy is a great husband, and is always there for Kim and the horses. He is amazing, he helps out at the farm while juggling 2 other jobs, that shows dedication.
In some reviews above people described the story as very powerful, and heartwarming. I can agree on this, as the author does a tremendous job on capturing feelings. In some others they said how the book was confusing, and jumped around too much. I also agree with this, in some parts I was lost, but I still understood the message and story of each chapter. Each chapter is about another horse, kid, or event that took place on the rescue.

I loved reading about how they got some of their horses, and how they have affected the kids on the ranch. I think what Kim does is a really great thing, she helps abused horses, and abused kids. In the book Kim would have a meet group once a week, this was for all the volunteers to enjoy themselves, play games, and have fun. This is an example of her caring for others, and having the children over. In the book Kim also struggles to get money to rescue some of the horses. Her dedication to the animals is amazing, and real shows how hard it is too not be able to save them all.

My favorite quote from the book would have to be “...reminding ourselves that scars are evidence of trails of life, a testament to victory over adversity”(78). I picked this quote because it reminded me of an old horse I fell in love with. He had a horrible accident with his old owner, which lead to them abandoning him. This than lead to him hating being ridden, because he was scared, and people didn't understand him. He would be known as the mean stupid horse, who bites. This quote also reminds me of myself a little too. In the end we meet and became a great pair, which was our “victory”. I sadly had to leave him, but my one wish is to rescue him, and let him spend his last days in a field being free.

[MrsK Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been called to make a leap of faith and move to place that was not on your radar and beyond your imagination? What if the whispering within your heart was calling you to bring hope to the hopeless? What if the hopeless were abused or abandoned horses? What if that leap of faith opened up a ranch for those horses? Finally, what if there is still more to be done?

Meet Kim Meeder! Her story unfolds through-out this collection of life-changing moments. These moments of redemption, renewal, and hope provides an inside look "into" the heart of one who answered, "Yes" to the calling of a mighty God. Whether it is the purchase of a horse in need or it's the open-arm invitation to those broken by life. These chapters are more than stories from a ranch, they are moments in which you, the reader, will recognize the touch of His handiwork.

With an eloquent weaving of words, each chapter witnesses the healing of a soul, a spirit, and a future. Once you've entered the first chapter, Angels in Horsehair, your connection becomes more than a page-turning adventure. Your heart begins to grow a desire to see "healing" in action.

When this book finds it's way into your hands, you will face the grip of "anger and compassion," you will drink in the inner peace of the "broken now restored." Your search for a perfect match will be restored when your heart is shattered by a destructive "stony prison" tenderly transformed into a "captive soul" unchained.

If wishes could come true... your spirit would soar like an eagle on the wings of our Lord's hope for all of his creation. Are you ready to be inspired? Are their areas within the recesses of your heart that is longing for hope? When was the last time you read a book that is filled with "real-life" hope?
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/

[Noah Kayal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Meeder’s Christian literature, titled Hope Rising, sends references about the christian faith, healing, and intense emotions throughout the story. This book is carried through by spiritual stories and how putting faith in God can create very good habits and outcomes.
Kim Meeder and her husband Troy run a rescue mission for horses called Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. They issue a healthy environment for horses that have been abused, and guiding kids who come to the ranch. For example, the story shares with us that troubled kids who come to the ranch make great connections with the horses. Through spending time with the horses, the kids build a relationship with trust and grace. The building of the relationship with the horses helps the kids with their agony. This book shows us the importance of healing, faith, and freeing of sin.
In the book “Hope Rising” I really like the christian literature because I am a big believer in the bible myself. I feel as this book is great for teaching people that putting your faith in Christ will help you throughout your life. This includes healing, health, mental health, and even physical. Then as you do that you can spread the word to other people. This is a great element the author put into this book, faith has a big impact in challenging circumstances.
As an author, Meeder has a talent at creating vivid pictures with her words. Meeder brings a sense of hope and inspiration.
In conclusion, this is a great book for someone who would like to hear a story about the Christian faith. How using faith as a key element to your life can bring you great things with life and relationships.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by a VRBO host in central Oregon, someone who is friends with the author and building a smaller scale type of ranch/retreat. I have great admiration for what Kim Meeder accomplishes; although this book was written nearly 20 years ago, I looked up Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch online and it is still thriving and growing and serving the community.
This is not one story but a collection of short stories and experiences that have happened on or with the ranch. Some stories feature specific horses, some feature specific people, all are testimonies to God's faithfulness in answering prayers and meeting the needs of vulnerable animals and people. Much of the Ranch's work centers in Christian ministry, which enhances the volume and the value of work & service Kim and her husband and employees and volunteers provide.
The only thing I didn't love is that it's overly poetic and dramatic for my taste, with each story being the *most* heart-breaking, gut-wrenching, teary, wrapped in emotional and flowery figurative language experience. After a while I started grow tired of all of that, but even so the stories are pretty amazing and inspiring. Worth a read, especially if you love horses - I just recommend reading a story or two at a time and not expecting to power through it like a novel. And if you are looking to donate some money or resources to a worthy cause, I think this could be a good one!

[Jill McCracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope Rising by Kim Meeder is a tender, faith-filled collection of stories from her horse rescue ranch. She shares how rescued horses, hurting children, and families intersected with her journey of healing and purpose. The book reads like a blend of memoir and devotional, as Kim weaves her own story and her relationship with Jesus throughout each testimony of restoration and hope. Many of the stories truly touched my heart: the transformations, both human and equine, are moving and inspiring reminders of the quiet ways God works through compassion, patience, and obedience. I was especially drawn to how naturally her faith is integrated into the narrative; it felt sincere and reflective rather than preachy. My only wish is that she had spent more time developing one or two stories more deeply instead of presenting so many shorter snapshots. A few moments felt like they ended just as I wanted to sit longer in the emotion and growth of the people and horses involved. That said, I understand the power of sharing the breadth of these experiences. Each story adds another beautiful layer to the overall message of redemption and grace. This is a sweet, uplifting read that left me encouraged and grateful my friend Tracy recommended it to me, even if I found myself wanting just a little more depth in places. I give it 3.5 horses: 🐎🐎🐎.5

[Audrey (Warped Shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars, but I'm giving it 4 for the warm-and-fuzzies.

Hope Rising, a series of anecdotes from Kim and Troy Meeder's horse rescue and therapy ranch, shines a light on just what a beautiful world we live in. The key takeaway of this book (for me, at least) is that despite hardships, pain, and disaster, hope exists to help us through. Faith--whether in a god or fate or ourselves--that situations can turn out for the better is what will carry us along.

The author often emphasizes her love and faith in God and His creations. She does so in a way that expresses her reverence and devotion without bogging down the literature and turning it into a sermon. I don't consider myself religious (spiritual, maybe; curious, for sure) but nevertheless I was able to enjoy the messages of hope and overcoming that Meeder shares in her writing. She shares her perspective without trying to convert the reader.

I never would have picked out this book for myself. (This is why I do reading challenges!) I'm glad that I took a chance on a book that I was wary of. Hope Rising is a wholesome, inspiring, fulfilling, awesome read.


POPSUGAR 2021 Reading Challenge: A book you have seen on someone's bookshelf (taken from my sister's room)

[Debbie Petzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Meeder shows what an extrordinarly gifted writer she is in "Hope Rising." Kim and her husband, Troy own Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, OR. Crystal Peaks is a nine-acre haven on earth for abused horses. As horses recover and heal physically and emotionally, they are also used to help heal broken children who visit the ranch.

From the very first story in Kim's book, you will be reaching for tissues. Chapters are short telling the story of a rescued horse and a child (and sometimes adult) that have come from challenging times. Miracles happen between the two that shouldn't. The splintered spirit of a child opening up to a rescued horse, and giving hope and healing is a gift Kim gives us in this book. Life is brought out of tragedy and loss. "Hope Rising" will be one of the best non-fiction books you can read. Run for any of her other stories - your heart will be uplifted!

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mother bought this book for me a few Christmases ago. With it, she told me a bit about Kim Meeder’s life, and I told her I would get around to reading it. Well, a year and a half later, I’ve finally read this treasure of a book and I’m so glad that I have.

Kim Meeder is such a giving human being. She’s kind and loving and her strong faith was apparent while reading this book. I adored her descriptions and how she seems to truly cherish every broken horse and child that finds his/her way onto her ranch. Each story was beautiful and showed how powerful compassion and our Lord can be.

Hope Rising is truly wholesome. It’s like the Canadian show Heartland but with Jesus thrown in. It was a fun little read that brought some hope for humanity back into my life.