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Western Horseman

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There’s nothing fun about horse rescues. Even a veteran of the process such as Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch founder Kim Meeder, has never learned to enjoy the process. But in the dozen years she’s been rescuing horses from neglect and abuse, she’s learned to appreciate the silver lining that comes from such horrible conditions.

Early morning sunshine brought the cold Maggie Creek calving barn to life. The buckaroos started their busy day in the pen behind the barn, stumbling over half-frozen turds, playing that same ol’ game all ranch horses like to play when they see a cowboy show up with a halter in his hand. Snow, sprinkled across the surrounding hills like icing sugar, had no intention of leaving Nevada’s high desert just yet. The night shift man was heading for the warm comfort of his bedroll. His hourly inspections, although cold, dark and lonely, would yield some amazing opportunities to stargaze, especially on those clear nights with no moon.

Arizona’s Empire Ranch boasts a rich history going back to the days of two daring speculators. The ranch’s future now depends on an enterprising family, a partnership with the government, and a renewed horse program.