About Us
Making a difference, one life at a time!
Our Story
ESTABLISHED in 2011, founder Laura Klock launched the nationally recognized Helping with Horsepower Bike Rebuild Program for at-risk youth. In 2015, Crystal Young, Owner of Reclamation-Ranch, joined forces with Laura to start the Helping with Horsepower Therapeutic Riding Program for individuals with special needs. The overall MISSION of Helping with Horsepower at Reclamation-Ranch is to design and
implement programs that empower, encourage, and inspire. By building a community of individuals born
or diagnosed with limitations, we create opportunities for purpose, wellbeing and growth.
True to our HWH MISSION, in 2019 the Heroes Helping with Horsepower program was born!
This program focuses on assisting Veterans through equine therapies using the EGC Method!
Meet The Team
Crystal Young
Executive Director - Equine Program Director
Meet Crystal! With over 30 years of equine and animal experience and connection, Crystal Young facilitates and encourages individuals to enhance healing and wellbeing at Reclamation-Ranch in Mitchell, SD. "Growing up I was always sneaking animals in the house. Now as an adult, I tend to spend more time with horses and other animals and prefer to live in the barn." ""There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man" -Winston Churchill states it perfectly." As the Executive Director of Helping with Horsepower, a non-profit committed to inspiring, challenging and connecting, Crystal shares her equine education and passion for horses with individuals with special needs, military men and women, and at-risk youth in the Mitchell and surrounding areas. "In 2013, I realized I wanted to make some changes and give my life a purpose by making a difference in the lives 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 Executive Director and 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. We, as humans, are truly blessed to be allowed to share time and experiences with horses." Having raised, trained, shown and competed in nearly every equine related activity since she was able to walk, Crystal knew there was something more to horses than just riding. She set out to partner with horses on a mission to make a positive impact and difference in the lives of others. "People want to be seen, heard, and felt and horses are no different. They live in a hierarchy just like humans, they feel, eat and breathe just like humans. They are constantly on alert looking for threats and aware of what is around them. We as humans are not "above" a horse and when a horse allows you to halter, saddle and ride it is because they accept and trust you as one of their own.”
Sam Hieb
Board President
Meet Sam! Sam enjoys spending time with her family and friends, riding horses, being outdoors, gardening, traveling, and continuously learning. And cheering on the Huskers! GO BIG RED! She works for the Mitchell School District as a Behavior Specialist. Sam is inspired by the mission of Helping with Horsepower and the opportunities to help empower others to build new skills and reach their goals. She has been a part of the Helping with Horsepower herd since 2019 and was previously an HwH instructor. “Horses have always been a part of my life. I love their intuitive nature. When a rider might not be able to verbalize how they are feeling, horses are able to reflect their emotions, allowing us to process them together”.
Jordan Hanson
Secretary
Meet Jordan! Jordan Hanson was born and raised in Mitchell, SD and has lived here almost his entire life. He is a real estate investor and spends most of his time fixing up old properties, primarily old apartment buildings. In his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife and newborn daughter. Jordan has a passion for helping communities with affordable housing and donating time, energy and funding to non profit organizations. He has served on the Helping with Horsepower board since 2021 and looks forward to helping the organization improve and grow!
Traci Moore
Board Member
Meet Traci! Traci Moore and family live on an acreage outside of Mt. Vernon with their 2 horses, dog, 3 farm cats and some goldfish that live in the horse tank. Her family enjoys watching the SDSU Jackrabbits. Traci graduated from SDSU and has masters degrees in marriage and family therapy and school counseling. She has been the school counselor at Mitchell Middle School for 23 years. She is the co-founder of Unfiltered REALity-which is South Dakota's largest youth led tobacco prevention group. She enjoys volunteering at Northridge Baptist Church where she helps with the elementary students on Wednesday nights, is a small group leader for high school girls, and teaches the high school Sunday School class. Traci loves working with youth and has a heart for helping our youth have the best opportunities possible to prepare them for their future.
Becky Kiner
Board Member
Meet Becky! Born and raised in Mitchell, South Dakota, Becky is grateful to now be raising her children in the same place that shaped her. "I’ve watched this community grow, change, and thrive, and I truly value the charm, history, and heart that make Mitchell special." With over twenty years in the service industry and now working as a real estate agent, Becky has the chance to build genuine, lasting relationships across the community. For the past five years she has volunteered with Helping with HorsePower—"a role that brings me so much joy and allows me to give back in a meaningful way."
Dr. Mary Grosdidier
Board Member
Meet Mary! Mary is a mixed animal veterinarian who, along with her husband, owns a clinic in Plankinton, SD. She grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Iowa and has been around animals her entire life. She has five children; four boys and one girl. She and her family have lived outside of Ethan, SD for 28 years. Mary’s fourth son, Jayden, has Down syndrome and absolutely loves to visit the farm to see Crystal and all the animals. Mary is honored to play a roll in Helping with Horsepower because she has seen first-hand the difference an animal can make in someone’s life.
Gabirelle Nelson
Equine Program Riding Instrustor
Meet Gabirelle! I've had a strong passion for animals my whole life, but I always found a stronger connection with horses. I always had a cat or a dog growing up but never a horse. My motor-head of a father thought a dirt bike or a snowmobile would make a good substitute." "My mom is a teacher in the Mitchell School District. As a kid, I found myself watching her use her abilities to work with so many kids and adults and how it brought her happiness. Now as an adult, I find the same happiness with helping people of all ages in my day to day life. When I was in college I learned about the powers of therapeutic riding. I knew this was my calling in life. I am so excited to share my love for horses with others and use my passion in a positive way. I now live on a small acreage outside of Mount Vernon with my husband and our son. Together we have our own horses, dogs and cats.
Allison Baker
Equine Program Riding Instrustor
Meet Allison! Allison grew up on a farm. She liked to spend as much of her time outside with the animals as possible. She grew up with horses, but bought her first horse, Shiraz in 2006. "Shiraz taught me significant life lessons that humans couldn't. I'm unable to count the number of times she's saved me." Ever since then she has been growing her herd. In addition, Allison always had the passion of helping others. So in 2020, she received her BA in Interdisciplinary, specializing in Special Education and American Sign Language, from Augustana University. She has years of experience working with people of different disabilities through volunteering, residential housing, schools and riding instructing. "I'm blessed to have a career that combine my love for horses and my passion for helping others. Becoming a therapeutic riding instructor at Helping with Horsepower has been life changing. God placed me right where I was intended to be!"
Laura Klock
Founder
Meet Laura!
Kristie Cunningham
Volunteer Coordinator
Meet Kristie! Kristie was raised on a farm in Missouri, spending her childhood helping care for cattle, swine, and chickens. While she didn’t grow up with horses, her love for animals and the outdoors has always guided her path in life. In 2002, life brought Kristie and her two children to South Dakota, where she has been rooted ever since. Throughout adulthood, she has consistently dedicated her time to volunteer efforts that strengthen her community and support the people around her. Having always dreamed of having a horse, Kristie joined Helping with Horsepower in 2023 as a sidewalker. She immediately felt a deep connection with the horses and the organization’s mission. Her role allows her to blend her passion for helping others with her desire to learn more about horses—something that continues to inspire her every day.