PARTNERS.
Mustang Trainer
Jeff, BCI’s mustang program coordinator, has spent a lifetime in the saddle. His early days were spent in a ranching community in Colorado. Jeff is now a successful TIP trainer in Tucson, Arizona and is passionate about training and rehoming mustangs. After numerous years of training for others, Jeff decided to bring his love of horses full circle and start his own business - Dream Horse AZ.
The BCI equine therapy sessions with the mustangs are conducted by Dream Horse, at White Stallion Ranch for veteran participants and their adult family members. Jeff emphasizes the importance of ground-work with horses not only for the benefit of the horse’s training, but also as a means of helping his clients cultivate non-verbal communication skills, which Jeff believes is the foundation of a healthy, productive, and fun relationship. Jeff's emphasis on non-verbal communication has been extremely valuable to BCI’s participants.
Tamara Clause, LPC-S, CEIP-MH
Equine Therapist
Tamara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Equine Therapist for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Tamara collaborates with Jeff to conduct BCI’s equine therapy sessions.
As a lifetime equestrian, horses have been an integral part of Tamara's well-being and she is a passionate advocate for the healing potential made possible through partnering with these special animals. Tamara completed a BA in Communication and BS in Psychology from the University of Arizona and received her MS from Prescott College in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Equine Assisted Mental Health. Tamara is a Certified Equine Interaction Professional in Mental Health.
The "Camp" in BaseCamp
Throughout the week-long program BCI’s participants (veterans and family members) are housed at White Stallion Ranch (“WSR”), an award-winning family owned and operated dude ranch. WSR affords BCI’s participants the opportunity to utilize the communication skills they cultivate from their time training mustangs in an environment that is fun, engaging, and community oriented. From trail rides and lessons, to team penning and BCI tailored horsemanship clinics, WSR ensures that the week-long program is truly immersive.
Head Wrangler "Herd Mare"
Carol is BCI’s WSR program coordinator affectionately referred to by participants as the “herd mare”. Carol’s horsemanship skills are matched only by her ability to teach others how to develop a healthy bond with their horses - and to have fun while doing it!
Community Partner
Connecting Arizona service members, veterans, families & helpers to information, support and resources.
Be Connected website.