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Date Submitted August 16, 2025
Submitted by: Tracy A Stephens
“For Those Who’ve Served, and Those Who are Ready to Serve Them.”
I wore a uniform and badge for 12 1/2 years of my life. First as a Security Police in the United States Air Force, then as a civilian Police Officer/Basic EMT. From time to time I have shared about some of the trauma I experienced then as well as from my Childhood. As a Veteran Advocate and Volunteer Veteran Mentor with the Calhoun County Veterans Treatment Court in Anniston, Alabama I have had opportunities to experience a couple of different types of natural alternative holistic treatments, one of which is equine therapy. While it has only been a brief exposure, I can easily recognize the positive benefits from equine-assisted programs that would bring an improvement to one’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
That is why I am proud to share about the HORSE Alliance (Heroes’ Organizations for Recovery, Service & Empowerment) that is currently being formed to serve Active Military, including Guard and Reserve, Veterans, First Responders, and Families of each through equine based services throughout the state of Alabama. This effort is being initiated by BondFire Ranch and Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project.
The HORSE Alliance will connect and amplify efforts across Alabama to improve access to services, secure and support funding through public and private partnerships. They will collaborate on cross-referrals and statewide outreach to meet individuals and families where they are locally so they can access services without having to travel great distances. They will elevate professional standards by promoting best practices, training, certifications and to expand services and pathways for holistic care and reintegration.
The HORSE Alliance target membership will include nonprofit 501(c)(3) equine programs, LLC Barns, Farms and Ranches. Membership will also be available to licensed veterinarians and professional farriers, local, state, and federal agencies supporting or serving those populations mentioned above. Others to be included for membership will be educational institutions, certification bodies, governing organizations, donors, grant makers, and corporate sponsors aligned with the mission.
For more information about the HORSE Alliance (Heroes’ Organizations for Recovery, Service & Empowerment) contact Brian Eddy at gilbert.eddy@hotmail.com.
BondFire Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those who have given so much to their communities and country and is located in Clanton (Chilton County) Alabama. Please visit their website at https://www.bondfireranch.org/
Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans transition to independent living through sustainable programs, skill-building opportunities, and strong community connections and is located in Lineville (Clay County) Alabama. Please visit their website at https://sssvp.org/index.php
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