Deb Prentice, our ranch owner, discovered the Methow Valley in 1985 when she visited for a cross country ski trip.  She and her husband, Arnie, have lived in the Valley part-time since completing their home here in 1997.  They purchased the ranch land in 2004 and started BCEC in 2005.  Deb’s dream of owning a horse began when she was a child in New York but did not become a reality until 2000 when she purchased “half-a-horse” with a girlfriend who quickly sold her the other “half.”  To say that Moochie, a buckskin quarter horse, and Deb have had many adventurous times together is an understatement! 

Krista Boudreaux, founder of Leap of Faith Training Services, has managed, trained and taught in Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, California and Texas. She has more that 25 years of teaching and training experience in English and western disciplines including showing horses in Hunters, Dressage, Combined Training and Eventing. She also has experience training horses for harness, western pleasure and trail. Her expertise covers your horse’s first days with a trainer to turning out a polished show horse. Krista’s early years galloping racehorses helped her find success with retraining off track thoroughbreds and challenging horses. She is able to work with riders of all skill levels from tiny-tot to advanced. Her experience in show and sales prep allows her to help you show your horse to its best advantage.

Krista moved to Washington from Kempner, Texas with her husband, Tim, their son, Taylor, their 2-year old daughter, Samantha and 3 dogs, Zoe, Madison and Happy. Please stop by and meet Krista when you have a chance.

Sandie Haase Stone, our office manager, is a fifth generation valley resident.  She grew up with her family in the Upper Rendezvous area of the Methow where they raised cattle and hay.  “I really enjoy working with the horses here at BCEC,” says Sandie.  “It’s like I have come full circle.  My Dad put me and my brothers on horses about the time we learned to walk.  As kids, our summers were spent on horseback moving cattle in the Paysaten Wilderness where dad had a range permit.”   When she’s not billing and ordering products for BCEC, you’ll find her “lovin’ on” her favorite little buddy, Puck, a 3-year old Morgan gelding.  Sandie lives with her husband Rick, their cat, Uh-Oh, and too many ducks to count!  Rick calls her “the mad duck lady of Twin Lakes.”   

Nikki Melton is a fourth generation Valley resident who has been aboard horses since before she could walk.  Nikki’s mom and dad, Leanna and Tom Melton, raise quarter horses here in the Valley.  Nikki works as our facilities and barn assistant.

One of her first jobs was working for the Lloyd Ranch chasing cows, which continues to be one of her passions today.  “I love to help local ranchers chase cows,” says Nikki, who also admits to a new found passion for cutting.  She owns three quarter horses and is looking forward to working with her brand new colt, Kite, that cute little bay you see here at BCEC.

Nikki participated in 4-H, was the Rodeo Queen in 1991, and also attended Vet Tech school in Yakima.  She worked as a veterinarian assistant for 3 years with Dan and Terry DeWeert of Twisp.  She currently volunteers at the Winthrop rodeos and helps with the 49er’s Day parade.  When not out chasing cows, you might find her in a nearby river or lake where she enjoys her other pastime, trout fishing.