The Lamar Community College (LCC) Ranch Horse Team offers aspiring equestrians a unique opportunity to excel in the dynamic world of collegiate ranch horse competitions. As an integral part of the Stock Horse of Texas collegiate program, and affiliated with regional associations like the Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska Stock Horse Associations, as well as the American Stock Horse Association, LCC’s program is dedicated to preparing both horse and rider for success. The curriculum focuses on versatility ranch horse disciplines, equipping students with the skills needed to compete in a comprehensive range of events.
Developing Comprehensive Equine Skills
The LCC Ranch Horse Team provides a robust training environment that covers a wide spectrum of competitive ranch horse events. Students gain hands-on experience and hone their abilities in disciplines such as ranch riding and stock horse pleasure, ranch trail, ranch reining, ranch cutting, working ranch, and working cow horse. This comprehensive approach ensures that team members develop a well-rounded skill set, crucial for excelling in the multifaceted demands of collegiate ranch horse competitions.
Meet the Dedicated Coaching Staff
Cole Bennett: Head Ranch Horse Coach
Residing near Syracuse, KS, Cole Bennett brings a wealth of practical experience to his role as Head Ranch Horse Coach. He actively manages a cow-calf operation and runs Cole Bennett Cowhorses, LLC, a horse training business. Cole’s lifelong immersion in the equine world, from assisting his father with cattle gathering to competing in playdays and various events, forms the foundation of his expertise. His high school competitive career included saddle bronc riding and team roping, followed by extensive experience working in feed yards and on ranches, consistently aiming to elevate his horsemanship. He has been a competitor at the state level in NRCHA open competition since 2017, participating in events with the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association, Panhandle Reined Cowhorse Association, and other affiliates. Cole earned his NRCHA judge’s card in December 2023, further underscoring his deep understanding of the sport. He also enjoys competing in VRH and ranching heritage challenge events.
Cole Bennett, Head Ranch Horse Coach
Savanna Mauch: Ranch Horse Team Staff
Savanna Mauch serves as the Equine, Ag, and Rodeo Department Chair and instructs Equine Business Management. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Education from South Dakota State University, Savanna was a member of the Equestrian Team during her studies. She is enthusiastic about expanding collegiate competition opportunities at Lamar Community College and is committed to fostering well-rounded students who can become leaders in the equine industry.
Savanna Mauch
Kelli Gaines: Ranch Horse Team Volunteer
Kelli Gaines provides valuable volunteer support to LCC’s ranch horse team, assisting with logistics. Her involvement in the equine industry extends to being a limited amateur rider. Kelli competes in versatility ranch horse events with her horse Dixon Got a Gun, known as “Dixon,” and is working towards the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association’s Legend award. She graduated from CSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2010. Kelli believes strongly in the lifelong skills and memories the LCC team members are acquiring.
Kelli Gaines
The 2024-2025 Ranch Horse Team Roster
The team is proud to introduce its dedicated members for the 2024-2025 season:
Diego Márquez
Hometown: Querétaro, Mexico
Program of Study: Equine Business Management AAS and Horse Training Management AAS
Horse: Marqed Wimp, affectionately known as “Poky,” a horse Diego has trained since he was two years old. Poky has prior NRHA Futurity Mexicano experience, and Diego has successfully competed with him in various youth categories, including winning the 2022 ANECR MEXICO OCTOBER SHOW Youth 14-18 National Championship and the 2023 ANECR Clásico de Verano Youth 14-18 Championship. They have also achieved top placings in Rookie L1, Non Professional, and Limited Non Professional divisions in the NRCHA. At LCC, they are expanding their skills to include Trail, Ranch Riding, and Cow Horse disciplines.
Goals after College: Diego aspires to become a professional horse trainer specializing in reining horses. He plans to gain further experience by working with established trainers, such as Matt Mills Reining Horses in Texas, whom he greatly admires.
Past Accomplishments or Future Aspirations: Graduating high school in 2023 and being accepted to Lamar Community College to study in the U.S. are significant achievements. Horse-related accomplishments include National Champion titles and representing Mexico at the NRHA World Youth Reining Cup in Cremona, Italy, in 2023. He also served as the NRHyA Delegate of Mexico for three years.
Diego Márquez
Brycen Stewart
Hometown: Bronson, Kansas
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management and Equine Business Management
Horse: Kings Cody Hancock, or “Bad Luck,” a diligent 5-year-old gelding that Brycen started himself as a high school senior. Bad Luck is recognized as a hardworking and persistent ranch horse.
Goals after College: Brycen intends to manage his own cattle operation and train colts for both performance and ranch work.
Past Accomplishments and Future Aspirations: He is a CEPRa qualifier for Ranch Bronc Riding in the Central Plains Region. Brycen aims to enhance his horsemanship skills and gain a deeper understanding of the competitive side of ranching through his involvement with the Ranch Horse Team.
Brycen Stewart
Bay Milne
Hometown: Cullman, Alabama
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management and Equine Business Management
Horse: Dudes Georgia Dulce, known as “Trigger,” a 17-year-old palomino. Originally a head horse, Trigger is now being trained in patterns and various maneuvers to prepare for team competitions and further Bay’s showing knowledge.
Goals after College: Bay plans to start colts and specialize in young horse training for performance disciplines.
Past Accomplishments & Future Aspirations: With aspirations to excel in colt starting and build a successful business, Bay aims to become highly proficient in this area.
Bay Milne
Madison Ballah
Hometown: Milan, Ohio
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management and Equine Business Management
Horse: Fillie Nelson, registered name Call Me Mitch x BCR Takin The Silver, known as “Sweetie.”
Goals after College: Madison aims to train horses and establish a successful business.
Past Experiences: She has experience competing with the NRHA and working with numerous young horses prior to joining LCC.
Josie Waite
Hometown: Morrill, Nebraska
Program of Study: Equine Business Management
Horse: Hide N In A Benz, nicknamed “Rita.”
Goals after College: Josie aims to launch her own successful horse business and continue her competitive showing career.
Past Experiences: Josie began showing horses at the age of eight and has consistently participated in NRCHA and High School Rodeo events.
Makayla Kessie
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management
Horse: Only One Krymsun, known as “Whitney.”
Goals after College: Makayla seeks to improve her horse training abilities and assist others with their horses by leveraging the knowledge gained at LCC.
Past Experiences: With 11 years of riding experience, Makayla has owned her mare for six years. She has competed with AQHA in both English and Western classes, working with approximately 20 different horses.
River Stepanek
Hometown: Glade Park, Colorado
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management
Horse: Bow
Goals after College: River aims to utilize the skills acquired at LCC to pursue a career in the horse and ranch industries.
Past Experiences: Growing up with horses and participating in 4-H showing, River has developed a particular fondness for mustangs.
Mareea Decker
Hometown: Arundel, Maine
Program of Study: Horse Training & Management
Horse: Steve oo
Goals after College: Mareea plans to become a reined cowhorse trainer, focusing on developing horses that are mentally and physically sound for the long term.
Past Experiences: Riding horses since the age of two, Mareea has always envisioned a career centered around them. Her experience spans eventing, versatility, barrel racing, and ranch riding.
Millie LaForest
Hometown: Beulah, Colorado
Program of Study: Animal Science
Horse: Blu Bonnets, known as “Bonnie.”
Goals after College: Millie intends to pursue a career as a nutritionist, specializing in equine and large animal nutrition.
Past Experiences: Hailing from a sixth-generation ranching and farming family in Southern Colorado, Millie has extensive experience showing horses through NRCHA and 4-H.
Ranch Horse Team Alumni
The LCC Ranch Horse Team also acknowledges its past members who have contributed to the program’s legacy:
- Diego Marquez (2023-2025)
- Brycen Stewart (2024-2025)
- Bay Milne (2024-2025)
- Ty Arnold (2023-2024)
- Audreauna Shahan (2023-2024)
- Allysah Boyd (2023-2024)
- Sierra Higby (2023-2024)
- Hailey Ebright (2024)
- Aubrie Brown (2022-2023)
- Bela Meza (2022-2023)
- Gains Lunsford (2022-2023)
Get Involved
Individuals interested in the Ranch Horse Team and its comprehensive horse program are encouraged to complete the Equine Student Questionnaire. For further inquiries about the team, please contact Cole Bennett directly at (806) 338-0055 or via email at cole.bennett@lamarcc.edu.
