Horse Program Faculty

Faculty & Coaches

Life experiences can radically change how we perceive ourselves and our lives; they can also enrich them. When teachers share their experience and bring skills to others, this enrichment becomes magnified. Lamar Community College Horse Training & Management and Equine Business Management students receive the benefit of learning from industry leaders.

Savanna Mauch, Horse Training and Management Instructor

Savanna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Studies and a Master of Education degree from South Dakota State University. In addition to being our HTM instructor, she is also our Ag, Equine and Rodeo Department Chair. She grew up riding and showing with all around, versatility, and cow horse trainers who all influenced her horsemanship and training style. 
During college, she was on the Division I Equestrian Team at South Dakota State University. At LCC, Savanna is a part of the team that teaches the basic care and training, advanced performance training, specialized training, introduction to internship, and internship courses. Alongside Kelli Gaines, Savanna started our ranch horse team in 2022. She has also been instrumental in LCC getting rope horse training equipment, our round pen and cutting pen facility, a cutting flag for the Horse Training and Management program and starting and managing the Lamar Legacy Horse Sale. She also helps to manage our Rodeo Bible Camp. Her goal is to help students become well-rounded in their knowledge and continue to grow to become leaders in the horse training industry. She says, “the HTM program at LCC has a rich history of producing industry leading and well-respected horse trainers and I am honored to be able to continue that legacy.” Outside of LCC, her husband Skyler, daughter and her own and operate a cow calf operation and Savanna enjoys showing in the versatility classes. She is strong in her faith and thankful for being led to LCC in 2019.
savanna.mauch@lamarcc.edu
(719) 336-1624
Jaci Brown,  Equine Business Management Instructor

She is our Equine Business Management instructor. Jaci grew up in the panhandle of Texas, graduating from Stratford High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Science in Animal Science, both from Texas Tech University. She has been involved with livestock and the western industry her whole life. Growing up, she spent her free time around horses and cattle, helping her dad as he took care of various cow-calf and yearling operations. She was also very active in 4-H and FFA.
During her time at Tech, she interned at the Four Sixes Ranch in the horse division, getting hands-on knowledge of equine reproduction. Jaci also has an interest in equine therapy and ran a magnawave business throughout her college career.
While at Texas Tech, she was the Reserve Champion Individual on the National Championship judging team in 2021 at the AQHA World Championship Show. After completing her judging career, she was asked to be an assistant coach of the TTU horse judging team. She coached for two years while completing her master’s. In addition, Jaci served as a TA and taught General Animal Science labs while also assisting with research projects at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Department.
Jaci was a member of the Texas Tech University Ranch Horse Team from 2021 to 2024. During her time on the team, the TTU RHT won 3 National Championships and won the D1 Collegiate SHTX World Championship twice. Jaci is most excited to join the team at LCC to help students find their passions in the horse industry. She can’t wait to share her knowledge and passions to help students grow and feel confident to continue their journeys after LCC!

jaci.brown@lamarcc.edu
719-336-6663

 

Holly Hopkins, Horse Program Assistant

Holly holds a Bachelor of Science in Equine and Ranch Management from Feather River College in Quincy, California, and a Master of Agriculture with an emphasis in Equine Reproduction from Missouri State University. She discovered her passion for training her own horses and teaching others through her educational experiences.
At LCC, Holly is involved in various aspects of our programs. She manages our newsletters, bulletin boards, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She also captures moments on camera and assists in classes like our Practicum and Basic Care and Training. In 2023-2024, Holly coached the ranch horse team, drawing from her experience competing on the MSU Ranch Horse Team and showing in the reined cow horse futurities.
Holly’s favorite part of being with our LCC program is witnessing and contributing to the growth and learning of the students. She mentioned, “I had great mentors during my college years, and I am glad to continue guiding the next generation in the horse industry. My goal is to help our students overcome their challenges so that they can surpass my achievements.”
Outside of work, Holly dedicates her time to riding her horses to improve and prepare for shows. She also hopes to prepare her two-year-old for reined cow futurities next year!

holly.hopkins@lamarcc.edu
719-336-1670

 

Travis Greenlee, Head Rodeo Coach

Travis is our Rodeo Coach, and He is also a part of the team that teaches the basic care and training, advanced performance training, and specialized training courses. Travis has been involved in rodeo and ranching for his entire life. In high school, Travis competed in every event except cutting, winning the title of State Champion Bareback rider, Saddle Bronc rider, and All Around Cowboy. He earned a full-ride scholarship to Odessa College where he excelled in and out of the arena. Travis then transitioned to professional rodeo where he focused on the rough stock events but has always prided himself on his versatility. Travis has continued to stay involved with rodeo in many ways, including raising bucking bulls, judging, working as a pick-up man, and being deeply involved in the entire production of many amateur rodeos.

 

“I’m excited to bring that versatility and love of rodeo combined with my passion for coaching to a school renowned for its Equine and Ag programs. This role is a dream come true, offering a unique chance to blend various aspects of our western culture for the benefit of our students. I am looking forward to being a part of the LCC community and building a successful rodeo program.”

travis.greenlee@lamarcc.edu

719-336-1623

 

 

Cole Bennett, Head Ranch Horse Coach

Cole Bennett serves as the Ranch Horse Coach and is a vital member of the team responsible for teaching basic care and training, advanced performance training, and specialized courses in horse training. He resides near Syracuse, Kansas, with his wife Brittani and their children, Brynnleigh and Chet. Together, they operate a small cow-calf business and a horse training enterprise known as Cole Bennett Cowhorses, LLC.
Born and raised in Syracuse, Cole grew up in a family where horses played a significant role in their everyday life. He actively participated in gathering cattle with his father and enjoyed various equestrian events during his youth. In high school, he competed in saddle bronc riding and team roping. Following his graduation, Cole continued to hone his skills by working in feedlots and taking on various ranch jobs, always striving to become a better horseman. He also began starting colts for extra income along the way.
Cole did not have a specific plan for his journey, but he always admired those who rode exceptional horses. Lacking the means to purchase such a horse, he took the initiative to ask questions and learn from others, eventually leading to the establishment of his horse training business. He feels a deep sense of gratitude for being able to pursue this passion daily while raising his children in the same lifestyle he cherished growing up.
Since 2017, Cole has competed at the state level in open competitions sanctioned by the NRCHA, aligning himself with organizations such as the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association and the Panhandle Reined Cowhorse Association, among others. In 2020, he participated in his first premier event with the NRCHA. Additionally, Cole enjoys competing in VRH and Ranching Heritage Challenge events throughout the year. Recently, in December 2023, he tested for and received his NRCHA judge’s card.
In his limited free time, Cole finds enjoyment in golfing, although his commitments often keep him from pursuing this hobby as much as he would like. He places great value on his relationship with the Lord and his family, particularly enjoying the opportunity to raise his children within this lifestyle.
Cole expresses his gratitude for his role as Ranch Horse Coach, stating, “I really want to help and support the next generation interested in the ranch horse team and use my knowledge from the mistakes we’ve made along the way to assist them in becoming the horsemen they aspire to be. Whether they intend to train for the public or ride for pleasure as a non-pro, we need more people entering the performance horse industry. I believe this role is a perfect fit for me to help facilitate that.”

cole.bennett@lamarcc.edu
719-336-6664

Scroll to Top
Skip to content