The Spirit of La Cense and the La Cense Team

There is a spirit about the place. When humans and horses are free of the predator behavior that causes issues of control and rebellion to surface, then the humans are freer, kinder, more at ease - and so are the horses.

You can feel the spirit of the place in the way the horses carry themselves, proud and free in their natural ranch setting. Our horses roam open pastures and timbered mountains on this working cattle ranch, all under the majesty of Montana's Big Sky. They learn to trust and learn to become partners, their spirits free to grow.

The spirit of the place starts with the La Cense people, and we invite you to meet them.

Race King, Ranch Manager, has overall responsibility of the ranch and special focus for the cow-calf operation and the grass-fed, grass-finished program. Race brings to La Cense a wealth of expertise in ranching and herd mgmt. He received a degree in Animal Science and Beef Production Mgmt from Utah State. Race's professional background began with internships at Deseret Land & Livestock and Gardiner Angus Ranch, Herd Manager for Sitz Angus, Manager of Legacy Land & Livestock, and most recently as VP of Operations for Riverbend Ranch.

Bud Griffith, Director of the Horse and Education program, is also responsible for university and community relations. Bud was Ranch Manager of the Flying D, a prominent ranch in Montana, for 35 years. Ted Turner bought the Flying D in 1989, and kept Bud on as the Ranch Manager. In December 1999, Bud joined La Cense Montana to fulfill William Kriegel's dream of developing and operating a progressive and successful ranch. Bud's expertise in all facets of ranching and wildlife mgmt has been a key contribution to the success of La Cense.

                               Jeff Griffith is responsible for all aspects of our horse education and training program. Jeff is a nationally, well-recognized, professional horseman in the industry. He grew up in Montana spending most of his life with horses, acquiring a wealth of experience including starting and riding colts. Jeff has worked closely with Joe Stiles at the King Ranch in Texas, with Buck Brannaman, and with some of the country's best horsemen including Barney Hinds, Cliff Kelmer, Tooter Waites, Leon Harrel, and Bob Lowe. Jeff also provides a unique training program for the New York Police Department's Mounted Police.

Dick Chaffin, Cow Boss, was born and raised in Dillon, Montana. He grew up on a family-owned ranch in Beaverhead County where he worked for 30 years. Dick has been with the ranch for over 15 years. He possesses a long record of expertise managing a large cow/calf herd operation and has an in-depth knowledge of ranch land.