Davis, Calif. – Three new coaches round out first year Head Coach Jill Humphrey's staff for the 2022-23 season. Joining as Western coaches, Coach Humphrey is excited to announce Eric Laporte, Cheryl Busick and Christian Rammerstorfer to the Aggie family.

"I'm so excited to have this exceptional team of Western professionals join our equestrian coaching staff," Humphrey said.  "Each of these individuals has made an impact on the industry in their own discipline, and to see these accomplished Equestrians come together with the common interest of supporting our incredible Aggie Equestrian Team is really special."

First among the crop of new coaches joining the Aggie Family is Eric Laporte. After serving as a volunteer assistant coach this past season for UC Davis, Eric will be upgraded to an Assistant coach role on Coach Humphrey's staff this year and will bring a wealth of experience as a world champion rider to contribute to the development of the UC Davis Equestrian team.

Born in France, Eric started training horses in 1995. Along with plenty of experience over the training horses, Eric has represented France at two World Equestrian Games (2006, 2018) and has also been a World Champion three times (2009, 2010, 2011) showing off his accomplishments at the highest level of the sport as a rider as well. Other notable accolades include a Bronze Medal at the 2006 FEI Reining Master, a #1 ranking on FEI Reining Rider Standing in 2018 as well as, being known as a National Reining Horse Association Judge and Steward.

Also joining first year Head Coach Jill Humphrey's staff is Christian Rammerstorfer. Christian joins UC Davis with an educational background from Wisconsin, Texas A&M, and Oregon State.

Growing up in Austria, he started his career at the age of 17 when he moved to California to start young horses for trainers. After a stop working at a cattle ranch in Wyoming and moving back to Europe, Christian would be guided by professor Larry Kasten from Wisconsin and it was through his educational experiences where he would build up his resume and reputation. Earning a bachelor's from Wisconsin, Christian followed that up with a Master's degree and Ph.D in Equine Nutrition at Texas A&M. Shortly after Christian would find himself at Oregon State where he and his wife Elizabeth started and operated a successful colt training program for eight years before starting their own full-time reining business. Their business has been in operation for 15 years now starting off in Colorado, and moving to California where it has been for the last 12 years.

As a rider, Christian has won several reining titles with his stallion Maddox including a top ten world ranking in 2014 as well as other regional championships along the way. He now holds judging cards in the NHRA, AQHA, and NRCHA and has judged world championship events around the world.

Finally rounding out Coach Humphrey's staff is new volunteer assistant coach, Cheryl Busick. Replacing former volunteer assistant Eric Laporte who has since been promoted, Cheryl will provide UC Davis Equestrian with plenty of experience.

Born and raised in California, Cheryl started training right after college. A partner of Busick Quarter Horses, Cheryl has helped the business thrive for over 35 years with her expertise. 

Specializing in AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) All around events, Cheryl brings a wealth of knowledge on the focus between the partnership of the horse and rider to ensure each student-athlete brings out the best in both. Busick has coached many different youth and amateur riders over the years to World and Congress Championships.

Busick is ready to help the UC Davis and writes, "I'm looking forward to helping the girls achieve their personal bests as riders and team members, as well as making it a fun and successful year."

Busick along with the additions of Eric Laporte and Christian Rammerstorfer will be a welcome addition to the Aggies where they are set to manage Western events. Coach Humphrey has built together a strong, qualified staff with her new hires and each will contribute to a special 2022-23 season.