Benson writes for rodeo publications
CHADRON – Chadron State College student BreAnne Benson of West Fargo, North Dakota, has written freelance articles for several regional rodeo publications. She will graduate in May with a Communication Arts degree with an emphasis in journalism and media production. She transferred to CSC from Valley City State University in North Dakota when she decided to change majors from music to journalism.
“On a whim, I decided I didn't want to be in a school building the rest of my life, so I changed majors, and transferred within a week. I had never visited CSC before and didn't know anything about this area, but sometimes things just kind of fall into your lap perfectly, and it did,” she said.
“Mike Kennedy was amazing. He was a really tough teacher. But the reviews I have gotten from my editors said I was able to hit the ground running and that was largely because of him,” Benson said.
She said media production courses with Julian Berrian have also been helpful.
“He's trying to help the rodeo team and put together videos for us. I'm excited CSC added that program,” Benson said.
Benson’s writing experience started with Tri-State Livestock News in April 2023. Kaycee Monnens Cortner, a graduate of Chadron State and former rodeo team member, reached out to Benson and told her that being a freelance writer for the publication was a great gig.
“So, I started writing about rodeo profiles and different horse-related topics. It's kind of grown from there. After my first month or two of writing for Tri-State, Siri Stevens from Rodeo News reached out to me and offered me a freelance position,” Benson said.
Benson, who also wrote for the Eagle student newspaper, has written for Tri-State’s sister magazines including the Fence Post and Homeland. She also wrote an article for the Stallion Showcase magazine and wrote the rodeo preview for the Northern International Livestock Exposition magazine.
Benson remains active with the rodeo team and currently competes in breakaway roping and barrels. In her first year at CSC, she also competed in team roping.
She also takes videos and photographs for the rodeo team and manages the team’s social media. Outside of CSC, she is building a media business in the western industry, focusing on equine sessions and events.
“My dad is a horse trainer and we run a boarding facility. I went through junior high and high school rodeo doing barrels, poles, goat tying, team roping, breakaway, and reined cowhorse.”
Benson finished 15th in the average in reined cowhorse at the National High School Rodeo Finals in 2020. She was also the 2019 North Dakota state champion in reined cowhorse, and the 2020 Reserve State Champion in reined cowhorse.
“Reined cowhorse is very intense, so I kind of fell in love with that and I've been working for a couple of trainers the past two summers in Kansas. That was also on a whim. My friend’s boss needed help showing a couple of stud horses at the stock show in Rapid City. That turned into a job opportunity and worked out well,” Benson said.
Category: Campus News