McKenzie Lantz Named Associate Head Coach of Georgia Equestrian

ATHENS – McKenzie Lantz has been promoted to the associate head coach of the Georgia equestrian program, head coach Meghan Boenig announced on Thursday.

“Coach Lantz is a vital part of our team, and it is thrilling to support her in this promotion,” Boenig said. “In a very competitive and sought after market where few western coaches are elite in both events, it’s imperative to recognize her. We have the best team of coaches with Coach Lantz and Coach (Anna) Becker holding the reins.”

Lantz, a Georgia Equestrian alumna, has served as the head of recruiting and coaching of both western events, Horsemanship and Reining, since 2021. The 2024-25 campaign will mark her fourth season with the Bulldogs.

“I am appreciative of this opportunity to continue to work hard towards our goal as a staff to be the most well-rounded program in the country with deep rooted success, respect and tradition,” Lantz said. “It is an honor to play a small part in guiding our student athletes to achieve the greatest success in the arena, the classroom and in life. I am humbled to play this role at the University of Georgia and am dedicated to continuing the greatness that has proceeded me and building the future of the Bulldog Nation! I am surrounded daily by the hardest working coworkers, incredible staff and the greatest support system paired with a team that has a wealth of talent and dedication to continuing the excellence of Georgia Equestrian.”

Lantz acts as the primary coach for half of the equestrian team, overseeing academic progress and achievement of performance goals. She also represents Georgia Equestrian on NCEA committees, recruits horse donations and runs the western programs during meets. She will now take on the added responsibilities of directing a western assistant and assume the leadership of alumni relations in her new position.

Lantz helped coach the Equestrian team to an undefeated home season in 2023-24. She was crucial in the development of SEC Horsemanship Rider of the Year and NCEA First Team All-American Jillian Stopperich. Lantz’s western riders Caitlin Lyons and Cadence Eger were named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and SEC Freshman Reining Rider of the Year, respectively. The western team also collected three All-SEC Reining accolades.

Under Lantz, the team has expanded the western horse herd.

“We have over 14 new horses in our western events,” Boenig said. “This has elevated our ability to compete. The quality of these four-legged teammates lead to their nomination for use in the SEC and NCEA Championship rounds. Lantz’s peers in the western industry recognize her care and ability to train, thus trusting Georgia as a second home for their horses. She continues to elevate our program.”

As a Bulldog, Lantz was a two-time NCEA All-American and SEC Rider of the Year. She has numerous All-SEC nods as well as NCEA and SEC Rider of the Month recognitions. As a team captain, she shined in the classroom with many selections to the UGA, SEC and NCEA honor rolls as well as NCEA All-Academic recognition on top of being named a two-time UGA Western Most Valuable Player and a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Finalist. Lantz was appointed to the Non-Pro National Reining Horses Association committee and has established beneficial contacts in both the NRHA and American Quarter Horse Association.

“There are no other words to describe Georgia Equestrian to me other than ‘home’,” Lantz said. “The traditions, the people, the horses and the atmosphere are simply the best in the country. The ‘Georgia Way’ has been ingrained in me since 2010, and it has always been a dream to be able to give back to a program that truly helped to shape the person I am today. Georgia Equestrian is known for its commitment to excellence, its dedication to a higher standard and its strong devotion to the exemplary student athletes who are incredible contributors to society upon graduating. This program is a product of those, past and present, who have chosen to call it home. It’s an honor to be among that group.”

“What we are doing at Georgia is possible because of the extraordinary people,” Boenig said. “Coach Becker and Coach Lantz are exceptional at their craft. Their connection to student-athletes, their love of recruiting, their commitment and loyalty to Georgia, their love of horses is unmatched; it makes Georgia a very special place in which to be. Add to this coaching duo the support of Kim Fraher, Amber Bradley and the rest of our farm staff, and Georgia Equestrian is a program without equal.”