Lexington, Kentucky - Saddlebred trainer Michael Ray Benn, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2010.

Benn had been a resident of Liberty for the past seven years and earned his living doing what he loved – training American Saddlebred Horses. He spent his younger years working with Don Hulse and Dale Pugh, and was the head trainer at Callaway Hills Stables in Columbia, Missouri for twelve years, before operating his own training barn in Springfield, Missouri.

Most recently Benn was the trainer at Wrapped in Rainbows Farm in Liberty. He had the privilege of training and showing such horses as CHCallaway's Criterion, Callaway's Will's Countess, and CHCallaway's True Grit, among others. Benn's kindness and vast knowledge of breeding, training and starting young horses will be missed. He was a long time member of the United Professional Horsemen's Association and American Saddlebred Horse Association.

Benn is survived by his fiance’, Laura Gabrielse; his mother, Sylvia Benn of Hannibal, Missouri; daughter, Melissa Smith of Bowling Green, Missouri; two grandchildren, Brayden Smith and Cheyenne Smith and numerous siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Mike's name to the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, www.longmeadowrescueranch.org or The American Saddlebred Rescue, www.saddlebredrescue.com.

A Memorial Service will be held at the American Legion Hall, 2607 NE 92 Hwy, Smithville, Missouri on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 5 to 8 PM.