Stephens’ own Kelly Hulse was selected to judge at the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair. It is the world’s most prestigious Saddlebred horse show.
The show crowns world champion Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses in different divisions, with over 2,000 horses competing for more than $1 million in awards.
Hulse, an associate professor of Equestrian Studies, is a world champion exhibitor and trainer. She is a former student and has been teaching at Stephens for 10 years.
Prior to her position at Stephens, she owned and operated Mark Hulse Stables for over 20 years and won 45 world and reserve world championships. During this time, Hulse earned experience in teaching, training, breeding and equestrian business management. She is a USEF R judge. Additionally, she is co-chair of the United Professional Horsemen's Association, Chapter 5.
"My undergraduate studies at Stephens laid the foundation I needed to build my professional experiences upon," Hulse said. "Without Stephens, I would not be where I am today as an Equine professional."