William Woods to Host Annual Equestrian Academic Showcase
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
FULTON, MO –Clinics taught by three William Woods University alumni will highlight the university’s annual Equestrian Academic Showcase Nov. 6.
Mary Marcum Orr and Evan Orr, both 2001 graduates, will teach the saddle seat clinic, and 2002 graduate Kris Killam will teach the hunter/jumper clinic.
The Orrs are the trainers and owners of High Caliber Stables in Kernersville, N.C. High Caliber Stables specializes in saddle seat riding and is a premier destination for horseback riding lessons and American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) shows and events.
Since starting their stables in 2008, the Orrs have trained numerous World Champion riders and horses, including second-time World Grand Champion and recent Triple Crown winner, WGC CH Our Charming Lady.
In addition to recently being awarded the People's Choice Reserve Trainers of the Year, High Caliber Stables was awarded the High Point Performance Barn of the Year by the American Saddlebred Association of the Carolinas.
Killam is an established professional rider, trainer and coach from Omaha, Neb. In 1998, prior to entering WWU, he qualified for the Midwest Regional Maclay Finals. During his college years, he rode for the notable Midwest horseman Kenny Burgdorrfer, getting many miles in the show ring.
After college Killam spent several years riding and training with well-known and respected Canadians, Blair and Karen Cudmore. He currently has his own business, Dresden Farm.
The Equestrian Academic Showcase is geared toward prospective students who have expressed an interest in the William Woods equestrian program. The showcase will allow them to take a closer look at each specific academic area: equestrian science, equine administration and pre-veterinary medicine.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. in Dulany Auditorium. Events start with a welcome by Dr. Jahnae Barnett, university president, at 9:45.
Event activities include a campus tour, a formal tour of equestrian facilities, a college planning session that covers scholarships and financial aid and an opportunity for students and families to meet current students and faculty from these programs.
In addition to conducting the clinics, the Orrs and Killam will address the question "Why WWU?" The session will cover their lives as working equine professionals and how their WWU education has helped them reach the success each of them has achieved within the industry today. The clinics are open to the public.
Last year’s showcase brought in more than 90 students from 19 different states. This year’s numbers are expected to match, if not exceed, last year’s.
Saturday’s festivities will wrap up with a performance by Justin Kredible, host of Food Network’s "Cupcake Wars" and College Campus Entertainer of the Year.
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