Skip to content

William Woods to Host Annual Equestrian Academic Showcase



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.

More Stories

  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More