Ranch Family
Will Kupec - Kupec Progressive Horsemanship
Will Kupec received his first riding lesson at the age 8 at a Hunter Jumper facility. He discovered a connection working with green horses and decided to pursue this further.
Will grasped an opportunity to work as a Wrangler at Laramie River Ranch in Wyoming. After returning home to North Carolina, Will worked with great horsemen including Dave Seay, Joe Wolter and most recently, Tracy Barton. Following their marriage, Will and Kim established Kupec Progressive Horsemanship in 2021.
Will has created a unique training program that caters to the specific needs of your horse. Will believes that the starting process is the most important time of a horse’s life. With his program, your horse will build a solid foundation with a positive and trustful mindset, a willingness to learn and reliable direction that will carry through their lifetime. All breeds and disciplines are welcome.
Kimberly Kupec - Kupec Progressive Horsemanship
Kim has a versatile background in the equine industry from dressage and foxhunting to western and stockmanship. Horsemanship is a second nature to her as she began riding before she could walk. She took weekly lessons from ages 5 to 22 and was introduced to competing when she was just 12 years old. Aside from horsemanship, Kim has a BSBA in Marketing Analytics and has an extensive background in the hospitality industry specifically Event Planning, Marketing and Sales. KPH will be offering Marketing and Media services including printed and digital collateral. While Kim was earning her degree, she continued to work as a Veterinary Assistant and is incredibly knowledgeable when caring for their equine family. Kim teaches lessons to all disciplines, skill levels and ages.
Vanessa Goldsmith - Barn Manager
I always enjoyed watching horses in the fields when I was young but unfortunately didnt have the opportunity to act on that interest until high school when I started taking english riding lessons at a local barn. After graduating high school, I choose to attend St. Andrews University (SAU). I originally went to major in Forensic Science and planned to take more riding lessons (both english and later western) through the SAU Equestrian Program. I was also able to work in their work study program where I assisted with the daily barn chores. I quickly fell in love with the day to day work in the barn. Realizing my passion for horses and the fulfillment I achieved from taking care of them I then made the decision to switch my major and finished my college degree with a Major in Business Administration with a Specialized Program of Study in Equine Business Management a.k.a Equine Business. My education included business classes and horse classes. The horse classes were always my favorite ones, with topics ranging from Therapeutic Horsemanship to Natural Horsemanship to Horse Science to the History and Theory of Riding and everything in between. Shortly after graduation, I found an opening at Sugaree Ranch which has since allowed me the opportunity to have my dream job taking care of horses. My time here has resulted in continuing to learn about horses and everything in between with Will. I look forward to continuing my career and expanding my own knowledge with this facility.