About Us
KPH is the home to over 50 horses which includes personal horses, training horses, client horses, sale horses and foals. KPH is operated out of our family property, Sugaree Ranch; it features 210 acres with miles of well-kept trails, a 100x200 arena with lights, trail obstacle course and a small herd of cattle. Our program invites all riding disciplines, breeds and ages with a desired goal of building a solid foundation so the horse and rider can have a lifetime of memories.
KPH is owned and operated by a husband and wife team that live on-site with their two daughters. Together, Will and Kim have built a successful and versatile business that adapts to the needs of their equestrian community. Will focuses on training horses, specializing in colt starting and working horses that have developed undesirable habits and behaviors. Kim managers the boarding and breeding facility, runs a lesson program and handles the marketing and photography of KPH.
Will Kupec
Will’s destined career began when he received his first riding lesson at the age of 8 at a Hunter Jumper facility. He discovered a connection working with green horses and decided to pursue it further. After graduation, Will grasped an opportunity as a Wrangler at Laramie River Ranch in Wyoming. After returning home to North Carolina, he worked alongside many great horsemen including Dave Seay, Joe Wolter and most recently, Tracy Barton. Will started his colt starting business in 2013 with the now well-known, family owned, Sugaree Ranch of Horsemanship. Kupec Progressive Horsemanship was officially established in 2021 after Will and Kim got married.
Kim Kupec
Kim has a versatile background in the equine industry from dressage and foxhunting to ranch versatility. 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. Kim also specializes in event and equestrian photography. Needless to say she is the one gathering content behind the camera. While Kim was earning her degree, she continued to work as a Veterinary Assistant and is incredibly knowledgeable when caring for their equine family at KPH. Kim teaches lessons to all disciplines, skill levels to ages 6+ specializing in Western & Classical Dressage, Stockmanship, Horsemanship, Obstacles, Trails and English Riding. See our Training/Lesson page for more information. Kim also manages the breeding and boarding facilities.
