Lexington, Kentucky – November 9, 2012 – Kiki Umla, one of the grand ladies of the sport, was honored at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show with the Welles Family Trophy, in recognition of Service to the Equestrian Industry.
The trophy is presented annually to a special individual, one who has made a commitment and contribution to the sport and to the equestrian industry.
Umla, born on the Mainline in Philadelphia, and now a resident of Wellington, Florida, was presented with trophy on Saturday night in Lexington.
Umla’s career started with the legendary Hugh Cassidy on Long Island in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s at such famous shows as North Shore, Piping Rock and C. W. Post College.
Umla joined forces with Gene Mische, the legendary founder of Stadium Jumping, in the early ‘90s. When she first joined on at the Winter Equestrian Festival, she was known the “Queen of the Five Dollar Ring” when the shows were held at Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd.