The Breeding Game: Speakers

Dr. Cecilia Tula, DVM, is an equine veterinarian, researcher, professor, and internationally recognized expert in equine conditioning, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. As a faculty professor and lifelong researcher, she has dedicated her career to bridging science and practical performance strategies for sport horses. 

She is the founder of LARC TEST, an innovative diagnostic system designed for early detection of performance-limiting conditions in equine athletes, and the creator of the BioStrength Method, a rehabilitation and conditioning approach focused on rebuilding strength safely before speed to help horses return to consistent performance while reducing the risk of re-injury. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Tula has helped more than 500 horses safely return to training and competition through evidence-based conditioning and rehabilitation programs trusted by competitive riders and horse owners across the United States. 

In addition to her clinical and educational work, she has collaborated with leading equine health companies including Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, and Flexineb, contributing to the U.S. equine market through education, strategic development, and performance-focused initiatives. 

Dr. Tula is passionate about empowering horse owners and trainers with practical, science-driven tools that improve performance, longevity, and confidence in equine athletes. 

Dr. Rafael E. Martinez is an Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Tarleton State University, specializing in equine reproductive physiology, mare management, nutrition, and early development. His work examines the biological and management factors that influence reproductive success, pregnancy, placental function, embryo development, and the health and growth of young horses. 

Dr. Martinez earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Science from Sam Houston State University and his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University. His research has explored subjects including reproductive cyclicity and uterine health in mares, nutritional support during pregnancy, placental nutrient transport, early embryonic development, and the growth and physiological development of young horses. 

At Tarleton, Dr. Martinez teaches equine breeding management and enterprise courses while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students through hands-on research and industry-based learning. He is committed to translating scientific research into practical information that breeders and horse owners can use when making decisions for their mares and foals. 

In 2026, Dr. Martinez was recognized as an AQHA Emerging Leader for his professional achievement, leadership, service, and contributions to the equine industry. 

Jessica Hein is the senior director of communications at the American Paint Horse Association, where she oversees content strategy for all APHA communication initiatives and marketing, and serves as editor-in-chief for its award-winning publications, the Paint Horse Journal and Chrome. Jessica is APHA’s in-house genetics liaison and assists the Breed Development advisory committee. Formerly, she served as director of APHA’s Member Care team, which handles horse registrations, transfers and other business transactions for the association. With over two decades of experience, Jessica is passionate about helping educate the horse community, especially about Paint Horses and equine genetics.

Jennifer Arbuckle is a member of the reproduction team at Weatherford Equine Breeding Center, where she combines hands-on involvement in equine breeding operations with client communication and administrative coordination. Working alongside the veterinarians and staff of Weatherford Equine Medical Center, Jennifer helps support the day-to-day management and reproductive care of mares, stallions and foals throughout the breeding season.

A graduate of Tarleton State University, Jennifer has developed her career within the equine industry and brings practical experience, attention to detail and a strong commitment to the horses and clients entrusted to the Weatherford Equine team. Her role provides her with a valuable perspective on the many moving parts involved in a successful breeding program—from coordinating veterinary and breeding services to supporting owners through the reproductive process.

Jennifer’s combination of practical breeding experience, organization and client-focused care makes her a valued member of the Weatherford Equine Breeding Center team.

Sheila Teague, MS, is an accomplished professional in equine theriogenology and reproductive laboratory management, with more than two decades of experience across stallion stations, veterinary hospitals, and advanced reproduction programs. She currently serves as a Semen Technician at 6666 Ranch Granbury Stallion Station, where she coordinates stallion collections, processes semen for cooled and frozen transport, and manages daily activities of the stallion station including therapy services.

She previously served as Director of Inside & Outside Client Relations and Reproduction Manager at East Lake Veterinary Hospital at Center Ranch, supporting client communication, patient care, and reproductive services while helping establish the clinic’s reproduction laboratory.

Earlier in her career, Sheila was Head of Research at In Foal Inc., contributing to advancements in assisted reproduction technologies including IVF, oocyte aspiration, embryo culture, and preparation for ICSI. She was primarily responsible for investigating and implementing new technologies in assisted reproduction techniques including IVF.

Sheila’s scientific foundation was built during her 17-year tenure at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where she supervised graduate students and visiting scholars, analyzed reproductive samples using advanced laboratory systems, authored manuscripts, and presented findings at international meetings.

Sheila is a co-author on more than 30 peer-reviewed publications spanning Theriogenology, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Biology of Reproduction, Animal Genetics, and Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. Her published work covers a wide range of equine reproductive science, including:

• Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin structure
• Effects of cryopreservation protocols on stallion sperm quality
• Flow cytometric evaluation of testicular cell populations
• Metabolic substrates influencing sperm motility and longevity
• Antibiotic supplementation in semen extenders
• Cushioned centrifugation and sperm recovery techniques

She has also presented her research at major international symposia, including the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction and the International Symposium on Stallion Reproduction.

Sheila holds a Master of Science in Physiology of Reproduction and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

Recognized for her technical precision, scientific rigor, and commitment to advancing equine reproductive science, Sheila brings a distinguished blend of clinical expertise, research experience, and industry leadership to her speaking engagements.

Kenzie Lucas began her career breeding and foaling mares in Nacogdoches, Texas, where limited local resources required her to learn through hands-on experience and build a strong foundation in equine reproduction and foal care. She later spent two years working in a mixed-animal veterinary practice in East Texas, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of cases. 

Kenzie then joined Brazos Valley Stallion Station, where she spent two years helping foal approximately 180-200 mares each season. For the past three years, she has continued expanding her experience at Double Dove Ranch, working with broodmares, foals, yearlings, show horses, and stallions. Her practical knowledge, adaptability, and hands-on approach make her a valuable part of every stage of horse care and development.

Ashley Reeves is a lifelong horsewoman who grew up in the performance horse industry and has built a diverse career across the equine and agricultural sectors. She earned a B.S.in Equine Business and Industry from West Texas A&M University and an A.S. in Equine Science from North Central Texas College.

Her experience includes working with respected programs such as Roger Daly Horses, Western Bloodstock, and various trainers while in college, where she developed a strong background in preparing sale horses and show horses. Ashley also previously served as the Front Office Manager at Valley Equine Reproduction, formerly known as Brazos Valley Stallion Station, in Stephenville, Texas, overseeing client relations, contract management, and breeding logistics for a high-volume reproductive facility.

Ashley owns and operates a small livestock and horse operation in Lipan, Texas. Her combination of practical horsemanship, sale preparation experience, reproductive industry knowledge, and strong organizational skills gives her a well-rounded perspective on preparing young horses for the sale ring and setting them up for long-term success.