The Breeding Game: Speakers

 Dr. Cecilia Tula: Equine Conditioning Expert

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. 

Jessica Hein: Senior Director of Communications & Editor in Chief at APHA

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.