Equine Education Center

The impact of horses in Utah is astounding. There are more than 250,000 horses in the state, making it a 700 million dollar industry. In response to the demand for equine education, the Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Department in the College of Agriculture has been home to a very successful horsemanship program. Many generations of students at USU have benefited from the riding and husbandry skills they have acquired through the courses taught at our North Logan facility.

Though only in its second year, our specialized program, the Equine Science and Management program, is rapidly expanding. To accommodate the growing number of students, we are about to construct a new Equine Education Center at USU. So, after 30 years we are moving our equine facility from its present location in North Logan to the Agricultural Experiment Station south farm which is located south of Logan on Highway 89 near Wellsville. The new facility will provide a much needed change in environment and space for the training of future generations.

The new Equine Education Center will cover 26 acres and have a total interior of 75,000 square feet. This will include an indoor arena measuring 150 x 300 feet, a 2400 square foot barn and classroom complex that will accommodate up to 100 students at one time. The physical facilities will be surrounded by a bridle path that will allow users to enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in Utah. This new facility will allow USU to host 10 to 15 4-H horse events each year. So far, $2.9 million have been raised for the new facility of which $1.6 million was from private gifts.

The new Equine Education Center will be constructed in phases:

Phase One - Indoor arena (including a tack room, restrooms, and office), the west wing of the horse stables (including 19 horse stalls), a covered hay shed, and extensive site preparation.

Phase Two – Classrooms, offices, and lobby for the center, as well as walkways between arena and stables.

Phase Three – East wing of the stables (including 22 horse stalls).

Phase Four – An outdoor arena with stadium seating, indoor and outdoor round pens, bleachers, quarantine facility, and breeding pens.

The new USU Equine Education Center and related programs will focus on education in equine science for both students in credit courses, as well as the general public, including youth. The equine program will provide research-based information on horse physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and behavior. It will allow people with all levels of experience to learn about horses and put their knowledge into practice. The center will be nationally visible because of this design and beautiful location. Events held in the center will draw people to USU and Northern Utah.

Several naming opportunities are available:

Equine Education Center, $1.5 million

Indoor Arena, $750,000

Outdoor Arena, $300,000

Classroom, $200,000

Individual Stalls, $10,000

Your contribution to the new Equine Education Center will create greater access to people who have a passion and love for horses. Please consider being a part of this program. To donate, contact the USU College of Agriculture Director of Development, Mary Lynne Clark, at marylynne.clark@usu.edu or by phone at 435-797-2208 (office), or 435-881-5090 (cell). You may also contact Mary Lynne’s assistant, Shayna Andersen at shayna.andersen@usu.edu or by phone at 435-797-1573 with any questions.