The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved plans for the new University of Minnesota Equine Center on June 8 (click here to read the announcement of the plans to build the center). “The recent events surrounding the horse Barbaro has revealed how specialized and advanced equine care has become,” said University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks. “This exciting new center shows our commitment to serve Minnesota’s horse enthusiasts and the health of these beautiful animals.” Construction begins in late summer.

Director of the Equine Center, Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, said the center “will be the cornerstone of our partnership with the horse community. Few other facilities in the country will offer more resources for horse owners. It will be a home to innovative equine research, comprehensive clinical services, new undergraduate equine curriculum, and the We Can Ride therapeutic riding program.”

A public groundbreaking is planned for August 9, 2006, on the site of the new facility, and completion of the project is expected in fall 2007. Details will be available at here.

The College of Veterinary Medicine continues to raise funds for the center, with $4.62 million raised to date. To contribute to the Equine Center or for more information about the campaign, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/devalumni/campaigns/equine/home.html