Equine Center > About the New Equine Center Facility
Frequently asked Questions
Q: What is the University of Minnesota Equine Center (UMEC)?
It is an overarching program for teaching, research, clinical care and community outreach for advancing the health, wellbeing and performance of horses.
In Teaching: Undergraduate equine education as an equine option in the Animal Science program is offered through the University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with an equine track is offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine. Fully 80% of veterinarians practicing in Minnesota are graduates of the U’s veterinary college.
In Research: The focus of UMEC research is on equine genetic diseases, muscle diseases, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, infectious and metabolic diseases and nutrition.
In Clinical Care: UMEC clinical care comprises all aspects of equine health and has been greatly strengthened by the completion of the new Leatherdale Equine Center facility that contains The Piper Clinic for sports medicine and reproduction.
In Continuing Education and Community Outreach: The UMEC and the University of Minnesota Extension Service offer horse owners ongoing education programs. Continuing education programs for veterinarians are provided as well.
Q: Why was the new Leatherdale Equine Center constructed?
A: Home to nearly 500 state and local horse clubs, Minnesota has more than 155,000 horses--the ninth largest horse population in the United States. The number of horses treated at the Veterinary College in Minnesota has also grown exponentially, and there was a strong need to build new facilities for the state’s burgeoning horse population. The University of Minnesota answered this need by constructing the Leatherdale Equine Center on the St. Paul Campus in 2007.
Q: What is the Leatherdale Equine Center?
A: The Leatherdale Center is a new 60,000 sq ft facility that supports the growing University of Minnesota equine program. It houses the Piper Performance Clinic, the indoor Barenscher Arena, and the Nutrena Conference Hall.
This new building was designed specifically for horses and includes: 33 box stalls; a 100 ft. by 200 ft. indoor arena and a lunge arena; conference room; custom-designed clinical space for lameness evaluation and diagnosis; a wing for reproductive medicine programs and a rehabilitation therapy area with an aquatreadmill. A wide range of new technology, including digital x-rays and a high-speed treadmill are available to horses at the Center. The facility also features a specially designed loading and exercise area. And advanced services include a powerful MRI.
The Leatherdale Equine Center is the metropolitan site for the We Can Ride program that offers therapeutic riding and driving to children and adults living with disabilities.
The Nutrena Conference Hall overlooking the Barenscher Arena is open to equine organization to hold meetings, clinics and demonstrations.
The Center now also conveniently houses the University of Minnesota Mounted Patrol horses.
Q: What are the benefits of the new programs?
A: This Center for equine research and sports medicine is a premier equine facility with nationwide standing and acclaim. It will provide the very best of care to the horses of Minnesota and the region with unparalleled compassion. It has attracted nationally known veterinary clinicians, research and teaching experts to the faculty.
The Center is involved in a unique synergistic collaboration with the University of Minnesota Medical School and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) in areas such as muscle disease, nutrition, rehabilitation therapy and pasture management.
Q: What are the plans for the current large animal facilities? How will the existing large animal hospital be used?
A: The current facility will house the Equine Emergency and Critical Care Center, and the Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Center with MRI and bone scans. Current facilities continue to provide services to treat and care for dairy cows, cattle, llamas, alpacas, goats, and other large animals.
Q: What is the total cost for the center?
A: The total cost for building construction, endowments, and equipment is $14.3 million. The fundraising goal is $7.3 million from private donors with the University contributing the balance. As of the opening of the Leatherdale Equine Center in October 2007, nearly $5.5 million of the goal had been met, leaving only $1.5 million for donors to contribute.
Q: What role is the University playing regarding this center?
A: The University enthusiastically endorses the Center. In addition to contributing a significant part of the funds, it has provided the land needed for the Leatherdale Equine Center on its St. Paul campus.
Q: Now that the center is open, are there plans for other new buildings?
A: The Leatherdale Equine Center is the first of two phases for equine facilities and services at this location. The second phase, as yet unscheduled, calls for the construction of the remainder of the equine hospital so that all Emergency and Critical Care for horses can be performed at the same site.
Q: How are funds being raised?
A: Donations are actively being solicited from the equine community, including alumni, clients, friends, and others. Donations or giving opportunities exist at every level. Substantial gifts made by individuals or groups are recognized in designated areas of the Center.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Interim Dean Trevor Ames, 612-624-6244, or Stephanie Pommier, development officer, at 612-625-8480 or spommier@umn.edu. An excellent overview of the need for this campaign is available on video or DVD and print materials are also available and posted on the College Web site.
Floorplan of the New Equine Center Facility
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