Oppenheimer Family Equine Center
NOW OPEN TO STUDENTS
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences celebrated the completion of the first phase of the new Oppenheimer Family Equine Center in June. It is the first of several capital improvements underway by the college, all funded by the generous support of private donors.
The now-complete 60,000-square-foot covered riding area, foaling barn, stallion barn and hay barn at the northern end of Cal Poly’s campus was funded by a $20 million donation made to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences from longtime Cal Poly supporters Peter and Mary Beth Oppenheimer.
“We are grateful to the Oppenheimers for supporting the vision of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and investing in facilities and programs that will support generations of students to come,” Dean Andrew Thulin said. “It is partners like Peter and Mary Beth Oppenheimer who allow us to reach our full potential in providing the best for our students.”
Cal Poly manages a herd of more than 125 horses, used in its riding classes, dressage and equestrian teams, pack-horse enterprise, quarter horse, breeding and colt starting programs. Students from across campus will benefi t from the equine center, with programs including a foaling and breeding enterprise, a quarter horse enterprise, the Cal Poly Dressage Team, the Cal Poly Polo Team and the Cal Poly Equestrian Team. As many as 200 students will use the new facilities in some capacity daily.
A second riding arena, an Animal Health Center and an Agriculture Event Center, all funded in some part by the Oppenheimers’ donation, are also in various stages of planning.
Return to the Giving Report to read more.