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BRYAN, Texas - Texas
A&M University broke ground on its state-of-the-art Equine Complex, the
future home of the National Champion A&M equestrian team, on Tuesday. The
first phase of the project, funded at approximately $35 million, is expected to
be complete in 2014. The full-scope plan is projected to cost $80 million when
completed.
The equestrian facility will include locker rooms, offices, a
concessions building, a 50-stall barn, two covered warm-up arenas and two covered
competition arenas, and will be the premier collegiate equestrian facility in
the country.
"We are very excited and grateful to be a part of this
Equine Initiative," head coach Tana McKay said. "It is such a great opportunity
for Texas A&M to showcase their strength in the equine industry. This
state-of-the-art facility will be a great asset to our successful equestrian
team. We are looking forward to drawing
great athletes to Texas A&M University, as well as enhancing their experience
as an NCEA athlete."
The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
(CVM) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at A&M joined
together to create the Texas A&M Equine Initiative which will provide
industry-leading, comprehensive equine science research, education and outreach
programs, and a home for Texas A&M student activities. The first phase was
approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents in May of 2012 and was supported
by an anonymous cornerstone gift, in-kind gifts and other major gifts.
Phase I will include facilities for the Aggie equestrian
team and a cross-country course in collaboration with Texas A&M Athletics.
New facilities for the Parsons Mounted Cavalry are also included in the plan.
This unique center represents a partnership between multiple
entities and agencies within Texas A&M University including CVM, Texas
A&M AgriLife/College of Agriculture and Life Sciences/the Department of Animal
Science, Texas A&M Athletics and Transportation Services.
The Aggie equestrian team (1-1, 0-1 SEC) won its 10th
and 11th national championships in April at the National Collegiate
Equestrian Association (NCEA) Championship, securing both the western title and
the overall crown. The team is currently ranked fourth in the nation in its
first season in the Southeastern Conference, which added equestrian as the 21st
sponsored sport in June.
The Aggies are back in the arena Saturday as they face No. 3
Auburn on the road at 10 a.m. To learn more about Texas A&M equestrian, log
on to AggieAthletics.com and follow @AggieEquestrian on Twitter.
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