Equestrian Center

AUBURN, Ala. (Apr. 20, 2022)- Many generations of Auburn students and alumni have seen the numerous horses standing out on the green pastures located along Wire Road, but few know the unique story behind this location.

Home to the number one ranked NCEA Equestrian team, the center serves as both an educational, and athletic location, as well as a home to 60 performance horses.

I spoke with Lisa Dorsey, the director of the equestrian center and coach of the IHSA team which also uses the center's facilities. What passersby do not see is the rich history of the unit.

Dorsey said that when the Equestrian Center was first established in the 1950’s it was intended to be a sheep barn, but then later became used for horse production. With this change, the center also became a place for equine animal science classes to be held, which is much closer to its current-day use.

When this change was implemented, the Center then became used as a breeding farm for 30-50 horses, who were used for various animal sciences classes held through the university.

The center has also seen some improvements in recent years with the addition of the Creel Equestrian Center, which features 50 team lockers, a team room, and a training room, as well as the Williams Family barn being built in 2019.

Athletics

In 1998, Coach Greg Williams formed the equestrian team and the center began to grow, eventually reaching its current size. However, Dorsey shared this was not the first time the center was used for athletic purposes. She said one fun fact about the center is that people used to hit golf balls in the center’s large front pastures.

The athletic programs that the center houses now are far more impressive than a driving range in the front pasture. The NCEA equestrian team that practices out of the facility has won seven national championships and is currently ranked number one this season.

The center is also home to the IHSA team which is coached by Mrs. Dorsey.

Education and Research

The Center also serves a joint purpose for education. Several animal sciences classes are hosted at the center and students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with some of the horses. The center is also frequently used for research. Dorsey said that while no research is currently being conducted there, genetic and biomechanical research has just concluded.

Extension and Outreach

Outside of housing athletics and academics for Auburn, the equestrian center is also used to host several different events for those in the community. Alabama Extension uses the facilities to host their annual FFA and 4-H equine judging clinics each year. In addition, sponsors such as Zoetis, Nutrena, and ALFA have hosted events for those in the local community at the center.

If you are interested in learning more about the Auburn University Equestrian Center visit the Auburn University website.