Last year, $2.4 million was anonymously donated for the expansion of facilities and programs at Houghton College’s Equestrian Center. According to Larissa Ries, Equestrian Program Director and instructor, construction of the new indoor arena began on October 23, 2017. Construction is continuing through the winter months, and the expected completion date of this project is June 18, 2018.
Currently, the new building’s foundation has been laid and steel beams have been erected, according to Ries. Students reported their excitement at the progress and for what the new facilities will mean for the equestrian department. Hannah Williamson ’20, an Equestrian Management major, said “Seeing the progress on the new arena makes it seem more and more real each day. As more beams go up each week and the framework starts to resemble the new arena to a better scale, it makes me realize how lucky I am to be at a school with amazing instructors and lesson horses.”
Marianna Vityk ’18, an equestrian minor, said that the expanded facilities “will really help with space and allow us to give every class and people who want lessons a chance to practice.” She also noted, “The men that have been building the barn have made a significant amount of progress already!” Once complete, the arena will be 100 feet wide and 245 feet long and will have an attached barn that will be 30 feet by 245 feet, according to a Houghton College press release. By contrast, the older arena is 60 feet by 145 feet.
The construction of the new 36,400-square-foot facility will increase the number and quality of educational opportunities for equestrian students. Monica Farfoglia ’19, an equestrian minor, said she anticipates taking advantage of the benefits offered by the new building. “The new arena will allow for Houghton to host more clinicians and equestrian events— anything from riding lessons with distinguished instructors to conferences and shows,” she said.
She also indicated that the growth of Houghton’s equestrian’s program could significantly impact the surrounding community. “I believe it is going to be the largest facility in Western New York and could definitely turn into a sort of hub for all things horses. This will provide a plethora of learning opportunities for the students and a better chance to network for future careers,” Farfoglia said.
In addition to the construction of the new facility, a Houghton College press release announced a comprehensive $3.5 million campaign effort to expand and upgrade existing facilities. These upgrades will be completed in time for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Vityk, who plans to graduate this May, said she is excited for underclassmen and future students who will benefit from the equestrian program’s expansion. She said, “Even though I’ll already be graduated once they finish, I’d still love to come back and see the new arena!”