On May 10, the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), received the green light to build a proposed $14-million equine center. The complex, which will initially be financed by an internal loan from the university, will eventually be paid for through private donations from horse lovers and equine businesses.

The complex is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007, and it will include a riding arena, research facilities (complete with treadmill), and surgical suites.

Jeffery Klausner, University of Minnesota (CVM) dean, said the facility will replace the 1951 building where some 3,000 horses are treated yearly. The current facility was originally used for dairy cattle and has posed complications for equine use.

The center’s new design and location will allow clients easier access to the center and a safe location to load and unload their horses, which will address a few of the common complaints about the existing location