Building plans for construction of the worldâs first Equine Orthopaedic Research Center are underway, and work on the 12,000-square-foot building is scheduled to begin no later than Jan. 1, 2001, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

A gift of more than $600,000 from Herbert A. Allen and Gail Holmes of Longmont, Colo., along with numerous private donations — many from the horse industry — completed the $1-million initial funding needed to begin work. Fundraising efforts for the additional amount to complete the $5-million complex will continue through private gifts and foundation grants.

Research conducted at the current Equine Orthopaedic Research Laboratory has not only benefitted the horse, but also has changed the way many human orthopedic surgeons treat their patients as well. The new center will be devoted to conducting research of orthopedic problems occurring in equine and human athletes.

The Center will feature a 32-stall horse care facility, a visitor unit, and full equine surgical facilities. Horses will have outdoor runs and a separate commons paddock for exercise space