Building plans for the construction of the world’s first Equine Orthopaedic Research Center are underway and work on the 12,000 square-foot building is scheduled to begin no later than January 1, 2001 at Colorado State University.

A gift of over $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 benefited the horse, but has also changed the way many human orthopaedic surgeons treat their patients as well. The new research center will be devoted to conducting research of orthopaedic problems occurring in equine and human athletes.

The Center, which will house a 32-stall horse care facility, a visitor unit and full equine surgical facilities, will be constructed immediately adjacent to the current Orthopaedic Research Laboratory just north of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Drake Road. State-of-the-art stables will be provided for resident horses with indoor horse stalls, an outdoor run and a separate commons paddock for exercise space