W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant To Fund First-Time Expansion Of Cal Poly Pomona's Arabian Horse Center

Cal Poly Pomona’s W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center will have new three barns and fencing thanks to a $173,890 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Construction is expected to begin in August and finish early October, said Center director Bill Hughes. The new barns, which will be built behind the existing facility, will be the first additions to the center since its opening in 1974.

One barn will be used for hay and shavings and will reduce the amount of lost shavings and hay due to weather conditions. Another will serve as a mare and foal barn where the horses can give birth. The third will be a student-boarding barn – capable of housing up to 20 horses –for students involved in the equine program who wish to keep their horses on campus.

“We have a long list of students who want to bring their horses to the university that are involved in all the equine programs,” Hughes said. “These upgrades will help us provide more up-to-date facilities we can use to help our students.”

Students are crucial to the Center. Often working as employees in the daily maintenance of the Center and care of the animals, they also participate in activities ranging from the mounted drill team, horse show team and rodeo association.

When W.K. Kellogg donated his land, one of the provisions was that the Arabian horse shows continue. Along with continuing the traditional shows, the Center houses more than 80 purebred Arabian horses and is dedicated to education, outreach and research. The center is internationally recognized for its breeding and training programs.