-
Gunby Equine Center
Located on the Berry College's 27,000-acre campus, the Gunby Equine Center serves as a focal point for equine-related education and competition for the institution. The facility was dedicated in the name of the Honorable Eugene Gunby in 1974. Stricken with polio when he was five years old, Eugene Gunby showed great personal courage and perseverance in overcoming his severe physical disability to become a skilled and avid horseman. He credited Berry College and his love for horses for developing the sense of responsibility, honor and values that guided him throughout life. The Gunby Center recognizes his love and concern for youth.
The primary purposes of the Gunby Equine Center are to support excellence in equine-related instruction and research, student work experience, and service to the community and equine industry, while also serving as the home and practice facility for Berry's nationally-acclaimed equestrian team. Berry College owns approximately 60 horses which are obtained by donations from the general public and through the breeding program. This allows students to gain first-hand experience in managing a variety of animals and situations. The majority of the horses are used for instructional purposes in hunt seat and western equitation in association with the intercollegiate equestrian team. Horses also are used in teaching several courses in the Animal Science program. The Gunby Equine Center also maintains an active breeding program consisting of a small band of broodmares.
The Gunby Equine Center consists of a 185-acre operation. Facilities include five buildings, including a recently renovated main barn, 64 stalls with tack rooms and washracks, an outdoor arena, and two round pens. The covered arena has an attached classroom, offices, concession stand, judges stand, and seating for 400 spectators. Over 180 acres are used for pasture. In addition, there is access to many miles of trails throughout the mountains of the 27,000-acre campus.
The Gunby Equine Center is operated as one of several livestock units as part of Agricultural Operations in cooperation within the Animal Science Department. A wide variety of courses are available through the Animal Science major, where students can select either the Pre-Vet/Pre-Professional Concentration or the Production/Management Concentration. Guided trail rides and equine related events enhance student and community involvement at the equine center. Students also have the opportunity to board their own horses if they wish.