UNR equine center on its last ride

RENO -- The University of Nevada, Reno will close its equestrian center next year because of budget cuts, officials said.

The 12-acre facility where horses are boarded and students have learned to ride and care for the animals is scheduled to close June 30, officials said.

Established more than 40 years ago, the equestrian center is part of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources.

"It is a revenue-generating operation, but it does not pay for itself," said Kevin Piper, assistant director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. "It is supported by state funds in order to keep its doors open."

Piper said "the handful of students" enrolled in the equine science program and who use the center will be able to complete their degrees.

"We will take care of those students in the program now, but it is going to impact the equine sciences option and we will not advise any other students to enter the program."

Jamie Allison, 21, an equine science major, said students were saddened by the news.

"Everyone kind of was heartbroken, and a lot of girls here started crying," she said.

The closing will mean the firing of the center's manager, an administrative faculty position, the assistant, a classified position and three part-time student workers.

If the manager and her assistant leave for new jobs, the center could close before June 30, Piper said.

Piper said it's always difficult to make decisions such as closing the center, but other programs within the Agricultural Experiment Station are more important in fulfilling the university's core teaching and research missions.