Ohio’s Otterbein College has authorized the construction of a new academic equine science facility on 111 acres in Westerville, Ohio. To be named the Patrick and Jill McCuan Center for Equine Science, the facility will be approximately two miles from the main campus. Construction for the nearly $4 million project, to be funded totally through private contributions, is intended to replace the buildings and pastures leased for many years in Galena, Ohio, which is five miles north of Westerville.

Features of the new center include a main structure with classrooms, stalls for 50 horses, an outdoor arena, paddocks and riding trail.

The expanded facility will allow the already-established equine science department to double its enrollment over the next ten years. Currently about 75 students major in equine studies at the college, which is near Columbus, Ohio.

Otterbein has one of the most active equestrian team sport offerings with IHSA, dressage and eventing teams representing the school. The school also has a therapeutic riding program and offers Bachelor degree programs in equine business and facilities management, pre-veterinary studies, equine health technology (RVT program) and an equine studies minor.

The college’s lead gift of $1.5 million came from The McCuan Family Trust.

Patrick (Pat) and Jill McCuan own and operate a 118-acre horse farm and riding facility of their own in Maryland called Sunset Hill Farm. In September, their daughter, Megan, will enter her senior year as a equine administration major at Otterbein.