Murray State University Equine Center

Home
United States
Murray, KY
Murray State University Equine Center

Providing information on Equine Center events, updates on university horses, and information about our equestrian teams and clubs.

The MSU Equine Center is home to the Equine Science Program and the MSU Equestrian Teams. Facilities at the Center include the Equine Instructional Facility, the University barn (for University horses), several barns for housing student-owned horses, a lighted outdoor riding arena, an outdoor dressage arena, turn out lots for both student and University owned horses, a wash rack, and several round

pens. The Equine Instructional Facility, located at the Equine Center, was funded by the Higher Educational Equine Trust and Revolving Fund. It opened its doors on October 31, 1998, and added the MSU Equine Science departmental offices, a riding preparation area, two tack rooms, a round pen, indoor arena, and a classroom to the Center’s facilities. In 2013, an additional classroom, offices, and meeting areas were created to house the growing program. The University’s Equine Program allows students both traditional classroom learning as well as hands-on opportunities in the areas of equine health care management, reproduction, exercise physiology, and nutrition. In addition, there are opportunities for students to be involved with the Intercollegiate Horse Show teams, both hunt seat and stock seat, the Rodeo Team, and the Dressage Club. All teams are involved in various competitions throughout the academic year.

09/05/2026

🌟 Spotlight Saturday: Holly 🌟

Next up for Spotlight Saturday is Holly (Hollywood Mega Star)!

Holly is a 2006 AQHA mare who serves as one of our program’s talented reining horses. Beyond the arena, she is also one of our go-to horses for unmounted lessons and demonstrations thanks to her kind and gentle nature.

This week alone, Holly helped teach a new student the basics of grooming and assisted stable manager Katie in introducing around 100 Intro to Agriculture students to the fundamentals of horse handling.

Holly is a beloved and valued member of our herd, and we are so grateful for all she does for our program. 🐴💙

Share your favorite photos, memories, or stories about Holly in the comments below!

08/29/2026

🌟 Welcome to Spotlight Saturday! 🌟

Each week, we’ll be shining the spotlight on a horse from our amazing school herd!

First up for the fall semester is Beckham (Impulsively A Gem)! Beckham, or “Becky” to his friends, is a 2009 Appendix gelding and a favorite of our hunt seat team. 💙

Have a favorite photo or story about Beckham? Share it in the comments below! 🐴📸

08/24/2026

Here is the arena schedule for the Fall 2026 semester. Please remember that classes and practices take priority in the arena.

08/22/2026

Murray State University’s Equine Program is saddened to announce the passing of our oldest and longest-serving herd member, Baldy, following a battle with cancer.

Baldy joined the program in 2004 as a three-year-old c**t, originally coming to us to be used in our breaking and training classes. Over the next 22 years, he became so much more than a lesson horse. He was a steadfast and beloved member of the Murray State Equine family.

Throughout his time at Murray State, Baldy proudly served in both mounted and unmounted classes and lessons and was a particular favorite among our equestrian team students. His kind, gentle nature made him an exceptional horse for beginners, and he patiently introduced countless students to the sport of horseback riding.

Baldy also traveled with both our Hunt Seat and Western teams over the years, becoming a favorite IHSA draw horse and carrying many students to blue ribbons. He had a remarkable ability to take care of his riders, whether they were taking their first lesson or stepping into the show ring.

Baldy touched the lives of countless students, faculty, staff, and horsemen and women throughout his long career. He was a truly special horse, and his absence will be deeply felt around the Equine Center.

We will miss him dearly.

Please feel free to share a special memory of Baldy or a favorite photo in the comments. We would love to hear from the many people whose lives he touched over the years.

07/17/2026

Last up in our summer series of showing what our horses are doing over break is our most famous resident, Vegas, aka Racer 1!

Vegas has spent most of his summer relaxing out in the pasture with his buddies, but he’s starting to gear up for a new season of Racer Football! Last night, he joined his friends from the football team at the Watermelon Bust at the Doran Arboretum. He was excited to see his fans and looks forward to seeing them in just a few weeks on the track for the first game of the season!

07/10/2026

It’s happening!!! We’re so excited to be able to watch the construction of the Murray State College of Veterinary Medicine right outside our office windows!

With plans to have the first class starting in fall of 2029, this will be the Commonwealth’s first veterinary school!

07/07/2026

This week, we're featuring JC and Teller, who are also spending their summer at camp! These two are at an all-boys camp in North Carolina, where they're helping campers build and refine their horsemanship skills through daily riding lessons.

When they're not hard at work in the arena, JC and Teller enjoy relaxing together in their shady pasture. We're proud of the role they're playing this summer and look forward to welcoming them back to campus soon!

06/29/2026

This week, we're checking in on Gitto, who has been making the most of his summer at the Jaeckle Centre in Thompson's Station, TN with one of our hunt seat team members.

From making new friends with his neighbors and exploring his new surroundings to soaking up the sunshine in his paddock, Gitto has been enjoying every minute of his summer adventure. It's safe to say he's received plenty of attention, treats, and well-deserved pampering along the way! We can't wait to have him back on campus this fall.

06/22/2026

Next up in our summer adventures are Phoebe, Ned, and Plaino! These guys are spending the summer at an all-girls camp in North Carolina, where they're helping campers of all experience levels develop their riding skills and confidence.

This is actually Phoebe's second summer at camp. She's become a favorite among the campers, and the feeling seems to be mutual! We're thrilled that these horses are representing the Murray State herd while making a positive impact on young riders.

06/15/2026

This summer, many of our horses are off the farm enjoying adventures of their own while students are away! Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing updates on what members of our herd are doing during summer break.

First up are some of our newer herd members: Splenda, Disney, and Betty. These three mares are spending the summer in Michigan at a Boy Scout camp, where they're helping Scouts develop horsemanship skills and enjoy trail rides. We are grateful for the important role they're playing and can't wait to welcome them back to campus this fall!

Address

MSU 2111 College Farm Road
Murray, KY
42071

Website

http://murraystate.edu/connect

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Murray State University Equine Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your university to be the top-listed University in Murray?