Check Out a Virtual Tour of the New Incredible Texas A&M Hildebrand Equine Complex

Texas A&M Athletics via NCEA

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The opening of the Hildebrand Equine Complex was the culmination of years of hard work by more people than could be mentioned. With a long history of teaching, research, outreach and contribution, Texas A&M has played an important role in the equine industry for generations.

The Texas A&M Equine Initiative, which was formed to bring together all the resources within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, is the champion of the recent growth and development of the equine programs at A&M, including the building of the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex. The Hildebrand Equine Complex is the first part of a planned $80 million project of the Initiative.

“This new facility solidifies Texas A&M University’s position as a national leader in equine programs—in equine sciences and veterinary medicine,” said Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “The considerable support from current leaders in the equine industry, all friends of Texas A&M, clearly indicate the importance of our university serving the significant equine industry, locally to globally. This premier facility will help us not only serve but also significantly impact the future of the industry. In addition, this state-of-the-art facility honors Dr. Hildebrand, one of the revered graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.”

The new complex represents one of the core tenants of the Texas A&M Equine Initiative, which was formed to bring together equine research, teaching, extension, and outreach in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

The direct benefits of the equestrian program are too numerous to be counted. From the high quality of horses the athletes are able to compete on to the publicity and notoriety gained by the exposure, the already accomplished team is leading its peer programs in innovation and university support. The daily support and interaction from veterinary professors and students has led to an increase in donated animals, largely due to the knowledge that the horses will be cared for by the best in the state.

The Equine Initiative also includes 10 other clubs and teams, with the intent to grow the involvement and influence of each both on campus and across the state. From the Horse Judging Team to Parson’s Mounted Calvary, they represent some of the oldest and most prestigious organizations on campus.

“We are thankful for the partnership of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Athletics, and the equine industry for making this vision a reality,” said Jim Heird, executive professor and coordinator of the Equine Initiative. “Together we can not only advance new knowledge for the benefit of horses and horse owners, but also enhance Texas A&M’s rich equine traditions.”

Click here for a YouTube video tour of the facility.