Asbury University is celebrating the growth of its Equine Studies program with a new facility fully funded through the generosity of multiple donors.
Named in honor of Mary Jim Fuller ’53 Luce “affectionately nick-named Mama Jim”, a longtime supporter of Asbury’s Equine Studies program, the Mama Jim Ranch House will serve as a hub for teaching, faculty support and daily operations at the Equine Center.
Asbury’s Department of Equine Studies serves over 100 students pursuing degrees across three majors and two minors. Students combine their passion for horses with practical experience and a Christ-centered education that prepares them for careers in the equine industry.
The new ranch house facility will only accelerate the Pflaumer Equine Studies Department at Asbury University as one of the premier Christian equine programs in the country."
“Located on one of the most beautiful stretches of property in Central Kentucky, this state-of-the-art facility will provide additional academic classrooms, faculty offices, and a student gathering space. As the ranch continues to serve an already growing department, I am especially excited for our faculty and our students!”
The Mama Jim Ranch House will feature two 30-seat classrooms with instructional technology and a movable partition, allowing the rooms to become one larger gathering space.
A garage door will allow horses to enter for demonstrations and hands-on instruction.
The facility will also include four faculty offices, restrooms, a water bottle filling station and an apartment with a separate entrance.
The project continues Asbury’s collaboration with Denham-Blythe, the construction company also involved in the University’s nursing program facilities and the second phase of its outdoor venue development.
Completion of the Mama Jim Ranch House is targeted for spring 2028.
Expanding our ability to teach at the farm and to bring horses inside the classroom, quite literally, will be beneficial for our students to receive the hands-on learning they so desire.”
“The Mama Jim Ranch House will be a huge blessing from the Lord for the Department of Equine Studies. It has been amazing to see the ways we have already grown and the immense blessings the Lord has bestowed through the generosity of donors. The flexibility of the new space will also give us the ability to have all-equine meetings at the farm, regardless of outdoor temperatures, while the new offices will allow all equine faculty to have offices at the farm. Overall, I see the ranch house as a gathering place to bring us all together as an equine department, which truly is what a ranch house should be, where hospitality and mission intertwine.”
Asbury equine students combine their passion for horses with a Christ-centered education in the horse capital of the world, just outside of Lexington, Ky. They develop skills in horsemanship, equine care, training and management through classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
The Asbury police horse training program conducted by students is the only program of its kind in the country, teaching students how to develop leadership and responsibility, as they progress through their training courses every semester.
Students can also board their own horses at Asbury and get involved in any of the five equine student clubs, such as vaulting, where they build friendships while exploring their equestrian passions in a unique way.
Since its inception, the Equine program at Asbury has been grounded in the guiding principle of “God, People, Horses”. The ranch house will be a tangible expression of that mission…”
“A place where faith and learning intersect to impact people for Christ. We are excited to see how this new facility will strengthen our program and expand its impact for the kingdom of God for generations to come.”
Asbury offers three bachelor’s degree programs: Equine Assisted Services, Equine Science and Equine Studies. Students can also pursue two minors: Equine Business Management and Equine Studies.
Come visit us to explore all that the Asbury University Equine program has for you.
Explore Asbury’s Equine Studies programs or apply today.
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