B.W. Pickett Equine Center and the Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Lab complex, 2003
From CSU's Sense of Place: A Campus History of Colorado's Land-Grant University, by James E. Hansen, Gordon A. Hazard, and Linda M. Meyer. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University, 2018.
Architect – Port-A-Stall (Adams-Atkinson Arena)
735 South Overland Trail Road
On September 11, 1983, the plan to build a world-class, state-of-the-art center for equine studies began with a formal groundbreaking ceremony using a pair of Belgian draft horses pulling an antique plow. Construction began on the new Equine Teaching and Research Center that would cost an estimated $5.2 million. Efforts to raise all of this money continued under the leadership of Dr. Bill W. Pickett as construction progressed.
The main building contained a 150’ x 300’ indoor arena equipped with seating for 2,000 spectators, concession stands, ticket booths, faculty offices, and a multimedia classroom. Other facilities at the Center include an outdoor riding arena, paddocks, and support sheds. On September 14, 1986, the new CSU Equine Teaching and Research Center was dedicated in an opening ceremony.
In 1994, a new building was added to the complex. A large Port-A-Stall building had been disassembled, transported, and reconstructed on the grounds during the summer of 1994. Formally dedicated on October 1, 1994, the “Adams-Atkinson Arena” was originally built by Bud Adams in Scottsdale, Arizona. In June 1993, Bud and Jo Adams donated the building to the University. The moving and reconstruction costs of the facility were covered by a gift from Ken Atkinson. The addition of the Adams-Atkinson Arena provided an indoor arena, 36 box stalls, offices, veterinary treatment areas, wash and grooming racks, and a classroom with an arena viewing area.
In December 2000, the CSU Equine Teaching and Research Center was renamed to honor Professor Bill W. Pickett. Dr. Pickett was the director of the Equine Science Program. In the early 1980s he was tasked by the President’s Office with raising $5 million in private funds to build the facility. In a 2010 interview, Dr. Pickett said he took on the assignment from President Philip Austin knowing he had never done any kind of fund raising before this time. He spent countless hours contacting and developing relationships with equine related business and private horse owners to successfully build a facility that was bigger and better than originally planned.
During an average week, the arena is primarily used to teach English and Western riding, with about 200 students each semester. On weekends it often serves as host to various groups including horse shows, rodeos, and public exhibitions. An outdoor rodeo practice arena was built in recent years to support the CSU Rodeo Club. Renovations made over the years include the Kelley Bartlett Conference room and student lounge.
Sources by Gordon A. Hazard
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“Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University - A Century of Service to the Livestock Industry 1903 – 2003” by Dr. John Matsushima and Animal Department Staff, 2004, pages 5 and 55.
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“Sex, Science, and Survival in Academe – A History of the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory at Colorado State University” by B. W. Pickett and Colleagues, 2012, pp 104 – 129.
Interview with Roy W. Lilley, ’52, October 3, 2016.
Telephone interview with B. W. Pickett Equine Center staff was conducted on October 4, 2016.
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