Horses in the University of Minnesota Crookston’s equine program have a new place to shelter, thanks to a generous donor. Last year, UMN Crookston constructed a new lean-to building that will allow the school to expand the number of horses in its equine program by three to four. The lean-to will allow the equine program to host more broodmares and take in additional off-track Thoroughbreds for retraining.

UMN Crookston’s equine program and the equestrian team reached their fundraising goal for the lean-to in March 2022, thanks to Roy Johnson (’72 B.S., ’84 M.S.), a former faculty member who works at Cargill Animal Nutrition. 

“I personally believe some long-term investing in UMC is appropriate, which is why I am personally supporting the equine programs,” Johnson says. “The lean-to, as an example, will contribute to the success of the program for the students and animals but long-term for the industry through educational priorities and student experiences.” 

The equine program at UMN Crookston is known for offering students extensive hands-on experience with horses.

The school aims to construct two more lean-to buildings to provide additional capacity to foaling mares in the Minnesota-bred Thoroughbreds program and develop a yearling sales and fitting program. Having more shelters also would assist with the retraining and repurposing of off-track Thoroughbreds in conjunction with Minnesota horse racing, the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association, and Canterbury Park.

Support the construction of additional lean-to buildings at UMN Crookston.