New equestrian estate purchased by Keiser University in Loxahatchee Groves.
Photo by Keiser University
The Keiser University equestrian program recently purchasing an equestrian estate in Loxahatchee Groves. Only 13 miles from Keiser’s West Palm Beach campus, the property provides a wide range of benefits to the university, its students and the community.
The 9-acre, gated estate consists of two riding arenas, nine paddocks and two large barns. It is the first university-owned equestrian facility in Florida, providing Keiser with a state-of-the-art center for equine studies in biomedical science and business administration.
“Equine studies is a very specialized field, and we’re very pleased to be able to provide this facility to our students pursuing business and biomedical science degrees,” said Arthur Keiser, the university’s chancellor. “The equestrian center will add to Keiser University’s positive footprint in Palm Beach County and offer our equine students a dedicated and unique learning facility close to our flagship campus.”
Keiser’s bachelor of science degree in biomedical science equine studies serves as a preliminary program that leads to veterinary studies while allowing students to focus on the equine industry. The equestrian estate provides a permanent location for courses that include riding time and hands-on experience. Students are taught advanced horse care, basic riding skills, jumping techniques and management.
For those seeking a bachelor of arts degree in business administration through the equine studies program, the new equestrian center offers an up-close understanding of the business side of the industry. Students learn ethical business practices, barn management, operation of boarding facilities and the technology needed for a large-scale facility.
A core mission of Keiser University, an independent, nonprofit university with 21 campuses across Florida, is to teach students to be career-minded and while developing the skills required to become professional technicians and clinicians.
The university’s equestrian team, the Seahawks, will use the estate as a home base. As a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, Keiser will host competitions at the estate. The Keiser equestrian team began participating in competitions in 2019, and six riders qualified for the IHSA Regionals in the last season.
Like most universities, the team rented space on a farm. With the new equine studies center and team headquarters, the Seahawks expect new interest and continued growth.
Palms West has a long history of equine excellence, which is a cultural and economic benefit to the community. During polo and equestrian season, the area has the highest concentration of sport horses in the world, and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington is the longest-running equine competition in the country.
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