JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University (A-State) has opened a new equine barn that will give veterinary students hands-on experience in caring for horses, thanks to a significant donation from a thoroughbred owner and breeder.
A dedication ceremony for the Dash Goff Equine Center—Nodouble Barn at 3615 Hereford Drive was held on Thursday. The facility was funded by a $1 million gift to A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, according to a university news release.
The barn is named after Nodouble, a nationally renowned racehorse bred and owned by Gene Goff. Nodouble, nicknamed the “Arkansas Traveler,” set national track records and won the Arkansas Derby in 1968.
University officials explained that the equine center will allow veterinary students to acquire essential skills in equine care, examinations, and clinical procedures. Dr. Heidi Banse, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the facility's significance to student training.
“At this barn, they’ll be able to practice things like physical examinations, how to restrain a horse, halter them, lead them in and out of different places, the stocks, the stalls, as well as learn various procedural skills, for example, ultrasound,” Banse said.
She also expressed gratitude for the contribution from the Goff family, calling the new barn an essential part of the program’s hands-on curriculum.
“This barn will be an incredibly important part of our curriculum teaching our students their hands-on live animal equine skills,” Banse added.
The facility is part of broader efforts by A-State to expand training opportunities for veterinary students and enhance the region’s capacity for animal care education.