Equine center becomes personal goal
TAMU-C plans spurred with Threlkeld’s and committee’s efforts

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Leonard Threlkeld points to additional land that could be utilized once the planned Texas A&M-Commerce equine center is constructed. Threlkeld, part of a 15-member committee at TAMU-C, looks forward to the economic- and student population-boosting facility. -- Staff photo by Kramer

Dec. 8, 2005 -  Leonard Threlkeld is devoting his time to helping Texas A&M University-Commerce see their dream of an equine center come true.

�Threlkeld, 62, joined the Equine Committee at the university two years ago. While attending a seminar, he met TAMU-C equine instructor Mindy Norris. She pointed out that the equine program had little resources available.

�Threlkeld, who owns Sandi�s Country Corner in Greenville, had her make a list of all the things she needed.

��When she was done it was about four pages long,� he said.

�He sought donations and even purchased items for the program. That was just the beginning.

��They�ve (Leonard and his wife) have been a huge boost to the program,� said Norris. �I almost think the program would have almost died and went away if Leonard had not been there to give it a boost.�

�Threlkeld, who graduated from the university in Commerce in 1969, said for the last 15 years, the agriculture and animal science department had been exploring the idea, off and on, of building an equine center. Before the effort could begin, a $10,000 donation was needed.

�Threlkeld and his wife, Sandi, donated the money. Immediately funds began rolling in, but it was not, and still is not, enough.

�Threlkeld and 14 other committee members have spent the last two years gathering funds and looking at plans for the project. They have taken tours, had meetings, and struggled to keep the project alive.

�He said he�s never minded the massive work it has taken to keep the project moving because he believes there is a need in the area for an equine facility.

�With an equine center, the university, who recently formed an equestrian and rodeo team, could host fundraising events, livestock shows, judging competitions, and rodeos. In addition, Threlkeld said Equest, a therapeutic riding center based in Wylie, wants to partner with the university if the facility becomes a reality. Threlkeld said he would like for Equest to have an opportunity to work in the area.

��I�d like to see them out here,� he said. With Equest at the location, students could become certified trainers and have the opportunity to help others. But, for that to happen, Threlkeld said a covered facility is needed.�

�The plans have been redrawn several times, but the project is expected to include a small outdoor covered arena, a large covered arena, and adjacent classroom space.

�This plan would accommodate a great deal of the univerisity�s needs. In addition, Threlkeld said he feels the center would promote the town, its economy, and growth.

��I want to see this town grow,� he said. �I really think we�re missing the opportunity.

�In addition, he said many area students interested in horses, equine science, and equine sports, are going elsewhere to further their education.

��Most students that are involved in animal science feel like this university is lacking,� he said. �If we can provide for them here, then they don�t have to go to Nacogdoches or West Texas.�

�Threlkeld believes the university, which reports an enrollment figure of more than 8,700, could increase its student population by 20 percent with the equine project.

�But, the total estimated cost for the project is nearly$1million, and while that figure is a fraction of the money that TAMU-C has spent on other building projects, he said obtaining university funding and agreements has, at times, been difficult. Now, the committee will have to rely on private funding and donations to complete the project.

��Agriculture, at this point, has taken a back seat at the university,� said Threlkeld. He added that a new science building and recreation center have topped the recent list of financial priorities. (The university�s recreation center cost approximately $12 million and the Science and Technology center boasted a price tag of $28 million, according to the university�s website).

�Threlkeld said he thought the university would be more supportive if those making decisions understood the situation.

��I think once it�s done, it�ll make a lot more sense,� he said.

�Threlkeld and his wife are hoping to encourage a greater interest in the project by creating a $20,000 endowment that will fund equine scholarships in the future. But without the facility, there may be very few students to benefit from their generosity.

�And without the project, Threlkeld said Commerce will remain unchanged.

��I think it�ll stay the same way it�s been for the last 10 years,� he said of the town.

�And while he believes the center would benefit the town, he is more concerned with the opportunities it will provide to area youth and students.

��The dream has nothing to do with me, it�s about the kids,� he explained.

�Even so, he admitted sometimes the battle for the project becomes personal.

��I take it personal in the regard that I feel sometimes we (agriculturalists) are being neglected.�

�He hopes to see that trend reversed, and feels the equine center project is the first step.

��I see this as a badly needed improvement,� Threlkeld said. �I may not be around long enough to see it, but for now I�m just consumed. I just can�t describe how much it means to me.�

�While Threlkeld and his wife have contributed a great deal to the project, Threlkeld said that much more support is needed.

��We need anybody�s support, in any way,� he said. And once people catch on to the project, he feels Commerce will be a �busy busy place.�