A new facility on New Mexico State University's Las Cruces campus is changing the way students work with animals.
NMSU's Student Learning Center opened in November 2025, providing an indoor, hands-on learning environment designed to support students across multiple programs. The facility features a 150-by-250-foot arena and a classroom that can seat up to 40 people. It allows students to work with animals in a structured environment and develop practical skills through uninterrupted instruction that was previously difficult to maintain outdoors.
"We have wanted an indoor arena for a long time, specifically for the equine program because one of the inhibiting factors of teaching with horses is that we have to deal with the elements of the weather," said Hannah Bilovesky, director of therapeutic riding and equine science instructor at NMSU.
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will host a dedication for the new facility from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, at 3170 Knox St. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the NMSU equestrian team, livestock judging team and the Escaramuzas Las Zapatistas de Nuevo Mexico, as well as a therapeutic riding demonstration. RSVP to attend at https://nmsu.link/ACES_student_learning_center.
"The Student Learning Center completes the envisioned facilities supported by the 2018 and 2020 GO Bonds, which were strongly approved by New Mexico voters and funded by the state of New Mexico," College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza said. "These facilities have been fundamental in recruiting undergraduate students in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences and will benefit the southern New Mexico community and beyond."
The center serves a wide range of users, including students, faculty and the surrounding areas, and supports teaching, research and outreach missions. Faculty estimate that about 500 NMSU students will use the facility each year, along with more than 6,000 4-H and FFA youth and their families who will benefit through outreach programs.
"This is a game changer in respect to student learning and recruiting," said Shanna Ivey, head of NMSU's Department of Animal and Range Sciences. "It will allow us to teach without distractions in an attractive space similar to what our peer universities in the region have available for their students."
The interdisciplinary design of the center allows it to support research and instruction across campus, including programs connected to human health and wellness. Departments such as psychology, nursing, family and consumer sciences, education and marketing may also utilize the space, creating opportunities for collaboration and externally funded research.
ACES faculty members plan to grow the therapeutic riding program by offering services to community members with disabilities. The center also will serve as a host site for various events and workshops.
"It's going to serve a pivotal role in allowing us to really connect with the community and fulfill our pillars of being a land-grant university," Bilovesky said.
For more information about the center or the upcoming dedication event, contact Maria Gatica Palermo 575-646-3748 or at
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-to-celebrate-new-center-dedicated-to-hands-on-learning-with-animals/s/ef6edba6-057e-4445-9a80-c1853e4c2075
