The Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital officially opened for business with a dedication ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
Willie Reed, dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine thanked the many people who were involved with the 10-year process of making the hospital come to life.
“Like horses at the starting gate, we at the Purdue University Veterinary Medicine are chomping at the bit as we look forward to expanding our service to Indiana’s equine industry with the completion of this facility,” he told guests who attended the ceremony, which included a meal and tours of the grounds.
The facility, located at 350 W. Bassett Road in Shelbyville, is behind the new Major Hospital and can be seen from Interstate 74.
Reed called it a “wonderful location just minutes from Indiana Grand.”
“With this facility, we are delighted to build on our history of delivering top-quality surgical treatment for equine patients,” he said. “We will utilize equipment and techniques to further advance our mission of promoting the health and performance of equine athletes.”
The hospital will offer an equine 4DDI Equimagine diagnostic imaging system, which performs x-rays, fluoroscopy, computerized tomography scan and tomosynthesis; nuclear imaging; examination rooms; holding stalls; mare and foal stalls; a round pen; and a lameness corridor that is sheltered and allows a horse to walk or trot to be evaluated for lameness.
“This is really a huge moment for the horse industry, Shelby County and the state of Indiana as we go forward from here,” retired senator Bob Jackman said during the ceremony.
Jackman was involved with starting the project.
“I see this Centaur Equine Diagnostic and Surgical Center as just another success, along with our long line of accomplishments in the horse industry in the state of Indiana,” he said. “It also means more to this area than I think anyone could have imagined 10-plus years ago.”
The project cost $8.8 million with Shelbyville and Shelby County governments committing $2.3 million. The university raised the balance. Centaur Gaming pledged $3.1 million for the project.
“We are truly honored to have Centaur Gaming’s name on one of the most technologically advanced equine hospital and surgical centers in the country,” Jim Brown of Centaur Gaming said. “And to have it located here in Shelby County.”
He said that the horse racing industry has a $1 billion impact on the state of Indiana and employees 10,000 Hoosiers.
Timm Gudehus, who will run the hospital, said his staff has spent the past few months learning what the needs of the community were. He hopes to continue developing those relationships.
“If you are patient with us and watch us grow into this responsibility, I hope you’re not going to be disappointed,” he said. “I hope this continues to grow as we’re growing together as a community for the betterment of our horses.”