The Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena, connected to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center’s Galbreath Equine Center, marks a transformative step in equine healthcare not only in the Midwest but also in the nation. Designed with cutting-edge features, this new arena ensures that horses receive world-class care while helping clinicians diagnose and treat performance issues with precision.
Our team recently had the privilege to work alongside GH2 Equine Architects on this project. At the heart of this innovative project are two key additions from our American Stalls team. That includes two custom-built sliding stalls and multiple sets of sliding doors. One of the Barn Doors is the arena’s main door while other sets are used for the different rooms where the horses also need access. Our new project with Ohio State University reflects our commitment to providing the best, custom equestrian solutions that combine functionality and safety.
A State-of-the-Art Arena for Optimal Horse Care
Unlike traditional riding arenas, the Ralph Rogan Arena is a specialized 12,000-square-foot equestrian facility built with horse health and diagnostics in mind. The arena’s footing is crafted from a unique, no-dust synthetic sand-like material. It is designed to provide traction, stability, and cushion—ideal for performance horses used to show rings. The space also includes a jogging strip made from non-slip asphalt, perfect for gait evaluations. This attention to detail is essential for accurately diagnosing lameness or other performance issues in horses. We love this attention to detail when designing the facility as it shows a progressive, modern approach to equine health.
Dr. Maureen Kelleher, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, an expert in equine sports medicine, emphasized the importance of offering multiple surfaces for gait evaluation. "We want to see horses perform on surfaces they are familiar with, where any issues will be evident," she explained. This capability allows clinicians to identify subtle issues that affect a horse’s performance, ensuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
Our Team’s Contribution to the project: Custom Sliding Stalls and Doors
As part of this significant expansion at Ohio State, at American Stalls we proudly supplied the following for the project:
- 2 Sliding Stall Fronts
- Bridle Hooks, Blanket Bars, and Stall Fans
- Cross Tie Posts
- 7 Total Sets of Barn Doors
Our custom designs are tailored for seamless integration into the facility, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional utility.
Our Sliding Stall Fronts are built with a heavy-duty 2”x4” square tubing all the way around to provide the ultimate strength in a medical setting. It also features a full mesh design which is so important in facilitating visibility in and out of the stall. It also ensures the the facility is breathable with improved ventilation and odor management. Our Stall Fronts allow horses to comfortably rest before and after their evaluations. These additions further enhance the arena’s capabilities, providing a safe and functional space for equine patients and their handlers.
Our specialized Barn Doors can be seen throughout the facility. This includes everything from the exterior of the building where you will find a set of beautiful, large hinged Barn Doors. You will also find our Sliding Barn Doors in the transition between the evaluation area and the indoor arena. You will even find our Barn Doors in the evaluation areas as doors to open and close the examination rooms and other areas. As a result, blending seamlessly into the design while providing essential access and functionality.
Enhancing Equine Care with a Multi-Functional Arena
The new arena offers far more than just basic evaluations. Clinicians can now observe horses under saddle, even as they jump over cross-rails or poles. This allows for a more comprehensive diagnosis, especially for subtle lameness or performance issues that might only manifest under specific conditions, such as during a jump or while riding with certain tack.
For more advanced diagnostic capabilities, the arena includes areas for dynamic upper airway evaluations, where horses are ridden with specialized scopes. Additionally, the arena features advanced lighting designed to eliminate shadows, ensuring optimal visibility for clinicians.
Outside the arena, Ohio State also added a neurology hill for neurological evaluations, set to be used by the internal medicine and neurology teams later this year.
A Holistic Approach to Equine Sports Medicine
The arena’s construction is a testament to Ohio State University’s commitment to providing comprehensive care to all horses, whether they are high-performance athletes or beloved companions. By integrating advanced diagnostics, research-driven treatments, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the equine sports medicine team at the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center ensures that every horse receives top-notch care.
According to Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, DACVS, dean of Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the on-site diagnostic imaging capabilities, combined with the arena’s multi-functional space, make this a one-of-a-kind facility in the region. "Clinicians won’t need to wait to bring horses to other parts of the hospital," Moore explains. "Everything they need is on-site, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment."
The Future of Equine Care in the Midwest
The Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena is set to revolutionize equine care in the Midwest. Whether it’s evaluating a million-dollar racehorse or a 4-H pony, this facility ensures that every equine patient reaches their full potential.
American Stalls is honored to be part of this remarkable project, contributing our expertise and premium solutions to help ensure the arena’s success. Our involvement in this project aligns with our mission to provide tailored equestrian solutions that enhance the health and well-being of horses everywhere.
The new Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena at Ohio State University’s Veterinary Medical Center is a beacon of innovation, setting the standard for equine healthcare. We look forward to seeing how this space will improve the lives of horses and their owners, now and in the future.
