W.K. Kellogg built a ranch in 1925 in Pomona, California, to fulfill his life-long dream of breeding outstanding Arabian Horses. For nearly 48 years, the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horses lived in the original stables. This fixture, along with 813 acres, would eventually become Cal Poly Pomona.
However, by 1970, the university had been had begun planning the relocation of the horses to a new home. The original stables and show ring were in the center of the growing campus and the construction of a new student union building was planned on a portion of the site. The University applied for and was awarded a grant from the Kellogg Foundation in 1973 to build a new facility. Construction of this new facility—the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center—began that same year. The new center would be located to the east of the main campus and include stables, offices, tack rooms, two living quarters, a classroom, a shoeing shop; a secondary stable area with breeding facilities and veterinary clinic; a facility for visiting horses; and a show arena with seating for 900 spectators.
The last Sunday show at the old stables was held on December 16, 1973, and on February 23, 1974. The Arabians were walked through the original entry arch, down the hill, and on to their new home.
The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center was formally dedicated on April 6, 1974, and is still home to the Kellogg Arabians today. The old stables now serve as a Union Plaza, a center for student organizations and offices.
The W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center is a showcase facility that houses approximately 70 purebred Arabian horses used in teaching, research, and breeding. Today, the Center includes 40 acres of irrigated pasture, five barns for stabling horses, foaling stalls with an observation room, veterinary sciences laboratory, several arenas, a farrier shop, and research facilities.
However, it is more than just a facility. It is a home for students wanting opportunities to “learn by doing.” It is a place for countless generations to experience a Sunday Show and see the beauty of an Arabian horse. It helps veterans as they transition from military to civilian life. It is also now the home of the “Performance Breeder of the Year,” recently recognized by the Arabian Horse Times Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the current home of our beloved W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horses, we hope you will consider a gift to the program—$19.74, $50, $99 or more!—to celebrate this milestone.
Continued investments help us meet our mission as we cultivate success through a diverse culture of experiential learning, discovery, and innovation. Thank you for considering supporting the legacy of W.K. Kellogg and love of the Arabian horse!
