Attending the groundbreaking ceremony (left to right):
Jan Dubauskus, Scottsdale City Council Member
Susan Bitter Smith, Governing Board Member, Maricopa Community Colleges
Maryann McAllen, Scottsdale City Council Member
Morgan Torrez, alumni of the Equine Science program
Jay Clements, SCC Equine Science program director
Honorable Lisa Borowsky, City of Scottsdale Mayor
Dr. Eric Leshinskie, president of SCC
Kenzie Smalls, alumni of the Equine Science program
Izabel Iradell, student in the Equine Science program
Expanded Partnership Ushers in New Era for Arizona’s Equine Workforce
Scottsdale Community College (SCC), in partnership with the City of Scottsdale and WestWorld, marked a significant milestone today with the official groundbreaking of a permanent facility for SCC’s Equine Science program. The new site, located at WestWorld’s renowned event campus, will provide SCC students with direct access to one of the nation’s leading equine venues – ushering in a new era of opportunity for Arizona’s equine industry.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents years of vision and collaboration,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, President of SCC. “We’re investing in our students, the industry, and local community, and we’re proud to continue Scottsdale’s long tradition of equine excellence.”
The 22,000-square-foot facility will include 10 horse stalls, two round pens, a hay shed, an equipment shed, and a dedicated farrier station, all designed to support real-world workforce development in a professional environment.
“WestWorld has long been a destination for premier equestrian events, and this partnership with Scottsdale Community College strengthens that legacy while investing in the future of Arizona’s equine industry,” said Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton. “This new facility creates meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a world-class setting while supporting workforce development, education and economic vitality in our community.”
“This move allows us to expand our program, strengthen workforce preparation, and create more opportunities for students,” said Jay Clements, SCC’s Equine Science Program Director. “Being located at WestWorld gives our students better access, better scheduling, and better opportunities to gain experience alongside the industry's top names and events.”
According to a 2026 report by the American Horse Council, the national equine industry contributed $177 billion and 2.2 million jobs to the U.S. economy, supporting these areas: racing sector, recreation sector, competition sector, traditional work horses, equine-assisted services, and equine rescues and sanctuaries. In addition, a 2025 report by the University of Arizona estimated the annual statewide economic impact of horse racing is $294 million.
SCC’s Equine Science program has been a leader in equine education for over 40 years, combining academic coursework with hands-on horse handling experience. Graduates leave well-prepared to enter the workforce or continue in advanced areas such as animal science, equine veterinary studies, or horse-assisted therapy. Career opportunities include stable management, veterinary assisting, training, journalism, photography, teaching, and more.
Until now, the program has lacked a dedicated facility for clinical instruction. With temporary partnerships scattered across the Valley, students often faced long commutes and logistical challenges. The new WestWorld site will centralize SCC’s hands-on training, making it more convenient and sustainable for students and faculty.
One of the program’s most recent impactful additions is SCC’s Equine Massage Therapy Certification, the first of its kind in Arizona. The program was built to meet a growing demand in the equine industry with a professional, career-focused approach. As high-level equine competitions continue to grow in popularity and prize money, so does the need for knowledgeable professionals who can support equine athletes and prevent injuries.
Construction is expected to be completed by Summer 2026, to support Fall semester classes. Visit SCC's Equine Science program for more information.