Wagon Wheel Ranch & Sul Ross Seek Funding for Foundation Quarter Horse Program

“With this gift from the Gist family and Wagon Wheel Ranch, Sul Ross has the opportunity to create a signature program that can generate nationwide attention,” Kibler said. “This program is expected to increase student enrollment, expand curricular offerings for undergraduate and graduate students, and create new collaborative teaching and research efforts.

“An endowed Foundation Quarter Horse breeding program is consistent with the ranching heritage of the Big Bend region and will create a center of excellence that furthers the mission and vision of Sul Ross State University,” he said.

Rob Kinucan, dean of the College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and Associate Provost for Research, said, “This gift will help set Sul Ross apart as a premier equine science program with curricular and research efforts centered around the traditional and modern ranch horse.”

Sul Ross will initially accept a small portion of the breeding animals, with additional horses to arrive as the endowment grows. With the first $1 million raised, Sul Ross will commit $500,000 to facility upgrades, endow a faculty position and provide support for young horses donated for a production sale.

“It is our hope this program will make Sul Ross the first choice for any student looking to combine a love for horses with a desire to obtain a college education,” said Butch Worley, vice president for external relations. “Not only will the program be a tremendous asset for the College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, it is our belief it will raise the profile of Sul Ross throughout the Southwestern United States.”

To donate to the endowment created to sustain the Wagon Wheel Ranch breeding program at Sul Ross State University, visit gistmemorialfoundation.org/causes/srsu-equine-program/.