Welcome to the Heart of Equestrian Excellence!

At Ellsworth Community College, students in our Equine Science and Equine Management programs learn by doing. The Ellsworth Equestrian Center is where classroom concepts turn into real-world skills, giving students daily access to professional facilities, live animals, and hands-on experiences that build confidence and career readiness.

Here, students don’t just study horses—they work with them, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the equine industry or transfer to four-year programs.

Students take part in:

  • Feeding and daily care routines
  • Training fundamentals and handling skills
  • Facility operations and maintenance
  • Event preparation and show support

Whether you’re building foundational skills or advancing your equine education, students in ECC’s Equine Science and Equine Management programs learn in a professional-grade facility designed to reflect the industry they’re preparing to enter. The Ellsworth Equestrian Center gives students daily access to spaces that support hands-on learning, animal care, and real-world experience.

Facility features include:

  • 89 heated stalls, expandable to 140 in summer months
  • A 275 × 100 indoor show arena with seating for up to 300 spectators
  • Nine heated wash bays with hot and cold water
  • A 100 × 60 connected warm-up arena
  • Dedicated vendor areas and ample parking
  • 24 on-site RV electrical hook-ups

The Robert & Arlene Hamilton campus also includes ECC’s Agriculture Center, giving students additional opportunities to connect equine learning with broader agricultural and animal science education.

Beyond student learning, the Ellsworth Equestrian Center is also a regional destination for horse shows, clinics, competitions, and community events that bring exhibitors and visitors from across Iowa and the Midwest to campus throughout the year.

Connect With Us 

Interested in enrolling your horse in our training or lesson program? Contact DeeAnn at 641-648-8390 for details and availability.

Interested in ECC’s equine and agriculture programs? Our Admissions team is here to help you learn more about hands-on learning opportunities, campus life, scholarships, and how to get started at Ellsworth Community College. Contact Admissions at 641-648-4611 or eccinfo@iavalley.edu.

To reserve classroom space or inquire about rental costs in the Agricultural Building, please contact Wanda at 641-648-8730.

To host an event or show at the Ellsworth Equestrian Center, contact Vicki at 641-648-8667. To streamline your request, you may also complete the Ellsworth Equestrian Center Facility Usage Form.

2026 Schedule of Events

Date Event Details
May 23-24, 2026 Iowa Appaloosa Association Click for Details
June 5-7, 2026 Iowa Palomino Exhibitors Association Click for Details
June 20-21, 2026 Iowa Arabian Horse Association Click for Details
June 27-28, 2026 Midwest Classic Shetland Breeders Association Click for Details
July 3-5, 2026 IQHA Scenic City Summer Show Click for Details
July 24-26, 2026 Go For Broke IBRA State Championships Click for Details
August 1-2, 2026 Iowa Pony of the Americas Club Click for Details
August 7-9, 2026 Fiesta Del Norte/Northern Lights Click for Details
August 13-16, 2026 IA NBHA State Championships Click for Details
August 29-30, 2026 Iowa Appaloosa Association  Click for Details

 

The 2025-2026 schedule of events at the Ellsworth Equestrian Center is packed with exciting activities and competitions throughout the year! While we're thrilled to offer a variety of events, please note that the schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on event dates, times, and details, be sure to check out our Facebook page. Stay in the loop and don’t miss out on the fun! 

Come experience everything our Ellsworth Equestrian Center has to offer and discover why it's the perfect place for your horse and your next big event!  

Vicki Marsh
Equine Facility/Event Coordinator
Vicki.Marsh@iavalley.edu
641-648-8667