Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Situated at the heart of Virginia’s horse country, the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center is one of Virginia Tech’s 12 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the 420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research which improved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing the land. The center was used primarily for beef cattle research for 40 years, but was re-dedicated to equine research and teaching in 1992.

Today, the MARE Center continues to play a critical role in the discovery, outreach and education missions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through collaboration with academic and industry partners around the world, the center advances the health and well-being of the horse through its innovative research efforts and exceptional educational programming in equine science.

In 2010, the center launched a new initiative: an undergraduate student learning experience in equine sciences that serves as the cornerstone for its teaching program. The novel, cutting-edge educational experience immerses students in an environment filled with horses for an entire semester. Combining a strong scientific program with practical, hands-on training, the program prepares students as future leaders in the horse industry, academia, or the veterinary sciences.

As an innovator in equine science education and international leader in equine research, the MARE Center offers unparalleled learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and high-quality outreach programs for adult and youth audiences.

We invite you to come be part of the MARE Center experience!

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