Carbondale, IL – An “inland hurricane” with 140 m.p.h. winds tore through Southern Illinois University Friday (May 8), knocking out power and damaging buildings.

Especially hard hit is the horse center at the state’s only four-year equine science program where the stallion barn is lost, teaching barn damaged, indoor arena roof compromised and the entire perimeter fence torn up because of its proximity to surrounding timberland.

“Fortunately, the horses sustained only minor injuries,” said Sheryl King, Ph.D, PAS, horse program director. The program houses 50 horses.

“Communications at the university still are not good, so we do not know the full extent of the damage across campus, but damage at the university farm is extensive, including facilities for all species of animals and plants,” Dr. King said.

She explained that the stallion barn is lost – “the roof is off, the building is leaning and it needs to be razed. The hay barn no longer is here. The teaching barn has a hole in its roof, and windows and skylights are out. The roof on the indoor riding arena has a gaping hole in it. The outdoor arena is torn and tree strewn. Perimeter fencing along forested areas is gone.”

“We estimate it will take $1.5 million to repair/replace what we’ve lost,” Dr. King said, “money which likely will not be available from the self-insured university.”

“We will need in-kind help and cash donations from corporations and the private sector if we are to re-establish facilities to the point where we can again safely continue our program,” Dr. King said.

SIU’s horse program fulfills a two-fold mission for the horse industry in Illinois, that of educating future horsemen…sending out trained people who will contribute to the industry, and conducting cutting-edge research, solving medical and welfare issues affecting the industry at large.

Checks for the tax-deductible donations should be made out to: Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, and mailed to SIUC Horse Program Relief Fund,
Sheryl King, PhD, 1205 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901.

When phone service is restored, Dr. King can be reached at the horse program office (618) 453-1771.

For release: May 11, 2009        
For information: Sheryl King, PhD (618) 453-1771