The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center at Cal Poly Pomona has been awarded the Heritage Award by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, acknowledging its 100-year contribution to education, regional development, and public outreach. The accolade was presented during SGVEP’s annual gala, with Interim President Iris S. Levine accepting on behalf of the institution.
Established in 1925 by breakfast cereal entrepreneur W.K. Kellogg, the center holds the distinction of being the longest-running Arabian horse breeding program in the United States. Over the past century, it has become a defining feature of Cal Poly Pomona and a cultural landmark within the San Gabriel Valley. Its popular Sunday Horse Shows draw families and tourists alike, while its breeding initiatives have consistently produced champion Arabian horses, blending historical tradition with hands-on academic training.
The facility collaborates closely with the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture, supporting coursework and research in animal science and animal health. Additional programs such as Horses for Heroes, Foal Watch, and the Horsemanship Club offer students immersive learning experiences that enhance both personal and professional development.
Susan Kellogg-Bell, great-great-granddaughter of W.K. Kellogg and advisor to both the Huntley College and CPP Philanthropic Foundation boards, expressed appreciation for the recognition. She highlighted the enduring vision set in motion a century ago and expressed confidence in the university’s stewardship of the center’s future.
Originally launched as Kellogg’s private ranch, the site quickly gained acclaim for its purebred Arabian horses and public exhibitions, which attracted Hollywood figures and widespread attention. In 1932, Kellogg donated the 813-acre property to the State of California, stipulating that the breeding operations and weekly shows continue. Today, the land serves as the campus for Cal Poly Pomona, an institution serving over 27,000 students and recognized nationally for promoting diversity and economic advancement.
As a center for experiential education and community involvement, the Arabian Horse Center welcomes thousands each year. Initiatives like Horses for Heroes, which supports student veterans, and Foal Watch, open to all students, reflect the university’s dedication to inclusive success and practical learning.
John Resich (’69, business, finance and insurance), member of the CPP Philanthropic Board and Huntley College advisory board, praised the honor, emphasizing the center’s role in advancing knowledge about Arabian horses and maintaining a top-tier breeding legacy.
The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, a coalition of businesses, government leaders, educational institutions, and nonprofits, works to strengthen regional economic health and quality of life. At the same event, former Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya M. Coley received the Legacy Leadership Award.
— news from Cal Poly Pomona
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Arabian Horse Center Receives Heritage Award from SGV Economic Partnership
The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center at Cal Poly Pomona has received the prestigious Heritage Award from the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, recognizing its century-long legacy of educational innovation, regional impact and community engagement. The honor was presented at SGVEP’s annual gala, where Interim President Iris S. Levine accepted the award on behalf of the university. n nFounded in 1925 by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg, the Arabian Horse Center is the oldest continuous Arabian breeding program in the nation. It has been a cornerstone of Cal Poly Pomona’s identity and a vital part of the San Gabriel Valley’s cultural and economic landscape for 100 years. With its Sunday Horse Shows, beloved by families and visitors, and an award-winning breeding program that has produced generations of award-winning Arabian horses, the center represents a unique blend of tradition and PolyX learning opportunities. n nThe center partners with the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture in animal science and animal health science classes and research projects. In addition, programs like Horses for Heroes, Foal Watch and the Horsemanship Club provide interactive and educational experiences for students. n n“We are all grateful for the recognition of the SGVEP for the enduring vision and legacy set forth by W.K. Kellogg 100 years ago,” said Susan Kellogg-Bell, W.K. Kellogg’s great-great-granddaughter and a member of the Huntley College Board of Advisors and CPP Philanthropic Foundation board. “We are looking forward to much continued success at the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center under the exemplary custodianship of Cal Poly Pomona.” n nIn 1925, the Arabian Horse Center began as Kellogg’s private ranch and quickly gained national attention for its purebred Arabian horses and popular Sunday Shows, which attracted large crowds and Hollywood celebrities. In 1932, Kellogg donated the 813-acre ranch to the State of California with the condition that the breeding program and Sunday Shows continue. Today, the ranch is the home of Cal Poly Pomona, which serves more than 27,000 students and is recognized as the No. 1 polytechnic university for diversity and economic mobility. n nServing as a hub for research, community engagement and experiential learning, the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center welcomes thousands of visitors annually and anchors CPP’s distinctive agricultural heritage. Through programs like Horses for Heroes that serve student veterans and Foal Watch, which is open to all students, the center exemplifies the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence and student success. n n“Thank you SGVEP for recognizing the Arabian Horse Center for its 100 years of promoting, showing and educating people on the Arabian Horse and its continual excellence of a premier Arabian horse breeding program,” said John Resich (’69, business, finance and insurance), a member of the CPP Philanthropic Board and Huntley College Board of Advisors. n nThe San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership is a broad coalition of businesses, elected leaders, educational institutions and nonprofit partners committed to advancing economic vitality and quality of life in the region. The annual gala event also honored Cal Poly Pomona President Emerita Soraya M. Coley with the Legacy Leadership Award.