DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU equestrian team will have a new home starting the 2016 season, as the Dallas Equestrian Center (DEC) will serve as its official stables and training facility.

"We are thrilled to have been invited by Scott [Wilson] and David [Sanderson] to come to the DEC," Gwin said. "This is huge for our program to have the ability to practice at such a high quality facility so close to campus."

The DEC, which was formally known as Park Lane Stables, resides on 10 acres in the heart of Dallas and is 3.5 miles from the SMU campus. The facility features three indoor arenas with new footings, two new outdoor arenas that are currently in construction, and 20 new state-of-the-art paddocks with cover. Renovation plans include upgrades to a tack room and the addition of a club house with locker rooms and coaches' offices. In addition, a 10 horse European horse walker will be added to the facility.

"I really feel like this will help us create a solid foundation and great fan base for the future of SMU equestrian," Gwin added. "We want to encourage the public to come out and learn more about the sport and cheer on the Mustangs."

The horses will transition to the new facility over the summer so they are ready for practice. The Mustangs move from Sleepy P Ranch, where SMU competed for two seasons.

"Our relationship with Suzanne Porter, as well as with the new owners, Bob and Tracie Evans at Sleepy P Ranch has been fantastic, however, it [the ranch] is too far for our student-athletes to drive to practice," Gwin stated.

DEC was purchased by Scott Wilson in December and is managed by David Sanderson. The facility is located at 8787 Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75231, across the parking lot from TopGolf Dallas. For more information about the Dallas Equestrian Center, click here.

--SMUMustangs.com--