Emory & Henry College announced June 17 that the college will take over management and ownership of the Virginia Intermont College equestrian teams and equine science program. Virginia Intermont closed at the end of this year’s spring semester due to financial and accreditation woes.

The program is now called Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College, and the equestrian center will remain at its current location in Bristol, Va., about 20 minutes from Emory & Henry’s main campus in Emory, Va.

The current faculty members—Lisa Moosmueller-Terry, director of the equestrian center and head riding coach; equine studies program director Patty Graham-Thiers; and equine studies instructor and coach Heather McCloud—are staying.

Emory & Henry has signed a new lease with equestrian center landowners Don and Etta Nicewonder, and the college is working to obtain accreditation for the equine science degree.

“I’m here with somewhat mixed emotions today,” said Emory & Henry President Jack Schrum during the announcement ceremony. “It’s a good thing that an award-winning and nationally-recognized program will continue to be in existence at Emory & Henry. It’s sad for the reasons that it’s happening. We hate that Virginia Intermont decided to close. But isn’t this a wonderful way for Emory & Henry to carry on such a great legacy? We have the privilege of accepting some of what is the best of Virginia Intermont, and we can keep it going into the future.”