A DREAM for an equestrian centre at Ballarat came to fruition yesterday when a $3 million world class facility officially opened.The equine centre at Mt Rowan is a joint venture between the University of Ballarat and the Riding for the Disabled Association.It will provide indoor horse riding opportunities for the community and delivers improved vocational education and training for students in the equine industry. It will enable the RDA to expand its programs. RDA president Pat Fisken said an equestrian centre had been a dream of the association for almost 10 years when she approached Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King."Over the past 32 years we have used six venues, with only two of those undercover arenas," Ms Fisken said."To have a permanent centre is a great thrill. It's fantastic. I am stunned really, at last it's happened."The unique centre uses arched laminated timber beams supporting the roof and walls. Its surface measures 80 metres long and 33 metres wide. Classrooms will be built at the facility. University of Ballarat Vice-Chancellor David Battersby said the centre would enable the university to be a leading provider of equine programs."We look forward to working with the racing industry and the RDA to ensure the equine centre serves our wider region well," he said."Until now much of this training has been delivered in the workplace. The facility will allow greater development of these programs and specialised industry seminars."The federal government provided $2.3 million towards the project, while the RDA donated $600,000.Ms King, who opened the centre, said students would have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities."These facilities give our students the great advantage of training with equipment that is being used by industry now. Students who complete training here will enter the workforce with invaluable experience," Ms King said."It will also give important organisations such as RDA the opportunity to conduct their activities in a high class facility, something they have fought very hard for many years to achieve."