Riding for the Disabled Association yesterday contributed $660,000 to a joint venture with the University of Ballarat to build a new Equine Training Centre at Mt Rowan.

The funds were raised over four years through community appeals and submissions to various philanthropic foundations.

University of Ballarat Deputy Vice Chancellor Terry Lloyd said the new centre has been a long-time in the pipeline.

''We've talked about it for a while now and at last it's come to fruition,'' he said.

"We've signed the contracts for the builders to commence the building and that could happen any day now.

"By the middle of this year the Riding for the Disabled Association will have a world class equestrian facility."

The association's Ballarat president Pat Fisken said the centre will enable the group to expand its program.

"Over the last 30 years we've had to move seven times so it's great to have a permanent home for another 30 years," Ms Fisken said.

The Federal Government has committed a further $2.3 million in funding to the facility, which is expected to be completed by June 30.

"We're looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the RDA," Professor Lloyd said.