An artist’s rendering shows the exterior upgrades planned for the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.
Family’s gift spurs campaign to upgrade Equestrian Center, provide scholarships
4/1/2026 11:41:00 AM | Equestrian
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The Liberty Mountain facility, built in 2011 and expanded in 2016-17, will add a 3,040-square-foot welcome center in 2027.
A recent donation by the Pemble family to the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center will help transform it into one of the premier riding centers in Virginia and continue the program's growth as a nationally recognized team within the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and the equestrian community as a whole.
"The LMEC is comparable to some of the best facilities in the country, and this is definitely raising that standard and giving us the ability to showcase our program in a grand way," said Suzanne Flaig, director of equestrian programs and head coach.
Construction on the facility began in 2011 with one eight-stall barn. Since then, it has expanded into three barns, 72 horse stalls, and indoor and outdoor riding rings. This season, the center hosted two IHSA Zone 4 Region 4 shows and has provided equine programs for the Liberty community. A comfortable lounge area at the main barn will be a popular gathering spot for visitors. (Artist's rendering)
"When the facility was initially built, it was on a much smaller scale and was not designed for the scope of our operations now," Flaig explained. "We have expanded quite a bit as a program, and there is a lot of interest in the Equestrian Center now, so it will be amazing to reflect that growth with upgrades that will make it a grand receiving area for guests and match many of Liberty's facilities."
Inspired by the lodge aesthetic from some of Liberty's other properties — namely Liberty Golf's Clarkson Clubhouse, the Liberty Mountain Gun Club, and the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre — the renovations will make the center's main barn much more accommodating to visitors, including prospective students, recruits and their families, and potential sponsors.
The donation will fund the construction of a 3,040-square-foot A-frame extension to the main barn, turning it into a welcome center that will serve as the centerpiece of the equestrian program's operations. The climate-controlled facility will have a rustic but luxurious look and feel, featuring heavy timber beams and wood paneling, a green metal, double-sloped roof, hardwood floors with area rugs, and a glass facade that will showcase the surrounding beauty of the 380-acre property.
The interior design will integrate a central stone fireplace and custom display cabinets for trophies and awards. Decorated with LU Athletics logos and Liberty Equestrian branding inside and out, the indoor space will be furnished with coffee tables and leather lounge chairs and sofas, and it will be illuminated by circular chandeliers.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and to be completed that fall.
The upgrades are being made possible by a donation from Cliff and Jackie Pemble, parents of Liberty student Anna Pemble, a senior rider on Liberty's Hunt Seat equestrian team who serves as a team captain. The Pemble family visits the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center. From left: Anna, parents Jackie and Cliff, and Anna's brothers Daniel, Tyler, and Connor with his daughter Nora and wife Emily. (Photo by Jessie Jordan)
"The Pembles had always offered to help support the program, but this (donation) was really a surprise to me," Flaig said. "It's very exciting, and it is hard to wrap my mind around the generosity of it. They have gone about it in such a quiet, humble way."
She said the donation will also provide financial assistance for students and support Liberty's mission of Training Champions for Christ through an endowed gift establishing the Pemble Equestrian Scholarship fund.
"With that endowment, we will have the opportunity to assist some of our student-riders with scholarships, which is something I'm very excited about," Flaig said. "Though we haven't identified the parameters yet, it will provide support for deserving students pursuing their education and competitive riding. Beyond the capital improvements and scholarships, the donation will further support mission trips and general needs for the future."
She said the Pemble family is leaving a tremendous legacy for the program that will have an impact for years to come.
"We always strive to be good stewards of all the blessings we've been given here at the equestrian center. With this generous gift, we will be able to attract students of all levels who want to ride competitively while supporting Liberty's mission."
The Pemble family's donation is the lead gift in a capital campaign to support future upgrades at the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center. For more information, visit Liberty.edu/Giving or call (800) 543-5309.
