For equestrians in eastern North Carolina, Fox Hollow Farm is the place to be this weekend, as the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine unveils new plans for a state-of-the-art equine hospital at the college. From 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, the CVM will host an equestrian community event at the farm, offering the latest information on equine medicine and equestrian activities.

The event comes to Beaufort County through the efforts of Blounts Creek equestrian David Knight, who serves on the board of directors and the executive committee of the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. The new equine hospital at NCSU is the brainchild of CVM Dean Paul Lunn, part of his goal of elevating N.C. State to become the top vet school in the country.

“When I heard that’s what he wanted to do, that’s when I got involved,” Knight said. “I’ve been very active in pursuing that goal — to turn that from a vision to a reality.”

Those who attend Sunday’s event will be the first to see conceptual drawings of the new hospital, a facility that will present both tremendous educational opportunities for aspiring veterinarians, as well as resources for horse owners throughout the state, according to Knight.

“We will set the standard then for animal healthcare for years and years to come,” Knight said.

The event will feature some of the greatest minds in equine medicine, each offering the latest information in their fields of expertise, including gastrointestinal issues, ophthalmology, sports medicine, orthopedics, neurology and podiatry.

“These are all hot topics in the equine community, so what an opportunity,” Knight said. “The equine community can come and hear from the best and brightest, leading-edge folks who do the research every day, and we’re bringing the program to Fox Hollow.”

In addition to the scientific information provided, the event will also host equestrians from a variety of disciplines, including dressage riders, showmanship riders, barrel racers and pole racers.

Of all the venues available to hold the event, Knight said Fox Hollow Farm was top on the list. A friend of farm owner Gina Cantrell, Knight has boarded his horses at the farm and seen firsthand its blend of farm and charm as Fox Hollow has added spaces for events in recent years.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this for the equine enthusiasts and to hear about what’s going on with the new veterinary hospital,” Cantrell said.

To register for the event, visit www.edctsa.org/calendar/ncsu-cvm-event. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Cost is $15 per person, which includes a barbecue dinner, access to equine vendors and a cash bar.