JACKSON – The pioneering spirit of Gov. Kirk Fordice was honored Sunday as the Equine Center at Mississippi State Fairgrounds was dedicated in his name.

Colleagues and family members gathered in the walkway behind the upper seating area to unveil a plaque honoring the two-term former governor and longtime Vicksburg resident. Outside, new lettering atop the building identifies it as the Kirk Fordice Equine Center.

On the east end of the arena, a giant 8-by-6-foot photograph featuring Fordice atop a horse was uncovered, fittingly done amid the backdrop of the Southern Cutting Futurity event, known to be a favorite activity of Fordice.

Dan Fordice, one of two Fordice sons who operate Fordice Construction Company, told those gathered a few favorite recollections of his father’s range-riding trips to Colorado Springs, Colo.

&#8220No matter what, he always got back on his horse. This would be the place he’d appreciate,” he said.

The image of Fordice on the plaque is taken from a photograph of the former governor and avid cutting-horse fan during a ride.

Fordice served two terms as governor of Mississippi, the only state chief executive to win re-election in the 20th century. He was also the only Republican governor of Mississippi in the 20th century. He died in September 2004 at 70 after a bout with leukemia.

After the short ceremony commenced, Lester Spell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, credited Fordice, in particular his love of cutting horses, with the growth of competitive equine events in the state.

&#8220People are surprised when they come here and say, ‘There’s actually this level of interest in (horse shows) here?’” Spell said.

A smiling Pat Fordice, to whom he was married during his two terms in the Governor’s Mansion, admired the scene.

&#8220He would have loved this because he so loved the cutting horses,” she said.

The center, which was completed in 1996, hosted 39 events in 2004 with several more slated to be held there in the coming years. Since completion, the center has hosted numerous premier events in the world of competitive equestrian shows, including the Eastern National Cutting Horse Show and the National Barrel Horse Youth World Championship.

Most recently, the facility was awarded the 2008 National Appaloosa Show, the signature event of the breed registry organization for the popular breed.