Therapeutic Riding at Centenary

About the Program

According to the university, TRAC runs four to five days a week, year-round, 46 weeks a year. Its published figures list 25 riders in weekly therapeutic riding, 23 veterans, 18 summer campers, three children in the Horse Powered Reading literacy program and 16 people on equine-assisted learning field trips.

The veterans program works with veterans dealing with homelessness and addiction recovery.

The Horses and Staff

Director Karen Brittle is an assistant professor of equine studies and, according to the university, holds PATH Intl. master level therapeutic riding instructor certification. The university says TRAC has a staff of three credentialed professionals plus trained volunteers from the university and nearby communities. TRAC was founded by Octavia Brown, now professor emerita.

A university profile reported that six of the Equestrian Center's horses were used in TRAC, and that new horses go through a six-week trial before joining the program.

Instructor Training and Volunteering

Centenary students can complete practicum requirements at TRAC toward PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) credentials. The university says more than 100 students had earned PATH Intl. credentials through TRAC.

Volunteers from the university and the wider community groom and tack the horses, and no previous horse experience is required. For volunteer inquiries, contact Program Assistant Emily King at (908) 852-1400 ext. 7226.

Location

The TRAC program office is at Centenary University, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Lessons take place at the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Long Valley (Washington Township), a 65-acre site about seven miles from the main campus, mostly in the smaller indoor arena or outdoors. A university profile says TRAC serves North and Central New Jersey.