Therapeutic Riding At Centenary - TRAC

10/16/2026

Such a great week with some hardworking humans and horses! Happy Friday and have a great weekend, Everyone!

10/16/2026

We loved seeing Equine Studies and TRAC alum, Kayla Thau ('21), back onsite at the Equestrian Center this week! Kayla returned as a guest lecturer for Nature of Work Equine and told us all about her rewarding and impactful work as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Volunteer Coordinator, and co-teacher at Dreamweaver Equine Center! Kayla's passion for her work inspired our Nature of Work students, and she provided so much great information about building a meaningful career in the equine-assisted services industry. Thank you, Kayla!

10/14/2026

What does generative AI see when presented with these images? It says: "I see a scene in an indoor riding arena, with a dark bay horse being led around the ring with two people assisting and supporting the activity."

WHAT DO WE SEE? Robin, a horse acquired to support the future of the TRAC program, learning his job. We especially note the way that he is moving "in sync" with our horse leader, Hunter, in these pics - note how LEADER AND HORSE are stepping together, which is something we often see in well-established program horses. We see three instructors-in-training (Grace, Devin, and Hunter) helping to introduce Robin to program work, and we know they will go on to develop other horses at other programs. We see HUNDREDS of hours of under saddle and in hand work that our schooling team has put into Robin over the past six months, especially Emily, Kayla, Mary, and Sam O. We see the great care of our barn and veterinary team reflected in Robin's shiny coat and steady gait.

AI can describe the image, but we can see the promise and potential for Robin to help hundreds of program participants in future!
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10/12/2026

Thank you to our friends at Dreamweaver Equine Center for creating a work environment that allows young professionals in the equine-assisted services industry to not just survive but THRIVE! So excited to see alumni - Kearra Brazzel (‘20) and Kayla Thau (‘21) making a huge positive impact in the world! Centenary University Alumni Association, Centenary University Equine Studies Department

10/11/2026

Thank you to our friends at Thorncroft Equestrian Center for hosting a great PATH International Region 2 Conference! So excited that Emily, Mary, and Sam are in attendance this weekend for an outstanding educational and networking experience!

10/10/2026

Road trip! Any guesses as to where Emily, Mary, and Sam are headed this morning bright and early in a Centenary University van? Safe travels, Team TRAC!

10/09/2026

So proud to see Mary Padavan, who completed our therapeutic riding instructor training courses just last year, already making a positive difference in the equine-assisted services industry! 👏💪❤️

🔦Staff Spotlight 🔦
Mary Padavan, CTRI
Mary is a senior at Centenary University with a triple major in Business, Equine Assisted Services and Equine Instruction and Training. Mary been a horsewoman most of her life and began volunteering at a therapeutic riding program when she was 12 years old. Her love of horses and her joy in helping clients grow to their highest potential through therapeutic riding has led her to this rewarding career.
Mary’s favorite part of working at ETNJ is seeing the horses brining joy to clients and volunteers every day. This week
We are so lucky to have Mary on our staff. Her infectious laugh and enthusiasm for her work shine through!!

To schedule an appointment with Mary for Therapeutic Riding or to voluteer to help with sessions click the “call now” button below!

10/07/2026

Open house this weekend!

It’s almost time! Centenary University’s October Open House is this Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spend the day discovering what makes Centenary feel like home. Meet faculty and current students, explore academic programs, tour campus, and learn more about admissions, financial aid, athletics, student life, and the opportunities waiting for you as a Cyclone.

Whether you’re just starting your college search or getting ready to make your decision, Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience Centenary firsthand.

We’ll see you Saturday! Pre-register today: centu.org/oct-oh26

10/07/2026

Every year, a highlight of our therapeutic riding instructor training course is a visit from Bonnie Cunningham, who is a Physical Therapist experienced in treatment strategies that incorporate equine movement. For twenty years, Bonnie has guest lectured annually to help TRAC's Instructors-in-Training better understand equine conformation, movement, and related considerations when matching horses and riders.

True to form, Bonnie really got us thinking (and moving!) last week with a hands-on experience that helps future adaptive riding instructors think in new ways about horse selection! Thank you, Bonnie!

10/07/2026

Having some fun assessing horses for program readiness with our instructors-in-training this evening! Great job, horses and humans! ❤️