Two Grants Will Provide TRAC with Resources to Expand Horsemanship Services

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, April 16, 2026— TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary) has been awarded two grants that will pave the way to expand therapeutic horsemanship services for adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as veterans. PATH Intl., through the generous support of the National Philanthropic Trust, will contribute $6,000 to increase the number of credentialed therapeutic riding instructors at Centenary University, reducing the TRAC program’s waiting list and creating more opportunities for participants to benefit from the healing powers of adaptive riding.

In addition, the Catholic Human Services Foundation has approved a $5,500 grant for TRAC to purchase a new shed to store essential equipment, including adaptive saddles and other tack that allow individuals with disabilities to ride. The new shed also accommodates equipment for TRAC’s new groundwork program, a dedicated offering for individuals whose disability may prevent them from riding or whose goals fit better with groundwork. The groundwork program makes TRAC more impactful and inclusive, providing participants with opportunities to interact with horses while enhancing skills including communication, connection, and leadership.

Over the past five years, TRAC’s participant base has doubled. However, the attrition rate of registered participants is low—only two or three participants leave annually—which means that interested riders can wait 12 to 18 months for services. “The growth of TRAC is wonderful, but it also presents challenges, including having an adequate number of certified instructors and storage space,” said TRAC Director Karen Brittle, who is also an assistant professor of equine studies at Centenary. “These grants help us remove two of the biggest barriers to expanding access—staffing and infrastructure—so we can serve more riders and ensure every participant has the specialized support and equipment they need to feel safe, supported, and empowered.”

Located at the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Long Valley, TRAC last year served 149 individuals with disabilities, including 25 members of the military and their families. In addition to weekly riding and horsemanship sessions, TRAC offers summer camps for children and adults with disabilities. Participants work directly with trained volunteers and therapeutic riding instructors certified through PATH Intl., which has designated TRAC—a higher education member of the organization—as a Premier Accredited Center. The Path Intl. grant awarded with the support of the National Philanthropic Trust will provide financial support for the TRAC program assistant to pursue PATH Intl. Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor (ATRI) certification, as well as support educational offerings and mentorship for both matriculated and non-degree students pursuing certification through PATH Intl.

The University’s TRAC program is one of the few collegiate training grounds in the nation for students seeking a career in equine-assisted services. Centenary’s Equine Studies Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies: Therapeutic Horsemanship Management that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field of adaptive riding.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce.Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and changing the world, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.