A Tour of the Equine Center

On Friday, Nov. 3, Centenary University’s Equestrian Center hosted one of the largest Open House events to date. Over 45 enthusiastic families signed up to participate in an immersive showcase of the facility and meet and talk with current students. The Open House not only offered a glimpse into Centenary’s horsemanship but celebrated the community that thrives within the university’s equestrian program. 

Located 15 minutes away from the main campus at 40 Califon Road, Long Valley, NJ, the Equine Center boasts 90 horses in total. All school-owned horses are donated, and the equine facility has opportunities for students to lease and board their horses at the barn. 

In total, there are over 160 student majors in the department, with degrees in Equine Studies, Equestrian Media and Public Relations, Equine Assisted Services, Equine Business Management, Equine Training & Instruction, Equine Science, and Animal Health (Pre-Veterinary Track) offered. 

If you missed out on this event, we are proud to present you with a tour of our own by describing what makes the Equine Center a standout Centenary feature. 

Kicking Off the Tour 

The Equine Open House presented a unique opportunity for an extensive tour of the diverse stable of horses, riding arenas, tack rooms, and more. 

Our journey kicks off in the Upper Lounge, a central hub where a large whiteboard meticulously details each Centenary horse, their designated riding level, and scheduled rides for the week. Complementing this comprehensive list, the barn’s riding instructors post their class schedules and assign horses to riders. 

Each rider is advised to drop by the Upper Lounge before “tacking up” for the day, a term that refers to the process of preparing the horse before a ride by grooming them and putting on their saddle and bridle.

The Heart of the Community

The tour continues as a walk through the main barn, referred to as the South Aisle, a historical cornerstone of the barn and heart of the Equine Center. 

Housing three tack rooms, a wash bay, supplementary supply storage, a veterinary pharmacy, and a map pinpointing each horse’s location, it’s a bustling axis where students often gather.  

Another expansive white board, displaying detailed information about specific horses and daily barn schedules and tasks takes center stage in this lively space, serving as a checklist for the diligent Work Study students. 

Moreover, the front doors of the South Aisle open up to a panoramic view of the outdoor riding arena. Positioned here, beneath the barn’s awning, students can watch their friends’ lessons. It’s a prime vantage point that adds an extra layer of connectivity to the campus equestrian community.

Heading to The Back

We proceed to the Back Barn, a cozy stable for 8 to 10 horses. 

With its own dedicated tack room and an outdoor wash area, this serene space has a quaint charm. Back Barn earns its popularity among students for body clipping, thanks to its optimal lighting conditions. 

The tranquility of Back Barn stands out as its primary advantage. Nestled away, it avoids the hustle and bustle of heavy foot traffic and commotion found in the main barn areas. This peaceful retreat is designated for Centenary’s more reactive horses, providing them with the calm and quiet environment they prefer. 

Continuing On

Following this exploration, we proceed up the North Aisle of the main barn, which features the largest stall area. This section accommodates the highest number of horses and is equipped with a tack room, laundry facility, and generously sized wash area.

As one of the more recent additions to the property, the North Aisle primarily serves as the residence for larger horses and “show horses.” 

This aisle houses and honors some of the most accomplished equines, many of whom have earned the title of “living legend,” each with an impressive and compelling story. 

Our Last Stop 

The tour concludes at the United States Equestrian Team (USET) building, which houses two classrooms, a lounge, a charming cafe, and an indoor riding arena. 

As the newest addition to the Equine Center, it serves a pivotal role in daily operations. These classrooms are regularly used, providing students with a convenient space to attend their major-specific classes right at the barn. The expansive arena plays a dual role, acting as a venue for everyday riding lessons and hosting exciting horse shows. 

The Value of Tours

Conducted by the students themselves, these tours offer an insider’s perspective on Centenary’s equine program. 

“I think having the tours given by students show the authenticity of relationships you build with the horses, other students, faculty, and the facility as a whole,” explained Alice Ledford, a junior studying Equine Business Management who worked as a tour guide for the Open House. “A student's voice delivers more emotional connection to the university and shows how the Equine Center positively impacts each student.”

The direct engagement between current and prospective students adds a personal touch, instilling a genuine sense of the program and the Equine Center’s culture. 

Centenary prioritizes the inclusion of future students’ families, who are invited to interview faculty and student representatives. All attendees get an in-depth understanding of the program, the equine teams, and the riders themselves.

Wrap Up

The student-led tours of the Equine Center provide a thorough exploration into the core of the program and the ambiance of the facility. More than just a stroll through the barns, the Open House events present an invaluable opportunity for future Cyclones to connect with the Centenary community. 

Upcoming Open House dates are available on the Centenary University website.