Slated to begin in late July, free program teaches veterans to care for horses, while emphasizing trust, communication, and partnership skills.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., April 21, 2025—Centenary University will launch a restructured equine-assisted services program for veterans beginning in late July. The course introduces participants to horsemanship, while enhancing skills including trust, communication, and partnership. Offered through TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary), the free six-week program will take place at the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Washington Township.

TRAC Veterans Program Instructor Sgt. Corey Briggs (Ret.) understands the power of equine-assisted services in helping veterans reacclimate to civilian life after discharge. The Marine Corp veteran was attending Raritan Valley Community College when he first saw a flyer about Project Horses for Forces, another equine-assisted services program for veterans. Frustrated with traditional therapy offered through the Veterans Administration, he visited the program —and soon found himself connecting with horses in a way he hadn’t with his therapist. At first, he hesitated to go near the horses, but soon found himself spending more time with the horses and fellow veterans who were also participating in the local program. He spent a year bonding with a horse, Kody, through grooming, leading, and general groundwork. Sgt. Briggs was hooked.

            “I had tried everything the VA offered for treatment and nothing was helping,” Sgt. Briggs recalled. “A lot of the structure in my life had been lost when I was discharged. I wasn’t sure where my life was going—but then I found that working with the horses was a good way to reintegrate myself, without relying on talk therapy or medications. I was able to spend time bonding with a horse and never had to say a word. On a bad day, I could just groom the horse if that’s what I wanted to do.”

            Soon, Sgt. Briggs envisioned a new career path. Finding a new sense of purpose, Sgt. Briggs devoted his time learning how to help give fellow veterans the same experience he had while working with horses. He decided to enroll at Centenary University, and while attending he learned about TRAC and everything it has to offer the local community, including veterans. Sgt. Briggs graduated in 2023 with two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Equine Assisted Services and Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies: Equine Business Management. Today, he directs TRAC’s program for veterans and is certified as a therapeutic riding instructor and an equine specialist in mental health and learning through PATH Intl., a global organization leading the advancement of equine-assisted services professionals supporting more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans. Sgt. Briggs said, “I could have gone on to pursue a business finance degree and found a more ‘typical’ job. Instead, I wanted to do something that I think is more impactful, for my life and for other people.”

Bachelor of Social Work Program Field Director and Associate Professor Candice Daly, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice. She is also a TRAC volunteer, alongside her 14-year-old daughter. While traditional therapy and medications can be very effective for some people, Daly said those approaches may not work for others. “As a psychotherapist, I know that some people just don’t respond as well to talk therapy,” explained Daly. “Programs like TRAC can be very effective. Some riders may be nonverbal or don’t necessarily want to identify their emotions verbally; they communicate in other ways. Through active observation, I see how in tune the horses can be connecting with human emotions. No words are spoken, and yet it’s a very therapeutic relationship.”

TRAC Director Karen Brittle noted that the combined professional and personal experiences of Sgt. Briggs and Daly have strengthened the veterans program: “Having a veteran serving other veterans is really fantastic and Corey is a wonderful TRAC instructor. Also, Candice’s expertise as a psychotherapist and associate professor of social work—as well as a trained TRAC volunteer—is invaluable. They’ve designed a very comprehensive summer program for veterans.”

For the new summer program, each veteran will sign up with a support person—spouse, family member, or friend—for six weekly sessions. Under the guidance of instructors, the veteran teams are paired with one horse for the duration of the course. No prior equine experience is necessary. “Centenary is a really welcoming space where people from all backgrounds find common ground,” Sgt. Briggs said. “We’ll never push anyone to do a task they’re not comfortable doing. The only thing we ask is that participants come with an open mind. This is all about our veterans—bringing them together with horses and letting them decide what they want to do with this experience.”

Veterans and their supporters can learn more about the summer program by contacting Sgt. Corey Briggs (Ret.) at [email protected] or 908-852-1400, ext. 7225.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY                                             

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.