International organization leads the advancement of professional equine-assisted services to support more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, March 11, 2025—TRAC (Therapeutic Riding at Centenary) Director Karen Brittle has earned certification as a master level therapeutic riding instructor—the highest certification offered by PATH Intl., a global organization leading the advancement of professional equine-assisted services that support more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans. Centenary University is a higher education member of PATH Intl. and TRAC is designated as a Premier Accredited Center.

         An adaptive riding program, TRAC provides equestrian opportunities for adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as specialized populations such as military veterans, at-risk youth, and residents of assisted living facilities. Program participants benefit from equestrian experiences that can result in physical, social-emotional, and cognitive benefits, while enhancing goals such as balance, strength, and sensory integration. 

         The certification achieved by Brittle took approximately a decade to earn, requiring collaborating with leading instructors, as well as volunteers and participants, at multiple therapeutic riding centers, compilation of a master level portfolio, and evaluations from PATH Intl. representatives. “This has been a dream in the making for at least a decade,” said Brittle, expressing gratitude to the many people and horses who supported her efforts. “It involved challenging myself on every level of horsemanship, instruction, and professionalism. Now, I’m so honored to be recognized as a master level therapeutic riding instructor.”

Brittle is the latest representative of TRAC to earn recognition in recent years from PATH Intl. Several years ago, TRAC participant Vika Christian of Budd Lake was selected PATH Intl. Youth Equestrian of the Year, while the University’s resident veterinarian, Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, DVM, was named PATH Intl. Veterinarian of the Year for Region II.

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. In addition, an eight-credit course sequence allows both matriculated and non-degree students to fulfill all hands-on requirements for the PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI) application and prepare for the certification exam. Students are mentored directly by Brittle and a team of PATH Intl. CTRIs toward instructor certification.

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. 

Photo Caption: TRAC Director Karen Brittle and Frankie