New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher and New Jersey Equestrian of the Year Pier Semanchik kicked off the Month of the Horse with a visit to Centenary University’s Equine Program where they toured the Equine Center and watched a riding demonstration.

Governor Chris Christie signed a proclamation declaring June 2016 the Month of the Horse in New Jersey.

“New Jersey has long been known for its diverse equine industry which offers everything from pleasure riding to world-class horse shows and horse racing,” said Fisher.  “This month, we celebrate our state animal, the horse, by highlighting this important segment of New Jersey’s economy.”

Pier Semanchik, an 11^th grader at Hackettstown High School, was named New Jersey Equestrian of the Year by the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board in January.  Her duties include representing the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board and attending functions hosted by the board.

“The horse is a huge part of our lives in NJ, with the equine industry contributing millions of dollars to our economy annually,” said Semanchik.  “During the month of June, members of NJ can give back to the industry by supporting horse rescues, therapeutic riding centers and 4-H.  Volunteering is an important aspect in promoting the horse. Becoming a 4-H leader allows you to spread the word and knowledge of the horse industry within our beautiful state.”

Centenary University, formerly Centenary College, in Hackettstown, is the only four-year institution in the state that offers Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Equine Studies.  Last year, it also launched a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science (Pre-Veterinary Track).  As of May 2016, there are 94 Equine Studies majors and 25 Equine Science majors.

“Our Equine Studies program has received national recognition and our graduates go on to make their mark in the industry,” said Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, president of Centenary University.  “It is such an honor that Centenary was asked to host the Department of Agriculture’s Month of the Horse kick-off event and have Secretary Fisher at this celebration.”

Graduates of Centenary’s programs are highly sought after as industry professionals, including competitive riding coaches, trainers, instructors, breeders, therapeutic riding and dressage specialists, barn managers, veterinarians and communications specialists.

While the Equine Studies program attracts bright students who are successful in their academics, Centenary University is also known for its incredibly strong riding teams. The American National Riding Commission (ANRC) Team has won two of the last three National Championship titles. In the past seven years, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team has won three National Championship titles and a Reserve National Championship title. Additionally, throughout the years, the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team has consistently placed amongst the top five teams nationally.

Centenary also offers a therapeutic riding program called TRAC, which has served children and adults with disabilities since 2003.  In addition, a program is offered for veterans called Operation Centaur.

To learn more about New Jersey’s equine industry, visit www.jerseyequine.nj.gov.