Equine-assisted learning program for veterans offered through Centenary University’s TRAC program

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) — 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 such as 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 Corps 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 eventually began spending more time with them and with fellow veterans who were also participating in the program. He spent a year bonding with a horse named 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 renewed sense of purpose, he devoted himself to learning how to give fellow veterans the same experience he had found through working with horses. He decided to enroll at Centenary University, and while attending, he learned about TRAC and all it offers to the local community, including veterans. Sgt. Briggs graduated in 2023 with two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Equine-Assisted Services and a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies: Equine Business Management. Today, he directs TRAC’s veterans program and is certified as both a therapeutic riding instructor and an equine specialist in mental health and learning through PATH Intl.—a global organization supporting more than 53,000 individuals with special needs, including nearly 6,000 veterans.

“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,” Sgt. Briggs said.

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 everyone.

“As a psychotherapist, I know that some people just don’t respond as well to talk therapy,” Daly explained. “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 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, 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 corey.briggs@centenaryuniversity.edu or 908-852-1400, ext. 7225.