Another great alumni post! This one from Cristina Maher working as a barn manager and therapeutic riding instructor. She answers some questions about her experiences at Centenary College and how it helped her enter the Equine Assisted Activities field.
- What is your degree and what are you currently doing in your career?
Bachelors of Science. Majored in Equine Studies at Centenary College in Hackettstown NJ. I am currently a Barn Manager and Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
- How did your school prepare you for a career in an equine assisted activity or therapy field?
While I was at school I completed a certification to become a registered therapeutic riding instructor. The certification course took 2 years to complete and included classroom and hands on training. My major while in college gave me all the tools I needed to understand horses and how to care for them.
- What was your favorite part of your college program?
My favorite part of my college program was the hands on experience and training I received at the equestrian center.
- Did your college program make you aware of the variety of careers in the equine assisted activities or therapy field? Did they make you aware of the differences and educational requirements for these fields?
During the course of my studies I was able to explore and discover many opportunities available in the field of EAA. However I do not recall discussing the different educational requirements for each field.
- What advice would you give to other students looking to begin a career in equine assisted activities or equine assisted therapy?
Since there are many opportunities in the fields of EAA and EAT I would suggest that you do some research. I would choose a field that you find interesting and would be willing to complete the required educational criteria for. Some fields require extra schooling while others many only require a certification. I would decided weather or not I wanted to make this my full time career, a hobby or a part time job. I would suggest that if you plan to work around horses that you receive some hands on training with the animals as well