May 15, 2008 - It is with great pleasure that the Equine Studies Department announces that Miss Kimberly Twiggs is the recipient of Centenary College’s Equine Student of the Month award for April 2008.

Miss Twiggs will be receiving her BS in Equine Studies this May with a concentration in Riding and Instruction and Training.  She has, indeed, gone above and beyond the stipulated requirements for this program and has taken a special interest in “Durmiente”, a Centenary College owned Thoroughbred off the track.  Miss Twiggs has put in countless hours working towards her goals with this horse and demonstrated her potential for a successful future in the field of teaching and training.

Miss Twiggs has been an active participant in the extra-curricular activities offered within the Centenary College Equine Studies Program.  She has been involved with many team fundraising efforts and the organization of the schooling shows and events held at Centenary.

In 2007, Miss Twiggs competed at the Garden State Horse Show as a representative of the Hunter/Jumper Team.  Also in 2007, she volunteered as a groom during the ANRC Invitational Competition held in Sweet Briar, VA.  Her commitment to the teams and to her fellow teammates has been unparalleled.

In addition, Miss Twiggs manages her own business in Dennisville, New Jersey.  Pineland Stables is a lesson and boarding facility that houses 12 horses on 27 acres.  Currently, Miss Twiggs teaches her clients and coaches at competitions on the weekends.  Upon graduation, she plans to continue as the manager and head trainer at Pineland Stables in a full-time capacity. 

Miss Kimberly Twiggs embodies the qualities expected of a Centenary College Equine Studies graduate.  The Equine Studies Department is extremely appreciative to Kim for all of her service to Centenary College and proud to have her as a representative of the institution in the field of Instruction and Training  Centenary College wishes her luck in her future endeavors and recognizes that her dedication and commitment will be missed.

May 12, 2008 - It is our pleasure to announce that Jessica Anselmo is the Centenary College’s Equine Student of the Month for March 2008.

Ms. Anselmo is receiving this honor for many reasons.  In addition to being an extremely conscientious student, Jess has directly contributed a great deal to Centenary College’s Equestrian Center while expanding her equestrian experience.  Jessica has held the official position of Captain of the IHSA Hunt Seat Riding Team.  Under her leadership, the IHSA Team has secured the title of Champion of the Region I; Reserve Champion of Zone II,  and the team has qualified for the 2008 IHSA National Horse Show in May 2008.

Ms. Anselmo has maintained the organization of an extremely large team and that is no easy task.  In 2008, she successfully ran a two-ring IHSA Show.  While this task was daunting, it was the first of its kind. Ms. Anselmo helped Centenary College make IHSA history and she made it look easy!  More importantly, Jess has stimulated this large team’s moral while leading by example.

In October ’07, Miss Anselmo successfully competed in the American National Riding Commission (ANRC) Invitational Horse Show at Sweet Briar College.   In April, 2008, Jessica volunteered her services at the ANRC National Collegiate Championship Horse Show in Sewanee, TN as a groom.  In Tennessee, Jess helped to prepare the show horses for this prestigious event and was an integral part of the team’s success.

This is just one of many selfless acts that Jess finds time to do.  She was instrumental in helping to manage all of the National Championship Horse Shows that Centenary College hosted in the spring 2007.  All of these activities take a tremendous amount of time.  Jessica has wonderful time management skills and will always create time if there is an important task to be accomplished.

Jessica has managed to balance all of the above achievements while also working at an equine rehabilitation center in Pittstown, New Jersey.  Despite her busy schedule, she has never denied a request for help when at the Equestrian Center.  On several occasions, Jess has been available to provide medical therapy and treatments to Centenary Horses in need.  Many nights she has been know to change IV fluid bags or walk a colicky horse. Ms. Anselmo has proven herself to be an extremely valuable student and has shown amazing compassion for the horses; she will not sleep until all is well at the barn.

Jessica counts the Centenary-owned horse named Karat, or “Moosey” as she affectionately refers to him, as one of her personal favorites.  Jessica Anselmo is a rising senior and so we will all enjoy another year with her as she continues to make us proud of her and what she has contributed to this program.