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2008-2009 Seminars

Equine Jewelry Presented by Suzanne Storms by Christina Agosto '09

Equine Science Center's Annual Update at Rutgers

Dr. Tori Maxwell Provides Student with Equine Career Insight

Timothy Marlin Lectures on Sport Psychology by Amy Gregonis '05

2008 Equine Career Panel

October 10, 2008 - The Academic Foundations Classes (AFC) that all freshmen are required to take at Centenary College have hosted many speakers over the last few months.  These people are all professionals in the equine field and have jobs ranging from trainers and riders to horse hair jewelry artists.  Suzanne Storms is just that kind of artist and visited Centenary College Equestrian Center to speak to the freshman class as well as some of the faculty.  Storms and her husband explained to the students not only about how the jewelry is made but how they run their business. 

The couple gained an interest in the field when they were working as civil war re-enactors and  Storms had several pieces of jewelry from the time period that were made with real human hair and she did not want to ruin the originals.  Storms set out to find a way to recreate some of these timeless pieces of jewelry and she found it when she discovered that some of those pieces were actually made with horse hair.  Just like that a business was born.  Storms travels all over the East coast selling her custom pieces of jewelry that she makes with hair that customers bring to her from their own horses.  They only come in gold due to the cost and time that she has to put into each piece.  You can see all of her work at her website http://www.suzannestorms.com/.

Christina Agosto (09’), First Year Leader

 

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October 23, 2008 – Centenary College was fortunate to have Mr. Timothy Malin lecture on sports psychology in the equine industry to then be followed by a riding clinic the following day.  Mr. Malin’s career has spanned over 30 years as professional trainer, coach and competitor.  Tim and his students have experienced considerable success in both Hunter/Jumper "A" shows, the indoor circuit, and at top Dressage shows.  He owned and operated a show barn, Golden Mean, for over 15 years and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut.  Tim is presently focused on his dressage career and has earned Gold, Silver and Bronze medals with the United States Dressage Federation. Tim has successfully competed in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle in the CDI*** divisions with his horse, Harmony's Coolio. With this horse, at his first Grand Prix, they were the FEI high scoring champions.

Tim utilized his background in Sports Psychology and body mechanics with the Alexander Technique to help students overcome their challenges with riding.  Tim discussed the natural reality to nervousness prior to and within the show arena.  He recommended that students focus on a point in the distance and concentrate on that one particular point to overcome their nerves.  He explained that an anxious rider communicates that feeling to the horse through body language, which in return can negatively affect a jumping course or dressage test.  Mr. Malin has successfully used his technique to calm his body, mind, and horse simultaneously.

Tim affirmed that the human mind has limitations with the number of actions that can be performed simultaneously. He encouraged students to focus on one element of their riding until it becomes habit. Once that element becomes a subconscious habit, they can concentrate on another element of their riding, until all the basics become habit.

Mr. Malin applied his philosophy to an all day riding clinic where he assisted students in jump distances and straightness. He emphasized the fluency and confidence of both rider and horse. In addition, Tim instructed riders on the importance of riding the dressage horse in a collected and relaxed frame by frequently changing circle sizes. Tim did an excellent job getting his teaching skills across to the students and they all thoroughly enjoyed having him be their clinician. All the participants and audience appreciated Mr. Malin’s recommendations and viewpoints on being a better rider and horseman.

Amy Gregonis (’05), Office Coordinator of Centenary College Equestrian Center

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September 24, 2008 - The Equine Studies Department hosted an Equine Career Panel discussion. The panelists of the event were, Ms. Cindy Anderson (’90) from Blue Bridle Equestrian Insurance, Ms. Andrea Davey (’06) from Essex Equestrian Center, Ms. Ashley DiBongrazio (’07), Mr. Timothy Leuzarder (’05) from Essex Equestrian Center, Ms. Kendra Merrigan (’06) from BW Furlongs & Associates, and Mr. Brian O’Hara from MWI Veterinary Supply.

Over seventy Equine Studies students and members of the Centenary Community attended the two hour event held in the Chapel of the Seay Building. The panel offered information to students who were interested in the career opportunities offered by the equine industry.

All of the panelists discussed their views and opinions on being a successful equine profession from their unique occupational perspective. Students posed pointed questions to the panelists as to how they could achieve success within the industry while learning the various careers that are possible.

The panelists were picked by the Equine Studies Department as experts within their field and to represent the various concentrations by the Equine Studies Curriculum at Centenary College. All of those who attended have a new and/or revitalized viewpoint on how a Bachelors of Science Degree in Equine Studies from Centenary College will aid them in their career paths within the equine industry.

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