WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) welcomed new member Centenary University to the organization, announced Wednesday.
 
The NCEA now has 23 members across 14 states and has gained two programs within the last month.

The Cyclones will introduce their NCEA Division III program in the 2024-25 academic year, the first NCEA team in the state of New Jersey.

“This is exciting news for Centenary University’s equestrian program,” said Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., president of the University.
 
The Cyclones will compete as a single-discipline Jumping Seat team with the NCEA, joining eight other single-discipline programs. 
 
Michael Dowling, assistant professor of equine studies and co-head coach of the Cyclones said, “Centenary is very well respected in the IHSA world, so we want to build on that reputation. This year will be our planning year, familiarizing ourselves with all the intricacies of the NCEA and recruiting our team. Our plan is to start out strong and be a contender in our first season.”
 
Assistant Professor of Equine Studies, Heather Clark, will be the other co-head coach of the Centenary program.
 
NCEA competition is growing at the DIII level, making it an attractive option for smaller schools like Centenary, explained Dowling. “This positions Centenary to recruit a higher level of rider and enhance our existing program,” explained Dowling, who together with Clark also coaches Centenary’s IHSA team. “Parents understand NCAA sports and want that for their children. The top riders are all going to NCEA schools, yet we have academic opportunities not offered at larger DI and DII schools. In fact, Centenary will be the only NCEA school offering a degree program in equine studies.”
 
One of the top college equine programs in the country, Centenary has produced countless leaders in the sport, as well as numerous nationally ranked riders. The University offers a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with concentrations in equestrian media and public relations, equine assisted services, equine business management, and equine training and instruction. Centenary students may also choose the Bachelor of Science in Animal Health (Pre-Veterinary Track), whose graduates have achieved an impressive track record for gaining acceptance to selective veterinary schools.
 
Kelly Munz, who chairs the Equine Department, explained, “Larger DI and DII schools offer a host of academic programs, but few if any offer an equestrian education like ours. At Centenary, we also offer many academic programs—which include a strong equine and animal health academic curriculum—but because we are small, we can provide a strong hands-on approach. Students who want a small school with lots of experiential learning opportunities, but also want to compete competitively on a collegiate riding team, should consider Centenary.”
 
“We are at the top of our game with our IHSA team—Centenary is one of the strongest teams in the country,” said Munz. “With the addition of this NCEA team, we will be looking to recruit top riders, while maintaining our strong IHSA team, which provides a place for all levels of riders, from beginners to advanced. The addition of an NCEA team will enhance Centenary’s reputation nationally.”
 
About the NCEA
A non-profit corporation, the NCEA is a governing body to advance the sport of equestrian. The NCEA is responsible for the development and administration of equestrian rules and guidelines. Equestrian is subject to all NCAA policies and procedures in the same manner as other sports. In 1998, Equestrian was identified and adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA) as an emerging sport for women at the Division I and II levels. 
 
NCEA competitions are in a head-to-head format, and schools may choose to compete as a single or dual discipline team (Jumping Seat and Western). Each discipline has two events: in Jumping Seat, Fences and Flat, and in Western, Horsemanship and Reining. Teams can have five riders per event, with horses assigned by random draw at the start of the competition. Riders from opposing teams compete on the same horse, and whichever rider receives the higher score earns one point for her team. The level of difficulty is demonstrated by the accuracy of the pattern and how the competitor uses the horse to the best of her ability.
 
To stay up to date all year long on all things NCEA Equestrian, follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NCEA_Equestrian and @ncea_eq.