Centenary University’s American National Riding Commission (ANRC) team brought home its third national title at the 43rd ANRC National Equitation Championships, held from April 14 through 16.

The competition for collegiate, junior is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices. This year, the university hosted the national competition at its Equestrian Center in Washington Township, Morris County.

Centenary won best overall team with 159.97 points, edging the Savannah College of Art & Design by a little more than a point. The University’s Benjamin Hoban, Morgan Munz, and Haylie Kerstetter all placed in the top 10 in the individual standings, with Hoban and Munz in second and third. The University also took first in the National Written Phase of the competition, with Kerstetter and Munz placing first and second; first in National Derby Phase with Hoban placing second; first in National Medal Phase with Munz placing second; and second in National Program Ride. The national collegiate team, which represents the University’s highest level of riders, is coached by Tara Clausen and Michael Dowling.

In addition, Centenary’s two Novice Collegiate Teams placed second and third at the national competition. The University’s Gold Team of Caroline Mancini and Rachel Stockslager was Reserve Champion in the novice division, while the Centenary Blue Team of Sophia Strain and Dana Webster took third.

“We are incredibly proud of Centenary University’s riders,” said Kelly Munz, chair of the Equine Studies Department. “It’s very exciting that our National Collegiate Team won this competition. In addition, novice riders are up and coming, so that speaks to the future of Centenary’s program. All of our students rode donated horses, so I’d like to thank all of the donors and professional trainers who support collegiate programs like Centenary’s.”

One of the top college equine programs in the country, Centenary has produced many leaders in the sport, as well as numerous nationally-ranked riding teams. Academically, the university has a near-perfect track record for student acceptance to selective veterinary schools over the past five years.

The university’s riding teams have an impressive history, winning ANRC national titles in 2013 and 2016.

This year, Centenary’s IDA team placed fourth at the 2022 Theraplate Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championship in Virginia on April 22 through 24, with Sophie Wayner named the individual champion and winner of the Trip Harting Memorial Trophy—First Level and Jodie Miller named individual champion and winner of the Marybeth McLain Memorial Trophy—Introductory. Centenary’s IDA team is coached by Sarah Simms., who also won the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022.

Next up is IHSA Nationals, where eight Centenary riders—Arielle Logiudice, Morgan Munz, Benjamin Hoban, Nicole Fekete, Brianna Soule, Corey Osborn, Sophia Strain, and Josie Embleton—will be competing, May 5 through 8, in Harrisburg, Pa.

Cutlines: Featured photo at top, national champions Benjamin Hoban, Morgan Munz, and Haylie Kerstetter. Agove, Coach Tara Clausen, Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., Morgan Munz, Haylie Kerstetter, Benjamin Hoban, and Coach Michael Dowling.