Equestrian finds her home at Centre

RELEASED: August 16, 2007

DANVILLE, KY—Kentucky is sometimes referred to as The Horse Capital of the World, and anyone looking to combine a top value education with a penchant for equestrianism would do well to consider Centre.

Allaire Ryan '08, of Lexington, says, "Looking back, coming to Centre was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Balancing care of horses with school isn't an easy thing to do, but if you love it enough and are dedicated to making it work, it can be done." Ryan is a fourth-generation horse person and is currently in her second year as an intern at Taylor Made Sales Agency in Lexington, the largest thoroughbred agency in the world.

"I chose Centre because of its location. It’s turned out great because I'm able to work the yearling and broodmare sales at Keeneland (in Lexington) in September and November, for example, and go to class in the same day. The same goes for racing, when the spring and fall meets roll around."

She says that Centre is much more than just a location-friendly college for horse enthusiasts. "I’ve learned as much from my professors at Centre as I have from my mentors in the thoroughbred industry, and I think a big part of that stems from the individual attention students get at Centre, both in and out of the classroom."

Her time abroad also has contributed to her success with Taylor Made Sales Agency. "The experience of studying abroad with the Centre-in-Strasbourg program and traveling throughout Europe, for example, has allowed me to better interact with Taylor Made’s international clients."

Ryan says, "There are so many different aspects of horses that people can be involved in—the various riding disciplines, different breeds, show and pleasure riding, racing and more. It’s hard to create a group for them all." This, however, doesn't deter Ryan from pursuing her passion.

"Centre’s charming campus community, challenging curriculum and proximity to Louisville and Lexington make it a standout institution for motivated students involved in the horse industry."

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Consumers Digest ranks Centre No. 1 in educational value among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.