It has been just over a year since efforts to position Cazenovia as the hub of the New York State equine industry were implemented.

The NYS Center for Equine Business Development at Cazenovia College has been working to organize training programs and trade fairs, host clinics with nationally-known professionals and establish vast data banks detailing the most accurate information about the equestrian industry.

The educational opportunities within Cazenovia College’s Equine Business Management programs have steadily increased, and the tack shop on Albany Street has experienced continued success in this variable economy.

Conveniently situated along “Equine Alley,” Cazenovia has always been heavily populated by members of the equestrian community. Olympic show jumping gold-medalist, Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden and her husband John Madden, have been long time residents of Cazenovia.

The mild climate and multitude of riding trails make the area a favorable location to keep horses; upwards of 10 stables have been raised within a 15-mile radius.

The Cazenovia College Equine Education Center is located on 243 acres, just a few miles from the main campus. The facilities include two outdoor riding rings, an indoor arena, turnout paddocks, classrooms and 70 stalls populated by Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Appaloosas, Paints, Quarter Horses and Miniatures.

“The resources here are tremendous,” said Karin D. Bump Ph.D., Professor of Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College. “The environment here is so good for the horses, it’s calm, it’s relaxed, it’s green, there’s no pollution and the water quality is excellent. There is also a wealth of information in this area; we’re lucky to have a network of very talented and knowledgeable professionals.”

Bump, whose daughter will graduate from Cazenovia College this year, has been a professor at the school for 25 years. When she first arrived at the institution, she was the only full-time professor for the Equestrian Program.

Since then, the college’s equine curriculum has grown from a two-year program to a four-year degree. Four full-time professors now comprise the Equine Business Management department and program enrollment has been capped at 100, as the courses’ popularity also steadily increased. The Cazenovia College Equine Education Center underwent state-of-the-art improvements and is regarded as one of the most modern and well-equipped facilities.

The equestrian influence in Cazenovia stretches far beyond the comprehensive college courses and into the retail industry. An equine-centered tack store, “The Show Trunk” was opened at 57 Albany St. in 2009. Originally located in Manlius, The business was moved to Cazenovia after two years of operation.

Owner Melissa Davis said she had always wished to have the store positioned in the village, and jumped at the opportunity when an Albany Street storefront was made available.

“We’re right on Equine Alley, in between two colleges. All of the different stables that are around have kind of positioned Cazenovia as a hub.” Davis said. “We get a lot of business from the college students and community members; we’ve seen everybody from show competitors to everyday trail-riders come through.”

Being located in the countryside with such close proximity to the city has been advantageous for Davis during her past four years of business; she will soon open a second store in Dryden.

For more information on The Show Trunk, visit their website at theshowtrunk.com, email [email protected], or call 815-4045.

To learn more about the educational opportunities and equine programs at Cazenovia College, access the school’s website at cazenovia.edu. Karin Bump will be presenting a lecture “Real Horse Power!” on April 19 at the Cazenovia Public Library.