training

History & Philosophy

Centennial Acres Equestrian Center began in 1998 when the Scholten Family built a full service boarding and training facility in Holland where sisters Lila and Tena could grow in their chosen careers as dressage trainers/riders. A small barn and arena were built in 1998, but were quickly outgrown. In the fall of 2001, a larger barn, complete with indoor washracks, a large tackroom, heated viewing room, and 40 x 60 meter indoor arena was constructed to meet the demand of the growing business. Another larger outdoor arena was added, and private turnout paddocks were also completed to meet the needs of clients.

At Centennial Acres Equestrian Center, we are dedicated to training both horse and rider to achieve their highest potential in the sport of dressage. Our trainers have experience in training horses at many levels, from the green horse to upper levels, and the training philosophy is based on building the six steps in the “Scale of Training” – Rhythm, Relaxation, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness and Collection. The goal is to help the horse achieve a relaxed, confident, and athletic way of going. These principles assist the horse to accept more difficult exercises and achieve increasing levels of elasticity, impulsion, and suppleness. The methods used to train horse and rider allow the team to perform correctly, in harmony, and with enjoyment, building a true partnership.

Lessons

Lesson programs at Centennial Acres are typically private lessons, held in 45 minute time slots.  If riding your own horse, the cost is $25, if riding one of the farm’s school horses, the cost is $30.  Riders are expected to be in the arena and ready at their appointed start time. Please inquire as to group or semi-private lesson availability.

Training Programs

Centennial Acres offers two Training programs, and sessions can be used for riding lessons for the rider or as schooling sessions for the horse.

CAEC Trainers

Tena Frieling began her riding career in high school on a horse that she bought with hard earned money from milking cows on the family’s dairy farm. After high school, Tena graduated from Michigan State University’s Horse Management program, and from there began a career as a riding instructor and trainer at a local West Michigan training farm. In 1998, the family opened their own facility on a portion of their dairy farm, and Tena began training horses and riders at Centennial Acres Dressage.

Tena has trained and ridden in clinics under riders such as Catherine Haddad, Vincent Carovillano, Albert Gesierich, Alexa Schulten-Baumer, and Dr. Rob VanWessum. She has shown through 4th level Dressage, has earned her Qualified Rider Certificate at 2nd level, and is working on her Bronze and Silver USDF medals. In 2004, she qualified and competed at USDF Region 2 Championships and placed in the top eight at 2nd Level Open. She also qualified for 4th Level Championships in 2002, but was unable to compete due to the untimely death of her mount, Dr. Doolittle, a month before the competition.

Riders under Tena’s instruction have competed thru third level at both USDF and ADA dressage shows, winning many classes and achieving year-end awards on both circuits.  She also has some students who are actively involved in their school’s equestrian team.

Tena strives each year to coach her CAEC students to do their best at their prospective levels of riding in addition to advancing daily in her riding ability and becoming a better rider and instructor.

Lila VandenBerg began her interest in dressage as a junior high student, purchasing her own mount with money she earned working on the family’s dairy farm.   Over the past fifteen years, Lila has dedicated serious study and training to dressage, spending eight months training in Germany under American rider Catherine Haddad.
Lila has also trained and cliniced under Vincent Carovillano, Albert Gesierich, Alexa Schulten-Baumer, and Dr. Rob VanWessum. Lila is very active in CAEC’s summer camp program and regularly prepares sales horses and coaches students at shows.