{"id":5647,"date":"2024-09-13T12:05:07","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T16:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/?p=5647"},"modified":"2025-01-28T14:20:50","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T19:20:50","slug":"centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/","title":{"rendered":"Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm: The Story of a Family Business in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Operating since 1970, Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm stands as a testament to dedication, expertise, and passion for horses. This multifaceted business requires substantial investment, training, and enthusiasm. Here&#8217;s the story of Centaur\u2019s history, its equestrian school, breeding program, horse shows, and the role of volunteers, brought to you by <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/uk\/\">Ottawa One<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0ccc6880ad5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0ccc6880ad5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#History_of_the_Family_Business\" >History of the Family Business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#Overview_of_Centaur\" >Overview of Centaur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#Horse_Breeding_at_Centaur\" >Horse Breeding at Centaur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#New_Leadership_Shirley_Herten\" >New Leadership: Shirley Herten<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#Centaur_Professional_Riding_School\" >Centaur Professional Riding School<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/centaur-riding-school-and-breeding-farm-the-story-of-a-family-business-in-ottawa-5647\/#Modern_Breeding_Program\" >Modern Breeding Program<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_of_the_Family_Business\"><\/span>History of the Family Business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It all began in 1970 when Claire and Jean-Louis (Johnny) Herten, along with their daughter Shirley, relocated from Germany. They settled near the village of Navan, east of Ottawa and south of Orleans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, the family established Centaur, initially as an informal operation. Claire, a certified riding instructor in Germany, started offering private riding lessons for just $5 per hour. Word spread, and demand grew quickly due to the scarcity of skilled instructors in Ontario at the time. By 1973, Centaur officially opened its doors, ushering in an era of thousands of riders\u2014both novices and experienced equestrians\u2014and hundreds of horse shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, Centaur horse shows rely on volunteers. These efforts are celebrated annually, such as in 2018, when Centaur\u2019s \u201cRed Team\u201d received the Volunteer of the Year award. Established in 1998, this award acknowledges the dedication of volunteers who have significantly advanced equestrian interests in Canada. Over the years, Centaur volunteers have contributed more than 95,000 hours, assisting riders in dressage events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Centaur horse shows are renowned for exceptional prizes made possible by generous sponsors, whose details are available on the Centaur website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxfy1dhaysfw7biicgxyhe4almnpd2w165qm3d_bojk-pfknhf72kywbqmlpnube_5virtxx10hhkou-yuntyiq8shwzm5bighq6ywpyhfgjyrm2s_pongfptonurwnvzg_68otlzwkeys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overview_of_Centaur\"><\/span>Overview of Centaur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/uk\/eternal\/istoriya-rarytetnoyi-perukarni-perukarnya-rym-2062\">The Family Business<\/a> Located at 3845 Frank Kenny Road, Navan, Ontario:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A stable with 30 stalls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indoor and outdoor arenas with premium sand footing, heated during winter, and a cozy lounge with a kitchenette.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hunter ring and spacious areas for events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trails for riding, maintained across 25 acres of forest, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable horseback experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A covered arena was built when Shirley Herten decided to commit to a future in equestrianism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcrz9kzcaeqw0d5nxqcw__18lnedp_1xrr0e10fyfevqp129kf8qa6hpll5mm_he_m27ldf1dlz24jljyxl6wohbqeznb661j8lwuv-ptblablafdmvuhl9hz4kzkenhgokg3g4keys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horse_Breeding_at_Centaur\"><\/span>Horse Breeding at Centaur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hertens expanded beyond riding instruction, launching a horse breeding program in the 1980s. Centaur became one of the first facilities in the Ottawa area to breed mares with Hanoverian and Trakehner bloodlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hanoverian horse, one of the oldest German breeds, dates back to 1735 in England. Initially a heavy horse, it evolved through crossbreeding with local mares and was established as a stud horse in 1888. After World War II, Trakehner, Thoroughbred, and Arabian bloodlines were introduced. Hanoverians are among the most sought-after sport horses worldwide, known for their:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calm, balanced temperament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strength, endurance, and energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exceptional jumping ability, making them ideal for royal carriages, show jumping, and three-day events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weight ranging from 500\u2013600 kg and height between 1.55\u20131.75 m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Centaur bred two Hanoverian-Trakehner cross horses, Solomon and his son Absalom. Both received awards from the Canadian Sport Horse Association (CSHA), founded in 1926. Solomon ranks ninth on CSHA&#8217;s list of recognized horses and has sired many successful competition horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcrh0ztueeekkki4pgcusvvgeevoganzo5r3fwfybvfclnghhejbrevjrqfphnltcxmare7ivtji_ewaoy04qoszsgghlceioyxtffthxyr0nssdrsmhlcqldr6dkyamx2jvbkkeys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"New_Leadership_Shirley_Herten\"><\/span>New Leadership: Shirley Herten<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1989, Shirley Herten took over the business from her parents. She became a certified equestrian coach and was twice named Ontario Dressage Coach of the Year. A skilled rider and trainer, Shirley also serves as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A national dressage judge in Canada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The head coach of the Coaching Apprentice Program run by Cadora-Ontario, which fosters the development of trainers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Shirley\u2019s daughter, Danica Herten-Pearson, followed in her mother\u2019s footsteps. A certified equestrian coach, Danica has trained and competed since 2010, earning multiple accolades, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2014 Ontario Champion with Dark Velvet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equestrian Canada Dressage Rider of the Year (First and Second Levels) in 2017 and 2018.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxer8aspejxfil8ei-nsqybx3ba9zhdfi53w0ghueefxlhpbimq3vq3gbcmkvdglcfgcgevitebvxm4xezbwjofh92gnbguzy_onrgwj21mae89397xt1mapkv7fmt4ccok-frgd8qkeys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Centaur_Professional_Riding_School\"><\/span>Centaur Professional Riding School<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Centaur trains approximately 100 students in dressage and hunter disciplines, offering top-tier instruction and well-trained horses. The school\u2019s reputation for excellence is reinforced by its annual hosting of 10 horse shows, where riders showcase their skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxelzcpzca1mm5gvc5doyxklaopdbjek5qstvqhsdeleo4s0gwitlxn3t3enollm-xvblcxli-ryvb7fzslxshnqla-kk3szu8sgxnabnhgxdswgahwyagntpczly9pjx9bxhvab5wkeys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Breeding_Program\"><\/span>Modern Breeding Program<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Centaur\u2019s breeding program, launched in 2001, began with the acquisition of a stallion and broodmare. Over time, it expanded to include high-quality mares with European bloodlines. Centaur\u2019s pride is Don Rico, a premium Hanoverian black stallion sired by Don Frederico, renowned for his temperament and elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key breeding practices include access to large pastures, high-quality hay, free-choice minerals, heated water, and shelters. Professional handling ensures proper behaviour, while veterinary care includes traditional and homeopathic treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to equine researcher Dr. Hilary Clayton, quality care during a foal\u2019s first year influences injury resistance later in life. At Centaur, foals receive exercises to strengthen their limbs and tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm exemplifies a thriving family business near Ottawa, cultivating exceptional horses and inspiring equestrian enthusiasts. What began as Claire and Johnny\u2019s passion has become a legacy, carried forward by Shirley and her daughter Danica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxen-4jtqjhokbc4kvnu6fo2l8hm9iwnkz3ergk3mlaukm1nvqenbzp3lojsqpbwnmlx8noirc3jpurit6sortnbo9jdqn0uajdcj8dw38egzxgobpzu0mqfqz_aqptlfc08vu7gmqkeys0-ad9zlzkz_c7g5o6_apwwl.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/centaurbreedingfarm.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centaur Breeding Farm<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CentaurBreedingFarm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centaur Breeding Farm Facebook Page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.royal-horse.com\/race\/hanoverian-horse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hanoverian Horse History<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/c-s-h-a.org\/canada-150\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canadian Sport Horse Association<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Operating since 1970, Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm stands as a testament to dedication, expertise, and passion for horses. This multifaceted business requires substantial investment, training, and enthusiasm. Here&#8217;s the story of Centaur\u2019s history, its equestrian school, breeding program, horse shows, and the role of volunteers, brought to you by Ottawa One. History of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":5648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[3168,3169,3163,3160,3159,3164,3173,3165,3162,3161,3166,3171,3174,3167,3172,3170],"motype":[],"moformat":[93],"moimportance":[78,81],"class_list":{"0":"post-5647","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-breeding-of-the-highest-quality-horses","9":"tag-canadian-sport-horse-association-awards","10":"tag-centaur-review","11":"tag-certified-equestrian-trainer","12":"tag-competitions","13":"tag-danica-gerten-pearson","14":"tag-example-of-a-successful-family-business","15":"tag-family-business-history","16":"tag-high-quality-broodmares","17":"tag-horse-breeding","18":"tag-horse-shows","19":"tag-ontario-dressage-trainer-of-the-year","20":"tag-riding-school","21":"tag-stud-farm","22":"tag-volunteering","23":"tag-where-it-all-began","24":"moformat-longrid-korotka","25":"moimportance-golovna-novina","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori"},"modified_by":"Katya Koshevaya","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/469"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5647"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5669,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647\/revisions\/5669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5647"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5647"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5647"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}