About our Head Trainer

Arete Equestrian is owned and operated by USDF Bronze Medalist Teresa Ball, a professional rider based in Bozeman, MT. Teresa maintains a special interest in the biomechanics of correct equitation and uses dressage principles and exercises for all of the horses in her training program. She brings a unique perspective to the table, and is a melting pot of ideas and methods—having shown seriously in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation, as well as the Dressage court.

Teresa draws inspiration from many locally and nationally recognized professionals. She has ridden and clinic’ed with Betsy Steiner, WEG Bronze Medalist Leslie Morse, students of International World Cup rider Lisa Wilcox and 5* Olympic judge’s Lilo Fore and Gary Rockwell, 3* Paralympic and ‘S’ Judge Christel Carlson, international CDI Grand Prix riders Jenny Baldwin and Nadine Schwartsman, and regularly lessons and rides with her coach Christine Robinson, USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix rider.

In the Hunter/jumper world she has clinic’ed and ridden regularly with Heather Parish, winner of the 1994 Gold Medal in the Olympic Festival, international Grand Prix rider Kris Killiam, Sandy Morris (who has coached many riders to qualifying for Marshall and Sterling Medal Finals and Devon), and local showjumper Kristine Hardwick. She has won regional equitation Medal Finals, hunter derbies, and loves riding and coaching in the jumpers as well. Teresa coaches a wide variety of riders at different levels and heights in all three rings as well.  Riders of hers have qualified to attend USHJA Finals in Las Vegas and have won year-end awards through local associations, along with many division Champion and Reserve Champion finishes at several local show series.

In the Natural Horsemanship world, Teresa has worked extensively with Jennifer Collman, a highly experienced trainer and expert equine behaviorist. She has also worked with several students of Buck Brannaman, and draws inspiration from these experts in all of her groundwork, riding, and training.

Teresa has experience starting and producing young horses, as well as restarting those deemed as “problem horses”. She is well-versed in solving training issues and prides herself on a kind and gentle approach with all of her equine athletes. Teresa coaches and trains with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and personal growth. She believes in setting up students and horses for success, no matter where their goals lie. She also maintains the viewpoint that ‘dressage is for every athlete’, no matter the saddle or discipline.