ARETE EQUESTRIAN

FEI Dressage Trainer, Bozeman, MT

Arete:

Arete (pronounced uh-ret, Ancient Greek: ἀρετή, romanized: aretḗ) is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to "excellence" of any kind—especially a person or thing's "full realization of potential or inherent function."

HEAD TRAINER, FEI rider and USDF silver MEDALIST

Teresa Cusker (Ball)

Arete Equestrian is owned and operated by Teresa Cusker (Ball), a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with Distinction based in Bozeman, MT.

Teresa is dedicated to the thoughtful development of both horse and rider, guiding each partnership toward achieving its highest potential. She remains committed to ongoing education—for herself and her students—and is respected for fostering harmonious relationships with her horses. Teresa offers lessons and training from young horses to FEI.

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SERVING southwestern MONTANA
We are here to offer excellent instruction and training in Gallatin Valley for the discerning horse owner. Take lessons or bring your horse for training with our Head Trainer, USDF silver Medalist Teresa Cusker.
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WE ARE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

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SISF logo with large white letters and a cross, with the words 'SAFE & SOUND' below, on a navy background.
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Our Program

We offer a mix of training packages, lessons, and sessions for all disciplines of riders, along with a robust show program that travels locally and regionally to USDF-recognized horse shows.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • “It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve competed and about 5 years since I have taken consistent riding lessons. She is very understanding and easy to talk to. I’ve been seriously impressed with her knowledge in sports physiology for both the horse and rider! I highly recommend her for any equestrian who is looking to improve their horsemanship skills and getting their confidence back to start showing again.”

    -Diane

  • "I have been a committed, educated amateur rider for nearly 30 years and a professional in the equine health industry for nearly 20. Teresa Ball is one of the best riding instructors and horsewomen I’ve ever worked with, and I’m so grateful my horse and I are part of her program!"

    -Jessica

  • "I started riding with Teresa after my long time equine partner had three years off, and she has improved our confidence, fitness, and level of skill. I finally love riding again after some previous burnout and loss of confidence. I lesson with Teresa weekly, and also have my horse in weekly training rides, and we both show him. I trust few people with this very special horse, but Teresa truly treats him as one of her own."

  • "Teresa’s unique background combines natural horsemanship/equine psychology knowledge with extensive experience in the H/J and dressage arenas, and her innate talent in the saddle. As we all know, many professionals can ride well but can’t teach, but Teresa is also a gifted instructor. Wise beyond her years, she understands how to tailor her teaching approach to each individual rider."

  • “Teresa is an extremely knowledgable and talented horsewoman! She understands how to communicate with horse and rider to foster success in many different riding disciplines. She has helped me and my green horse grow immensely since we have started training with her!”

    — Tara

  • "We have a 9-year-old daughter, Evelyn, who has been riding with Teresa Ball for 18 months. Upon first meeting Teresa it became very apparent how much she loves horses and mentoring youth rides. Teresa’s hands on approach to training are both thoughtful and safe. She not only helps build relations with rider and horse but she is also very thoughtful at building the relationship between instructor and rider. She has worked hard at building a solid foundation of horse knowledge and safety for our young rider. "

    -Lainey

  • "I finally jumped in with both feet and purchased my first horse! A 10yo OTTB. I found myself struggling for the first few months with his management and training on my own. I got by for a season and became aware I needed help! I had met Teresa Ball a year or two prior and started following her showing/riding/ and OTTB makeover achievements on facebook with admiration. I sought out her advice this past fall and shortly after reconnecting I had my first consultation. I became immediately impressed at how skilled, passionate and knowledgable she is."

    -Anne

  • "Highly recommend Teresa with Arete Equestrian! She has worked wonders with my young horse, and has helped me knock some serious dust off of my skills after 25 years away from riding. Teresa is an awesome trainer for riders of all disciplines and skill levels, and makes riding fun for both the students and the horses. The entire experience of working with her has been fantastic!"

    -Christine

  • "I think every discipline of rider needs a trainer like Teresa in their corner. If you’re lucky enough to have her as your dressage, sport horse or hunter/jumper trainer, you’re certain to elevate your competitive abilities and skills. She’s an exceptional rider with deep mastery and experience, but what sets her apart is her ability to translate it all creatively and effectively to her students. Teresa has a way with words that helps riders visualize more clearly what they need to doing and feeling in the moment."

    -Bridget

  • "Teresa is one of the most talented, skilled and educated trainers and instructors that I’ve ever met in the equestrian world. She is not only hard working, compassionate and genuine, she is knowledgeable beyond her years when it comes to horses and their riders. Her natural horsemanship approach shows in the horses she not only trains but also owns."

    -Amanda

  • "Teresa is incredibly talented! She has a wonderful way with horses, great knowledge to help bring the best out in each horse and rider. She is fantastic with our 12 year old daughter. Our daughter has learned more with Teresa in the last two months than she did in last 1 year riding elsewhere. She has a great way of instructing and connecting with the rider.

    -Christy

  • "Being able to learn from her has been one of the best experiences and she has a plethora of knowledge and the experience to back it up. She has put her heart and soul into building her business and it’s flourishing. She’s very humble for someone of her caliber and it’s endearing to see such a talented person treat you as an equal instead of someone who is “beneath” her. I would trust her with any horse and I trust her completely as a rider. Her passion for educating shows in everything she does."