ABOUT OUR HEAD TRAINER

Arete Equestrian is proudly owned and operated by USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist (with Distinction) Teresa Cusker, a professional rider based in Bozeman, MT. In 1999, Teresa began riding at a local dressage stable just south of Rosemount, Minnesota, and was instantly hooked. From that time on, her life’s ambition was becoming the most successful rider, trainer, and coach that she could be.

Never one to turn down an opportunity to ride, Teresa worked diligently as a stablehand, working-student, and groom to accelerate her career. She developed a knack for riding and developing relationships with unorthodox and β€œquirky” horses, developing each one to their highest potential. Teresa has helped develop several young horses undersaddle and enjoys helping progress their education in the sport of Dressage.

Teresa’s ambitions include obtaining the last two scores for her USDF Gold Medal, competing internationally, and eventually moving forward with education to become a licensed USDF judge. She enjoys helping all levels of riders, and maintains the viewpoint that dressage is for every athlete, no matter the saddle or discipline. Teresa currently coaches riders from a wide variety of disciplines, including: Working Equitation, Eventing, Reining, Barrel Racing, Hunters, Jumpers, and Western Dressage. She enjoys spreading the joy of Dressage and training to everyone.

Young woman in riding gear riding a horse with a blue ribbon and holding a silver tray, on an outdoor riding arena with buildings and trees in the background.
A woman wearing a helmet, riding jacket, and white breeches riding a brown horse with a white blaze in an outdoor dressage arena surrounded by white fencing.
A woman in equestrian attire, wearing a helmet, stands with a brown horse on a riding arena, touching the horse's face.

In the field of Natural Horsemanship, Teresa has trained extensively with several students of Buck Brannaman and Pat Parelliβ€”integrating insights from these esteemed professionals into her groundwork, riding, and training methodologies. Her groundwork style that she has developed on her own most similarly follows the ideology of Warwick Schiller and Tristan Tucker. Teresa believes that the groundwork should help the horses learn to self-regulate, and through clear instruction, should build a foundation of trust and partnership with which to progress upon under saddle.

Teresa has experience in starting and producing young horses, as well as restarting those labeled as β€œproblem horses.” She is adept at resolving training issues and takes pride in her kind and gentle approach with all her equine athletes. Emphasizing positive reinforcement and personal growth, Teresa focuses on setting both students and horses up for success with their goals. She firmly believes that β€œdressage is for every athlete,” no matter the saddle or discipline.