ABOUT OUR HEAD TRAINER
Arete Equestrian is proudly owned and operated by USDF Silver Medalist Teresa Ball, a professional rider based in Bozeman, MT. With a deep passion for biomechanics, Teresa integrates dressage principles and exercises into her comprehensive training program for all horses. Her unique perspective blends a wealth of ideas and methodologies, stemming from her extensive experience in the hunters, jumpers, equitation, and dressage. At Arete Equestrian, we are dedicated to developing both horse and rider to their fullest potential.
Teresa draws inspiration from a diverse range of locally and nationally recognized professionals. She has had the privilege of training with Betsy Steiner, WEG Bronze Medalist Leslie Morse, and students of International World Cup rider Lisa Wilcox, as well as esteemed judges Lilo Fore and Gary Rockwell. Additionally, she has learned from 3* Paralympic and ‘S’ Judge Christel Carlson, and international CDI Grand Prix riders Jenny Baldwin and Nadine Schwartsman. Teresa also regularly lessons and rides with her coach Christine Robinson, a USDF Gold Medalist.
In the hunter/jumper world, Teresa has regularly clinic'ed and trained with notable figures such as Heather Parish, the 1994 Gold Medal winner at the Olympic Festival; international Grand Prix rider Kris Killiam; Sandy Morris, who has coached numerous riders to qualify for the Marshall and Sterling Medal Finals and Devon; and local showjumper Kristine Hardwick. Teresa has achieved success in regional equitation Medal Finals and hunter derbies, and she enjoys riding and coaching in the jumpers as well. She coaches a diverse range of riders at various levels across all three rings. Her students have qualified for the USHJA Finals in Las Vegas and have earned year-end awards from local associations, along with numerous Champion and Reserve Champion finishes in several local show series.
“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 Povalish, Student
In the field of Natural Horsemanship, Teresa has trained extensively with Jennifer Collman, a highly respected trainer and expert in equine behavior. Additionally, she has learned from several students of Buck Brannaman, integrating insights from these esteemed professionals into her groundwork, riding, and training methodologies.
Teresa has extensive experience in starting and producing young horses, as well as restarting those labeled as “problem 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, regardless of their goals. She firmly believes that “dressage is for every athlete,” no matter the saddle or discipline.