Top dressage competitor and young/developing horse trainer Michael Bragdell is the latest to join the long list of top dressage riders, trainers and professionals on Dressage Today OnDemand.
Bragdell, who is originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, is well-known for his work producing top young horses. He trained and showed young horses for Gustavii Stud in England, before joining the team at Hilltop Farm in Colora, MD, in 1995. He now holds the position of Head Trainer.
Over the years, Bragdell has presented numerous stallions and countless mares and foals at breed registry inspections as well as at breed shows around the country. Seven of the youngsters that he has started at Hilltop have gone on to top finishes in the USEF/Markel Young/Developing Horse National Championships. In addition to being a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, Bragdell has won seven US Dressage Finals National Championships as well as the 2021 Dressage at Devon Grand Prix. An excellent teacher, he is also a USDF Certified Instructor and teaches at Hilltop Farm while keeping a limited clinic schedule.
Bragdell believes in keeping the work interesting for the young horse to ensure they stay fresh and happy throughout their career. No matter what type of young horse you’re bringing along, Bragdell can offer valuable insights to help you develop your horse correctly. In his new video series on Dressage Today OnDemand, he focuses on teaching horses ground exercises leading up to and including half-steps.
“It is important that I incorporate variety in the training for all of my horses,” says Bragdell. “Some of the tools I use include groundwork, freejumping, longlining, and hacking. I think the variety allows the horses to approach the training with a fresher mind and develops their physical strength and promotes long term soundness.”
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