Lessons, Training, & Clinics

Photo by Susan J Stickle Photo by Susan J Stickle
Susan J. Stickle Photo by Susan J. Stickle

Lessons

Lesson Fees

Michael Bragdell
$160 45 minute Lesson

Michael Bragdell offers lessons for riders from Training to FEI levels.  Our instruction program is geared to provide a foundation of the solid principles of training that enable a horse and rider to develop and perform at their best. We are committed to advancing the horse and rider in a methodical and thorough manner, and we help our riders set reasonable goals for training and showing.  We do NOT have lesson horses available. Please call 410-658-9898 to leave a message in the general voicemail or email Michael Bragdell regarding lessons. 

Training Board

Hilltop’s training services include the development of all levels of dressage horses, preparation of stallions and mares for licensings and performance testings, and sales marketing for a select group of dressage horses.  We maintain an active show schedule, ranging from local schooling shows through CDI competitions and National Championships.  Young Horse starting space is limited to horses coming from our Raising Program.  We are proud of the long-term relationships we have with our clients.  Please call 410-658-9898 or email Natalie to learn more about training space for horses. 

Clinics

Michael Bragdell is available for off-site clinics on a very limited basis. We prefer to do few locations, but on a more regular schedule to allow for consistent, long-term learning. Please call 410-658-9898 to leave a message in the general voicemail or email Michael Bragdell regarding clinics. 

Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photo by Susan J. Stickle
Photo by Joanna Jodko Photo by Joanna Jodko

Trainer Michael Bragdell

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Michael is originally from Gothenburg, Sweden and worked several years at a riding school, serving as an instructor and member of the show jumping team. He continued his education in England where he trained and showed young horses for Gustavii Stud. In 1995, Michael joined the Hilltop Team and he now holds the position of Head Trainer. Over the years he has presented numerous stallions and countless mares and foals at breed registry inspections as well as at breed shows around the country.

Michael believes in keeping the work interesting for the young horse to ensure they stay fresh and happy throughout their career. Seven of the youngsters that Michael has started at Hilltop have gone on to top finishes in the USEF/Markel Young/Developing Horse National Championships.  

In 2008, Michael captured his first National Championship aboard Selten-HW in the FEI Four-Year Old division and captured this championship again in 2012 with Hemmingway.  In 2018 & 2019, Michael and SenSation HW won the USEF Young Horse National Championships.  He has been in the top 10 placings with many other horses over the years.  Michael competes through the Grand Prix CDI level with his top successes including multiple CDI wins with Qredit Hilltop.  Michael has won seven US Dressage Finals National Championships as well and is a USDF Bronze, Silver, & Gold Medalist.  He is a USDF Certified Instructor and is available for lessons at Hilltop Farm as well as offering limited clinics.

“It is important that I incorporate variety in the training for all of my horses.  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 longterm soundness.”

—Michael Bragdell