Professional Summary
Internationally accomplished dressage trainer and clinician with over 50 years of experience across Europe and the United States.
Pierre has an extensive background in developing horses and riders from foundational levels through Grand Prix, with a strong emphasis on classical dressage principles, horse welfare, and long-term performance.
Recognized for coaching, horse sourcing, and delivering large-scale educational clinics worldwide.
Pierre has an extensive background in developing horses and riders from foundational levels through Grand Prix, with a strong emphasis on classical dressage principles, horse welfare, and long-term performance.
Recognized for coaching, horse sourcing, and delivering large-scale educational clinics worldwide.
Professional Experience
Freelance Dressage Trainer & Clinician
Aiken, SC | 2016 – Present
Wellington, FL | 2009 – 2015
Old Stone Farm, Staatsburg, NY | 2008 – 2009
Georgia, USA | 2007 – 2008
International Clinician & Symposium Leader
Russia (Moscow & St. Petersburg) | 2005
1999 – 2007
California, USA | 1995 – 2007
Dressage Trainer & Competitor
Switzerland | 1990 – 1994
Instructor – Centre Régional d’Aide et de Formation
Lille, France | 1988 – 1989
France | 1984 – 1986
1981 – 1986
Military Service – Trainer for Officers
1983 – 1984
Aiken, SC | 2016 – Present
- Provide training for horses and riders from training level through FEI levels
- Conduct clinics and educational programs throughout the U.S.
- Focus on correct fundamentals, rider position, and horse development
Wellington, FL | 2009 – 2015
- Trained competition horses and riders in a high-performance environment
- Prepared horses for upper-level dressage competition
Old Stone Farm, Staatsburg, NY | 2008 – 2009
- Specialized in flatwork and dressage training for elite jumper horses
Georgia, USA | 2007 – 2008
International Clinician & Symposium Leader
Russia (Moscow & St. Petersburg) | 2005
- Led 13 dressage seminars over two weeks with more than 750 participants
- Followed by two months of training and riding engagements
1999 – 2007
- Specialized in importing and sourcing sport horses from Europe
- Matched horses to riders and provided consulting on development and training
California, USA | 1995 – 2007
Dressage Trainer & Competitor
Switzerland | 1990 – 1994
Instructor – Centre Régional d’Aide et de Formation
Lille, France | 1988 – 1989
- Provided practical and theoretical training to prepare future equestrian professionals
France | 1984 – 1986
- Responsible for instruction, horse training, and stable management
1981 – 1986
Military Service – Trainer for Officers
1983 – 1984
Training & Influences
- 2008: Advanced training in Germany
- 2005: Clinics with Steffen Peters — Individual Bronze Medalist at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Member, and winner of the 2009 FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas and Aachen World Equestrian Festival
- 1999–2003: Exposure to training with:
- Günter Seidel — three-time Olympic Bronze Medalist
- Klaus Balkenhol — former U.S. National Dressage Team Trainer
- 1997–2000: Trained rider Elizabeth Ball, whose horse Confident (sourced in Germany) achieved Intermediaire II Horse of the Year honors
- 1995: Relocated to California / Dressage Trainer
- Trained with Kathleen Raine, finalist at the 1995 World Cup Final in Los Angeles
- Worked with David Whitman, specialist in young horse development
- 1994–1997: Clinics with:
- Margrit Otto-Crépin, French National Team member, won a silver medal at 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul
- Daniel Ramseier, Swiss international dressage rider
- Christine Stückelberger, Olympic Gold Medalist
- Bruno Lostria, French Young Riders Dressage Team Trainer
- Colonel Carde, French National Dressage Team Trainer
- 1986–1987: Training at the National Equestrian School (E.N.E.), Saumur, France
- Under Colonel Carde (Director of the school)
- Dominique Flament (future French National Team Trainer)
- Philippe Karl, expert in Iberian horses, French National Champion
- 1984–1986: Training with Jacques-Henry Ménard (member of the French National Dressage Team) and Bruno Lostria
- 1980–1982: Training with Bruno Lostria
- 1976–1980: Working student under Philippe Blondel (former Cadre Noir rider) and Hugues Persyn (Ecuyer Professor)
Additional Hightlights
- International career spanning France, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, and the United States
- Extensive experience developing young horses and advancing riders to FEI levels
- Proven success in both amateur and professional training environments
- Strong foundation in classical European dressage methodology
Pierre Cousyn - Formal Education
Instructeur – 2nd Degree Instructor Program
National Equestrian School (E.N.E.), Saumur, France | 1987
- Advanced certification focused on training professionals and upper-level horses
- One-year full-time program taught by Cadre Noir ecuyers (elite instructors)
National Equestrian School (E.N.E.), Saumur, France | 1981
Diplomas and References from the Cadre Noir & Olympic Trainer (pdf)
