UNLOCK THE BREAKTHROUGHS
YOU AND YOUR HORSE DESERVE
✨
An Elevated Clinic Experience
with German FN Trainer and
Worldwide Biomechanics
Authority Dave Thind
✨
Solid Education and Credentials
Dave is a top-level (level III), certified and licensed 'Trainer A' (1 level higher than Bereiter) from the German Equestrian Federation (FN)— the global authority on dressage training.
In fact, he holds this equally in dressage, show-jumping and eventing. That means you’ll learn the time-tested methods of correct, horse-friendly training based on established theory.
In addition to his official trainer eduction under Martin Plewa and Rainer Jaeckel, he’s learned extensively with many of Europe's most recognized masters, including German Olympic Team Trainer Monica Theodorescu, Christoph Hess, Johan Zagers.
Dave currently trains with Spanish Team Trainer, Rien van Der Schaft.
Your auditors and riders alike will take away a deeper understanding of the sport and art of dressage.
Dave is a global authority on rider biomechanics.
Dave is a global authority on rider biomechanics. You’ll receive valuable in-the-moment feedback on your body’s unique challenges and abilities in each session, helping you to feel more harmonious and balanced in motion with your horse.
Equine Biomechanics Too
In addition to rider biomechanics, Dave is also well known for his extensive work teaching hands-on Feldenkrais work to equine veterinarians and chiropractors. ALL dressage training aims to improve a horse's way of moving, however Dave's additional expertise, experience and seemingly "x-ray" vision of both you and your horse will be sure to create some almost unbelievable improvements during your clinic.
Feldenkrais Method® Group Classes
Dave’s clinics include a daily morning Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement group class that sets up participants for maximum benefit from their riding sessions. This relaxing gentle practice is appropriate for all levels. Clinic participants RAVE
about the immediate feedback they gain in the saddle, including release from pain and tension, increased suppleness and skeletal alignment.
Dave completed a 4-year education and is a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais Method Practitioner®. He is the creator of the DTM.
Positive Reinforcement and the Right Learning Conditions
Dave believes that all riders and horses deserve respect
and encouragement, that each pair should leave the ring with performance breakthroughs and “lightbulb moments” they can incorporate into their daily rides.
This is as true for Adult Amateur participants as it is for the Olympic team riders Dave works with in Wellington or Warendorf.
Dave’s clinics are elevated learning experiences that
are fun and inclusive!
International
Dave is multilingual. He teaches in English, German, Norwegian and French. He currently clinics across the US and Canada, in Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and India.
Based on the recommendation of a trainer I respect very much, I hauled 5 hours to a clinic with Dave to get help with a new horse. The issues that had me baffled at home for months, he fixed in the first lesson by helping me to stop blocking my horse. I ended the weekend feeling a huge increase in my confidence and with new tools I could take home. That to me is the measure of a great clinician. Dave himself is a beautiful rider and to see him sit on a horse was
in itself educational.
- Jean Rude, AA Silver Medalist, USA
A week ago we had Dave Thind do a clinic at our barn. He is a German Certified Level 3 Trainer and also a biomechanics expert. We first had him at our stable in 2007, at which time I was amazed with some ultra discreet yet extremely effective seat techniques. For example, easily fixing tempi changes. In addition to teaching, he is also very good at treating horses and riders. This time, he did some of his work with me. I have to say I was really amazed! In just short time he took away the pain I had in my back. And after he treated me, I could see how my whole body position changed.
- Anabel Balkenhol, German Olympic Team Rider.
Working with Dave was amazing. Starting with I normally wake up with some stiffness in my back, and I did not the next day! In my riding, I was able to easily keep my shoulders level, my "shorter" leg now equally long and I easily found my eyes up, much better head-carriage and spinal decompression, giving me a much straighter and more efficient position. I was really happy about this! The first days after our session I thought a lot about my body, but now without thinking about it too much, I still feel positive results but definitely wish to explore more. And an update from one of my international students whom Dave also worked with, the tools Dave gave us have made it much easier to correct her, and I think the riding is getting better with this! Highly recommended.
-Carina Sholz, German Olympic Squad Rider, World Cup German Team Rider 2025
Over the course of the last 10 or so years, I've organized about the same amount of clinics with Dave. Each time, we all leave energized and pumped up, even though it is a lot of work putting on a big clinic. Also each time I am almost surprised at how good Dave is at teaching, wow! EVERYONE leaves with so much value and he so freely gives himself into his work. Last clinic I had the realization, this was simply the best dressage clinic I have every seen, anywhere.
- Emilie Laval, Trainer, Canada
🧠 Science-Based. FN-Certified. Uniquely Qualified.
Most trainers teach the seat.
Some clinicians specialize in biomechanics.
Dave Thind does both—at the highest level.
✅ German FN “Trainer A” (Level III) – with near-perfect teaching score!
✅ Licensed in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing, Level III, International Trainer Passport Level III
✅ Biomechanics expert and Feldenkrais Method® Practitioner
✅ Trains horses and riders through FEI levels
✅ Teaches movement to veterinarians, riders, and educators worldwide
This is not just opinion or style.
This is the science-backed method of riding correctly, as defined by the German classical system—and refined by modern movement science.
💎 What Makes These Clinics Different
In a sport where true “shortcuts” don’t exist, detours are far too common.
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You’ve probably had good trainers… and some not-so-good ones.
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Maybe you've been sidetracked by conflicting clinician advice or well-meaning coaches.
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Even experienced riders often feel something is missing.
Dave is here to keep you on track—or get you back on it.
His clinics offer clear, practical, and correct guidance—so you can make progress with confidence and avoid years of trial and error.
This is not about replacing your trainer. It’s about adding an expert to your team who helps you refine your seat, feel, and effectiveness—without the drama or ego.
💬 What Riders Say
"After working with Dave, my body changed, my horses changed, and people started asking me what I was doing differently."
— Charlotte Jorst, International Grand Prix Rider
~ More Sample lessons~
VIDEO 1
Canter seat training, Norway
https://www.davethindmethod.com/blog/canter-seat-training
VIDEO 2
Instant Back Pain Relief from Herniated Disc and Piaffe Training, Norway
https://www.davethindmethod.com/blog/picture-yourself-being-a-better-rider
VIDEO 3
Jumping lesson, Jr Rider moving towards GP, Norway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C_Alhw9PYs&t=621s
VIDEO 4: En Francais
SÉANCE PRATIQUE DE FELDENKRAIS AVEC DAVE THIND
📅 Clinic Format
Each day includes:
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Morning Session: Begin each day with a 1-hour unmounted Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® class to enhance body awareness and prepare for riding.
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Private Lessons: 45-minute individualized sessions focusing on improving your seat, training issues and overall biomechanics of both you and your horse.
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Auditing Opportunities: Engage in interactive learning by observing lessons, participating in discussions, and attending optional lectures on topics like the Training Scale and equine biomechanics.
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Optional Private Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement sessions to prepare your body for riding
🌟 Who This Is For
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Riders of all levels serious about correct riding
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Trainers looking to refine their eye and seat
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Anyone who wants more ease, harmony, and longevity in the saddle
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Riders with physical challenges or past injuries looking to ride better, longer
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Anyone who’s ever felt stuck, unsure, or confused by contradictory training
AUDIT:
Registered auditors are encouraged to attend and ask questions as they watch the process of improved performance using Dave’s system. The day almost always starts with an interactive unmounted Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement ® lesson (contact your local organizer for details). The usual format is that after the group class, auditors can watch these same concepts used during the riding lessons.
FUN AND UNIQUE LEARNING! Whether you ride or audit...
In addition to his expertise, Dave is well known for his energetic, positive, articulate, thought provoking yet simple teaching style. "It doesn't have to be difficult."
Something relatively unknown to the general public is that the Feldenkrais Method is very much about how humans learn best, radiating towards what is comfortable and pleasant... our horses too!
Expect to learn in a whole new, rapid and effective way!
ORGANIZERS: Choose the Format That Works Best For Your Group
From Training through International Grand Prix Dressage or Jumping, Dave focuses on good basics while always taking an individual approach for each horse-rider team. Dave strictly adheres to the principles of the German classical training scale and short-cuts are not taken for the sake of short-lived success. Dave has the gift to impart knowledge to riders of all levels.
Structure (Remember to book in advance, payment is required 60 days in advance to hold your spot).
Limited additional privates for Feldenkrais Functional Integration are available (see bottom of page).
3-day clinics are the same, yet feature an additional 1 hour lecture. For example, Training Scale Usage, Equine Biomechanics, or the subject of your choice. Also different from a two-day, Dave can ride up to 3 advanced horses on the third day. Day one he will observe/coach, day two he will introduce himself to each horse through hands on work, he will quickly consider saddle fit, and day three he will ride.
Unique DTM classes to improve riding, without riding!. An opportunity to learn together with your whole group, yet log in from home.
These workshops are given live via Zoom.
An opportunity for a meaningful mini-clinic / gathering for your group!
The workshops can be as short as 1.5 hours.
Students have the opportunity to purchase further classes (recordings) - proven courses and even a full program, all proven to work wonders for riders' seats, pain relief, confidence levels etc!
Add ons or options:
Individual Feldenkrais Functional Integration® (Massage table required), Equipe and Passier Saddle fitting, Sprenger bit fitting, public appearances and special presentations, Equine Feldenkrais with horses and in hand-work. Please note that Dave will not provide opinions on a horse or saddle you are considering to purchase during clinics - this is a separate service.
Message from Christoph Hess
“Dave is an expert on schooling riders. He is brilliant in teaching the correct rider’s position in a friendly and positive way, and his students have good positions in the saddle—he himself also! I suggest that many of us should use the opportunity to train with Dave. Dave‘s training will make you happy and especially your horses happy.
Dave Thind holds a ‘Trainer A’ license from the German Equestrian Federation. This high level degree is a Level III, the highest possible, and one step higher than the ‘Bereiter’ title. An International Level III means certification as a Master Instructor. This level of certification allows Dave to act as an ambassador for both the principles and correct application of the German classical system of training.
The panel of judges from our Federation were thoroughly impressed by Dave’s abilities as an Instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score."
— Christoph Hess, German FN Educational Ambassador
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