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Dave Thind riding his horse on the beach. The whole horse and rider's seat are visible, while the upper head is intentionally cropped.
60 Days to a Better Dressage Seat: Dave Thind Method five-module signature program, rider photograph and pelvic anatomy illustration.

THE DAVE THIND METHODSIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

60 Days to a Better Dressage Seat

The fluidity you have dreamed of starts now.

60 DAYS·5 MODULES·LIFETIME ACCESS

60 days to a new version of you. A gift to yourself and your horse.

Explore the five modules

THE DAVE THIND METHOD A DIFFERENT POSSIBILITY

A different way to learn.A different way to ride.

For the rider who knows there must be a more beautiful way to feel, move, and ride in harmony.

“To make the impossible possible, the possible easy, and the easy beautiful.”

— Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais
Begin Your Signature Experience Discover the philosophy

THE ART OF HARMONY

Maximum effectiveness.
Minimum aids.

“The Feldenkrais journey with Dave is enlightening and delightful. Try it. Your horse will thank you.”

— Beth Baumert · International Trainer & Author

Explore the Art of Feel
Amy Speck-Kern riding her horse in a dressage arena, original competition photograph

ON LEARNING TO FEEL

“Waiting out the lightning and reflecting on another great online lesson with Dave Thind yesterday.”

Amy describes a familiar challenge: riders gripping from hip to heel, sometimes from fear or from trying too hard to achieve perfection. The horse can respond by becoming duller and taking smaller steps.

She recommends the lessons for exploring movement throughout the body, balance, symmetry, and the chance to slow down and feel.

“I’ve always thought ‘feel’ couldn’t be taught, but I might be changing my tune!”

Adapted from Amy's longer reflection. Read the original testimonial

Amy Speck-Kern

Grand Prix Rider, Trainer & Judge · USA

A DIFFERENT WAY TO RIDE BEGINS WITH A DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN

Less effort.
More feel.

Imagine a seat that moves with your horse—not one you have to hold in place.

Through small, mindful movement explorations, the Dave Thind Method invites your nervous system to discover new options for ease, balance and coordination.

Anette François testimonial, 60-Day DTM Signature Program

Follow, don't brace.

Discover how your hips and back can follow your horse's movement with greater freedom.

Lori Elrod dressage rider
“I am able to sit the trot and canter so much better. Because I'm relaxing my hips and back more, he's giving me his back.”
Lori Elrod

Balance without holding.

Explore a more supple, organized seat—without forcing yourself into a position.

Charlotte Jorst dressage rider
“In my early work with Dave, I remember really being fascinated by the concept and the feeling of being tall and upright without working hard. Amazing! I was delighted to give up working hard to sit up and keep my shoulders back.”
Charlotte Jorst

Let your aids whisper.

Discover clearer timing and more subtle communication with your horse.

Cindy Levick dressage rider
“By doing less, I am really accomplishing more.”
Cindy Levick

NOT A WORKOUT. A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEARNING.

No strain. Just curiosity.

Explore gentle, guided movement lessons lying, sitting or standing—at home and at your own pace.

YOUR JOURNEY

60 Days.
One Unfolding Discovery.

A thoughtfully paced journey that gives your body time to learn.

BEGIN

Unlock your hips.

Start with the complete 14-Day Unlock Your Hips & Swing With Your Back Challenge—included as Module 1.

DEEPEN

Discover more possibilities.

Modules 2–5 become available every 10 days, building your awareness step by step.

MAKE IT YOURS

Keep learning for life.

Return to your favorite lessons whenever you wish, with lifetime access to the entire program.

For riders who want a more refined connection—and are ready to discover what becomes possible.

Better riding begins with better awareness.

More than posture work. A different way to learn.

In sixty days, gentle movement explorations can help you recognize old habits and find new possibilities for balance, coordination and feel.

You’ll soon notice:

Feel CAN be learned.

A seat that follows—and guides.

You cannot simply force yourself to let go. But you can learn to notice when to follow, when to guide—and when less is enough.

Imagine sensing the rhythm of each hind leg and the swing of your horse’s back with greater clarity.

More feel. More harmony. Expect to be surprised.

True connection.

Knowing what to do isn’t the same as feeling how.

“Relax your hands.” “Keep your shoulders back.” You’ve heard the words. But what if the change began elsewhere?

Imagine your shoulders softening, your elbows following and your hands becoming quieter—inviting your horse into a more elastic contact.

Honest connection involves the whole partnership: a comfortable horse, a suitable saddle and a rider who can follow without bracing. Releasing unnecessary tension can give you more influence, not less.

Less correction. More conversation.

Hint: It’s not really about your hands.

A personal note from Dave

I remember what it felt like to struggle.

Years ago, a trainer advised me to give up dressage. I thought I simply needed to work harder. Then I discovered the Feldenkrais Method—and a different way to move, feel and learn.

It changed my riding. And it's why I created this program.

— Dave

Why I Created the Dave Thind Method

The Promise.

Sit tall—without trying so hard.

Not another posture to hold. A way to discover greater ease, feel and freedom in your seat.

Less effort. More possibility.

The Art of Feel
60-DAYS TO A

Better Dressage Seat

DTM SIGNATURE PROGRAM
Photograph from Sergio de Fiori's original DTM testimonial

ON DISCOVERING NEW POSSIBILITIES

“So, after a few weeks of discovering new possibilities with DTM, I decided to have some pictures taken riding my 5 yo horse. All my horses are feeling a lot better then a month ago; I believe this is a very powerful method. Thanks a lot Dave Thind.”

Sergio de Fiori

FEI TrainerBrazil

✨Transform Your Seat in Just 60 Days

  • 30 guided DTM lessons across five progressive modules.

  • 2-45 min sessions practiced unmounted - lying, sitting, or standing.

  • Lifetime access on any device.

  • Personalized support for your unique challenges. Dave Thind will personally answer questions!

Look Inside the Five Modules

Illustration accompanying Module 1: Unlock Your Hip Joints & Swing With Your Back

MODULE 01 60-DAY SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Unlock Your Hip Joints & Swing With Your Back

Release chronic tension, restore rhythm, and rediscover natural motion through the pelvis.

THE FEELING TO EXPLORE

A soft, independent seat that remains quietly in control

The complete 14-Day Unlock Your Hips & Swing With Your Back Challenge is included as Module 1.

Illustration accompanying Module 2: Filter & Redirect Your Horse’s Movement

MODULE 02 60-DAY SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Filter & Redirect Your Horse’s Movement

Learn to translate your horse’s motion into your own body with clarity and softness.

THE FEELING TO EXPLORE

Lighter hands, freer hips, and improved balance

Illustration accompanying Module 3: Fine-Tune Turning Aids for Bending Lines & Lateral Work

MODULE 03 60-DAY SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Fine-Tune Turning Aids for Bending Lines & Lateral Work

Develop precise coordination that keeps your aids invisible and your connection steady.

THE FEELING TO EXPLORE

Deeper communication through subtle, coordinated aids

Illustration accompanying Module 4: Achieve a Long, Supple Spine & Relaxed Neck

MODULE 04 60-DAY SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Achieve a Long, Supple Spine & Relaxed Neck

Eliminate bracing and create length, lightness, and true self-carriage.

THE FEELING TO EXPLORE

Improved posture, biomechanics, and overall comfort

Illustration accompanying Module 5: Explore the Link Between Posture, Emotion & Uprightness

MODULE 05 60-DAY SIGNATURE PROGRAM

Explore the Link Between Posture, Emotion & Uprightness

Integrate body and mind to ride with presence, confidence, and elegance.

THE FEELING TO EXPLORE

A calmer nervous system and a more harmonious partnership

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Is the 60-Day DTM Challenge Right for You?

For riders who know that mastery lies not in strength, but in feel.

The ambitious amateur

Seeking greater refinement.

The professional

Chasing precision, softness and feel.

The returning rider

Rediscovering ease and confidence.

Wherever you are in your riding, this program meets you where you are—and invites you to discover new possibilities for ease, balance and harmony in the saddle.

Explore the five modules

Access & Guarantee

You’ll enjoy lifetime access to all five modules through our secure online platform.

Work at your own pace, revisit your favorite lessons anytime, and experience results that stay with you long after the course ends.

If you don’t feel a tangible improvement within ten days, simply email dave@davethindmethod.com for a refund. (3 % transaction fee U.S. / 6 % international.)

Get Lifetime Access and Improve Your Seat for Just $899

A one-time investment in your body’s intelligence, your horse’s comfort, and the longevity of your partnership.

Many graduates choose to deepen their learning with private online or in-person sessions, exploring refined details of balance, posture, and communication.

When you’re ready, Dave will guide your next chapter of discovery.

60-DAYS TO A

Better Dressage Seat

DTM SIGNATURE PROGRAM
Photograph supplied with Kimberly Gothberg's testimonial

ON BODY AWARENESS

“After the 60-day program, which was not physically difficult by the way, I have so much more awareness of where I am in space and what my body parts are doing.”

Kimberly Gothberg

60-Day Program ParticipantOhio, USA

“The most important part of the training of a horse is the training of the rider's position."

Christoph Hess on Horse Welfare Using DTM

German Master Christoph Hess, who is retired from his long-held position as Head of Education and Training at the German Equestrian Federation F.N., says of training horses,

“The most important part of the training of a horse is the training of the rider's position. No rider is able to train a horse properly when they have not trained their seat. The rider has to learn to find the right position in the saddle; balanced and relaxed - and to be honest this is very difficult.”

“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. A smooth sitting rider who is swinging into the horses’ movements is a horseman/horsewoman. This is important for the welfare of the horse. The better the rider’s position the happier the horse - and Dave helps his clients achieve good positions,” continued Hess who is a current F.N. Educational Ambassador.

60-DAYS TO A

Better Dressage Seat

DTM SIGNATURE PROGRAM
Authentic photo of Susan Buchanan smiling beside her dark horse

ON HARMONY WITH YOUR HORSE

“Following this program has relieved my chronic hip and neck pain and improved my alignment and self-awareness. My horse immediately feels the change.”

Susan Buchanan

‘S’ Dressage JudgeMassachusetts, USA

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Some discoveries deserve
a little more space.

These riders share what they noticed, learned and experienced—sometimes in the saddle, sometimes in daily life. Explore their stories at your own pace.

BEYOND DRESSAGE · A JUMPER'S EXPERIENCE

Feel belongs to every discipline.

Amateur jumper Mireille Thériault was initially unsure whether a dressage-seat program could help her. After just four lessons, she described new ways of organizing her body and using less effort, particularly during downward transitions.

“I can't wait to learn more.”

Mireille Thériault · Amateur jumper rider

KELLY’S STORY UNITED KINGDOM

New possibilities.
Beginning with Module 1.

After a serious riding fall, five pelvic fractures and a long recovery, this rider had stepped away from dressage competition because sitting trot had become too painful.

“I can honestly say it’s changed my life! For the first time in 20 years I feel there’s a way I can be pain free!!”

Kelly · United Kingdom
A participant in Unlock Your Hips & Swing With Your Back — the 14-Day Challenge included as Module 1 of the 60-Day Signature Program.

Read the full rider story

“I’ve worked with horses all my professional life. I had my first back injury in 1998 at the age of 17. In 2022 I had a nasty fall off a horse and fractured my pelvis in 5 places. This left me bedridden for 6 weeks, then on a long road to recovery.

I stopped competing in dressage last year as I’d got to Advanced Medium. At this level you have to do sitting trot… sadly my back and pelvic pain just wouldn’t allow me to do it. I was having regular treatment from a range of therapists, as well as doing loads of strength and conditioning exercises to try and improve it.

I heard a podcast with Dave Thind as the guest. He talked about the Feldenkrais Method and how it helped him through injury. He then went on to talk about the method he has developed for riders called DTM to help them reduce pain, and be able to ride in harmony and ease.

I tried a short exercise and was astonished by the difference I felt.

I then decided to do his 14-Day ‘Unlock Your Hips and Pelvis’ online course. I can honestly say it’s changed my life! For the first time in 20 years I feel there’s a way I can be pain free!!

I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I now plan to do more of the DTM courses…

Thank you Dave for helping me! I hope to be back out competing again very soon!”

A RIDER'S EXPERIENCE SWEDEN

“A Christmas present to myself.”

“To do something for myself, and my riding before the new year, I decided to take the Dave Thind Method online course before Christmas—60 Days to a Better Dressage Seat.”

“I immediately noticed great improvement in the pelvis and lower back!”

I do a little bit every day, and I absolutely feel a difference. It can get tense again after long work days, but I can now loosen the lower back/pelvic/sacral area by myself, with these techniques. That's pretty good!

I can clearly feel a positive difference in my horse. He feels easier to balance and lighter in his body as a result of the improved balance!

“Recommended to all riders who want to become more aware of and improve their seat!”

MARI'S UPDATE AFTER MODULE 3

“I had an issue with my sacrum for 7 years, and after doing Spine Like a Chain I'm healed! Really. I've seen many people for this, and this is the only thing that has helped.

In addition, I had not seen my trainer in a while and he immediately noticed the difference. Also due to this course, I've really figured out how to ask for flying changes without my very sensitive horse getting upset. In fact, yesterday was the first time EVER I had such good canter departures and flying changes!”

Mari HafstadEquine Physiotherapist & Trainer · Sweden

The spine An elegant stylized illustration showing the curved human spinal column, with individual cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

MOVEMENT · AWARENESS · POSSIBILITY

RIDER CASE STUDY AFTER THREE MODULES

Rediscovering sensation.
Rediscovering freedom.

After two spinal-fusion surgeries, Washington dressage rider Erin Peterson reported nerve damage affecting the left side of her torso. After working through the first three modules of 60 Days to a Better Dressage Seat, she described feeling sensation again and greater ease in her riding.

“This has opened a tremendous opportunity to ride again and be pain-free. After working through the first three modules, I’m feeling again and have the ability to let go while riding!”
2Spinal-fusion surgeries
3Program modules completed
Fourth LevelDressage riding

Erin PetersonDressage rider · Washington, USA

Erin's personal account reflects her experience; it is not a medical outcome promised by this program.

A RIDER'S SUCCESS STORY OREGON, USA

A more balanced seat.
A remarkable show weekend.

Susan had been riding for more than 40 years. She was working toward her USDF Bronze Medal with Distinction and struggling with one-sided flying changes and lateral work.

5%Improvement in her highest scores, four weeks apart, with the same judge
Bronze with DistinctionEarned her USDF medal
Reserve ChampionThird Level at the championships
“It isn't about doing more… learning how to soften and feel into your body so that you can DO less but get better results.”

“I am now starting the course all over again and will continue to repeat it.”

Susan AltmanOregon, USA

Read Susan's full story

Where I began

Hello, Dave.
I have a success story! I began your 60-Days to a Better Dressage Seat this summer (2024) because I obviously want a better dressage seat! I've been riding over 40 years and just in the past couple years dedicated myself to dressage.
In 2022 and 2023 I earned my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals on my schoolmaster. I also have a younger horse who had a great start and knows changes, but I was struggling to master them on this horse. I also have a pony who I started myself and am trying to teach her changes. On all of my horses, my changes are easier one way (right-to-left) than the other way (left-to-right), so clearly the problem is me! I find my lateral work is also better in one direction than the other. I have struggled with hip issues in the past and also had surgery on my left leg back in 2021.

My goal for the 2024 show season was to earn my USDF Bronze Medal with Distinction on my younger horse. I had earned two scores already (one at First and one at Third) and so needed to earn four additional scores this year.

I was able to earn three of the four needed scores early in the season and the final score I needed was at Third Level. Due to timing of shows and issues with smoke (we are in the PNW), I didn't have much practice time before my debut at Third with my younger horse. I hadn't been practicing flying changes with him until I finished Second Level because I wanted to focus on simple changes and really get those down. When we had our Third Level debut, I was mostly winging it, with a high success rate on the easy lead-change side (scoring an 8) and a low success rate on the hard side (scoring a 3). The lateral work also reflected the same one-sidedness.

Learning to do less

I started your program right after that show and between that show and the next, which was our state championships and open show, I diligently worked through the program, letting the lessons work for me and trying to not push so hard. More is not better!

Feeling the difference

I noticed a difference in how I felt in the saddle right away. I was able to feel when I was tense in the hips and pelvis. I learned how to soften. My legs felt more even (I've struggled with that my whole riding career). I could move with my horse better. And though the lead changes were still not even, the difficult side did improve.

The competition weekend

In order to try to earn my medal before the end of the show season (I did not earn it at our first outing at Third Level), I had to cram my attempts into four classes at our second (and last) outing, which had both an open show and our state championships in the same long weekend.

Between my first outing at Third Level this season, and the next outing four weeks later, my highest scores improved 5% (coincidentally with the same judge), I earned my personal best score on this horse, and I earned my Bronze Medal with Distinction!

Not only that, but the same weekend at Championships we also earned Reserve Champion at Third Level!

Susan Altman, Oregon, USA


Why I recommend repeating the program

"I am now starting the course all over again and will continue to repeat it, as it was so helpful to me in such a short period of time. It is a great winter project for anyone who wants to improve their seat! What I love about it is that it isn't about doing more, it isn't about getting stronger so that you can muscle your way through your ride. It is actually quite the opposite - learning how to soften and feel into your body so that you can DO less but get better results. I highly recommend this, it is worth the investment! "

Step Into Effortless Harmony

For sixty days, commit to awareness instead of effort and experience what true connection feels like.

Your body will learn. Your horse will respond. Harmony will become second nature.