About Dave
and body awareness. Of further benefit, Dave’s methods provide the tools for horse and rider to have long
and pain-free careers, avoiding tension, inappropriate muscle memory or even physical damage. Happy,
sound and competitive partnerships is his goal.
He is a fully certified German 'Trainer A' (one level higher than Bereiter, third of three levels and
recognized across the world as International Level III - highest international level, 'Master Instructor' click
here for additional countries.). Once already at a certain level, the process to complete Trainer levels C then
B and finally become a ‘Trainer A’ normally takes approximately 5-6 years to complete. Requirements are high
standards of riding and training in Dressage, Show-Jumping and Eventing. Different from the Bereiter
program where candidates complete an apprenticeship based 3-yr program and finish with the ability to train
horses very well and do some teaching, great emphasis is placed on one’s theoretical knowledge and ability
to teach in a correct and pedagogical manner, according to the German System.
Further testing of one’s abilities to work in hand, manage a large equestrian center (including feeding,
veterinary care, assessing farrier work, correct footing, correctly fitting saddles etc.) as well as many more
subjects that a ‘Trainer A’ is required to have a mastery of.
Through rigorous testing, the German Equestrian Federation’s (F.N) judging panel awarded Dave's
teaching (dressage and jumping) the distinction of "Sehr gut" (very good) - equivalent to the letter grade of
A. Dave’s gift to easily convey complex theoretical concepts as well as to help riders not only feel, but
reproduce improvement, sets this clinician apart.
After thoroughly learning the German training system, Dave worked as a Bereiter (Trainer) and Reitlehrer
(Instructor) in Germany. Dave has been lucky enough to receive some of the best training around. Dave
completed his Trainer training under Meister Martin Plewa (Former coach of German National Eventing Team,
Co-author of Dressage Tips and Training Solutions), Reiner Jäckel and Line Beutin. Dave has also trained
with Johan Zagers, Bernd Shulz-Tophoff, Margaret Dickmann-Grosshunders and several other German
Masters who Dave is thankful to for having shared their knowledge.
Now comfortably back in the saddle, a back injury and the possibility of never riding again led to Dave’s deep
interest in human and equine biomechanics. This also led to his close study of various body awareness
techniques including Feldenkrais® . These techniques, combined with a solid foundation in classical
dressage, have allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel from basic to international levels.
True to the German system which includes a multi disciplinary approach to horse and rider training (especially
trainers), Dave holds an impressive and diverse competition background, as do many of his students. Dave
himself has shown and won up to the Prix St Georges level and has successfully trained horses and riders
to compete and win all the way up to the Grand Prix level. Although a dressage specialist, Dave has also
achieved high levels of success jumping and several of his students actively compete at the Grand Prix level.
His students have received many accolades, including national awards such as Equine Canada's Gillian
Wilson Award for Junior Equestrian of the Year. In addition, a number of his students are successful
trainers in their own right in Canada, Germany, Norway and the U.S.
Most recently, Thind helped prepare the first-ever English language German Trainer candidates at the
prestigious Westphalishe Reit und Fahr Schule in Munster, GER. He has also given lectures about equine
biomechanics at the Norwegian Agricultural University (UMB) and, has been invited to teach a symposium on
the biomechanics of dressage at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science in Oslo, NOR.
Fresh out of high school, Dave took a student business loan and launched Cavalier Magazine, a bilingual
equestrian magazine and ran the publication for 5-years while studying at Champlain College and Concordia
University. With the revenue amassed from his business and with the help of another loan, he and his sister
purchased two more horses. One of these was the then yearling stud-colt who would become their licensed
stallion Rajah (Rabino/Calypso II/Ladykiller).
In 1998, Dave's dream to train in Europe became a reality when he traveled to The Netherlands to train and
compete in a University level Nations' Cup to represent Canada in Jumping and Dressage. On that first trip to
Holland, Dave had the opportunity to receive dressage training from Henk Van den Berg and developed an
appreciation of Baroque horses, training on very well bred Gelder horses as well as competing on Fresian
stallions owned by the Fresian National Stud Farm. Prior to going to Holland, Dave considered himself to be a
very good rider due to his success at competition and experimentation with the German training system. It
was then that Dave realized that Dressage would be a life-long learning process and that he had much too
learn. Over the next four-years, Dave returned to train in Holland while he continued his University and
equine studies as well as his business ventures.
In 1999, Dave went into business for himself once more, this time as a trainer of horses and riders as well as
breeding warmblood horses. Dave quickly developed a reputation for having the ability to work with young
stallions as well and problem horses and became a sought after trainer. He and his students continued to
have success in jumping competitions but with the majority of their work was of course dressage. Also in
2000, Dave obtained a Hanoverian broodmare / Prix St. Georges competitor, San System (Sultana). Thanks
to Sultana and her owner as well as Dressage World Championship competitor and FEI Judge Lise Martin,
Dave was able to continue his learning.
By 2002 World Class Warmbloods was flourishing and Dave could be seen showing a variety of training
horses at various levels of dressage. His stallion Rajah continued to be successful in the jumpers and many
satisfied clients had purchased horses from Dave. Also in 2002, he met Japanese National dressage
Coach, Margaret Dickmann of Germany. Dickmann quickly recognized Dave's talent and arranged for him to
train in Germany with Johan Zagers. Dave of course was very excited about this and an unfortunate
accident almost stopped him in his tracks. However, Dave insisted - In addition to being an extremely
accomplished competitor himself, Mr. Zagers has trained horses and riders to the highest levels, including
Renoir Unicef/A.K. Lisenhoff - Team Gold, Jerez 2002. Armed with prescription pain-killers, anti-inflammatory
pills and muscle relaxants, Dave set off for Germany. Finally Dave decided that he did not want to continue
with the toxic medications and Johan, who at one point had been bed ridden for over a year, encouraged
Dave to take the time off in order to heal. A wise decision, but a tough one at that.
The injury resulted in chronic-pain due to a pelvic-upslip, a false short-leg and sacro-iliac dysfunction. Many
health care professionals, family members and colleagues advised Dave to find a new career. At times he
considered it, but knew that somehow he was going to fully heal and follow his true calling in life. The next
three years were difficult, requiring several breaks from training while Dave still managed to obtain success
at the FEI levels of dressage. In order to recover, Dave sought help in 5 different countries, trying everything
he could: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Standard Physical therapy, Tai Chi, Meditation, Osteopathy, Q'Gong,
Massage, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Rolfing, Yoga, Pilates, and Alexander Technique. All of those modalities
contributed to his comfort levels and body awareness, but it was Feldenkrais and Reiki ( Dave is a Reiki
Master) that made all the difference. During any required lay-up, Dave immersed himself in the study of both
human and equine movement and biomechanics.
"I don't regret being injured. The pain and the idea of giving up riding was very difficult at times but it drove
me to educate myself. I am a better rider and trainer because of the pain I went through. What makes it all
worth while is that I can help other riders to learn how to avoid pain provoked by riding as well as to reduce
or eliminate pre-exisiting conditions", reflects Dave, who moved to Germany five years after his injury and
completed his Trainer certification, finishing best in class. He continues to move full speed ahead towards his
goals, all while sharing his knowledge with riders and trainers across North America and Europe.
and body awareness. Of further benefit, Dave’s methods provide the tools for horse and rider to have long
and pain-free careers, avoiding tension, inappropriate muscle memory or even physical damage. Happy,
sound and competitive partnerships is his goal.
He is a fully certified German 'Trainer A' (one level higher than Bereiter, third of three levels and
recognized across the world as International Level III - highest international level, 'Master Instructor' click
here for additional countries.). Once already at a certain level, the process to complete Trainer levels C then
B and finally become a ‘Trainer A’ normally takes approximately 5-6 years to complete. Requirements are high
standards of riding and training in Dressage, Show-Jumping and Eventing. Different from the Bereiter
program where candidates complete an apprenticeship based 3-yr program and finish with the ability to train
horses very well and do some teaching, great emphasis is placed on one’s theoretical knowledge and ability
to teach in a correct and pedagogical manner, according to the German System.
Further testing of one’s abilities to work in hand, manage a large equestrian center (including feeding,
veterinary care, assessing farrier work, correct footing, correctly fitting saddles etc.) as well as many more
subjects that a ‘Trainer A’ is required to have a mastery of.
Through rigorous testing, the German Equestrian Federation’s (F.N) judging panel awarded Dave's
teaching (dressage and jumping) the distinction of "Sehr gut" (very good) - equivalent to the letter grade of
A. Dave’s gift to easily convey complex theoretical concepts as well as to help riders not only feel, but
reproduce improvement, sets this clinician apart.
After thoroughly learning the German training system, Dave worked as a Bereiter (Trainer) and Reitlehrer
(Instructor) in Germany. Dave has been lucky enough to receive some of the best training around. Dave
completed his Trainer training under Meister Martin Plewa (Former coach of German National Eventing Team,
Co-author of Dressage Tips and Training Solutions), Reiner Jäckel and Line Beutin. Dave has also trained
with Johan Zagers, Bernd Shulz-Tophoff, Margaret Dickmann-Grosshunders and several other German
Masters who Dave is thankful to for having shared their knowledge.
Now comfortably back in the saddle, a back injury and the possibility of never riding again led to Dave’s deep
interest in human and equine biomechanics. This also led to his close study of various body awareness
techniques including Feldenkrais® . These techniques, combined with a solid foundation in classical
dressage, have allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel from basic to international levels.
True to the German system which includes a multi disciplinary approach to horse and rider training (especially
trainers), Dave holds an impressive and diverse competition background, as do many of his students. Dave
himself has shown and won up to the Prix St Georges level and has successfully trained horses and riders
to compete and win all the way up to the Grand Prix level. Although a dressage specialist, Dave has also
achieved high levels of success jumping and several of his students actively compete at the Grand Prix level.
His students have received many accolades, including national awards such as Equine Canada's Gillian
Wilson Award for Junior Equestrian of the Year. In addition, a number of his students are successful
trainers in their own right in Canada, Germany, Norway and the U.S.
Most recently, Thind helped prepare the first-ever English language German Trainer candidates at the
prestigious Westphalishe Reit und Fahr Schule in Munster, GER. He has also given lectures about equine
biomechanics at the Norwegian Agricultural University (UMB) and, has been invited to teach a symposium on
the biomechanics of dressage at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science in Oslo, NOR.
Fresh out of high school, Dave took a student business loan and launched Cavalier Magazine, a bilingual
equestrian magazine and ran the publication for 5-years while studying at Champlain College and Concordia
University. With the revenue amassed from his business and with the help of another loan, he and his sister
purchased two more horses. One of these was the then yearling stud-colt who would become their licensed
stallion Rajah (Rabino/Calypso II/Ladykiller).
In 1998, Dave's dream to train in Europe became a reality when he traveled to The Netherlands to train and
compete in a University level Nations' Cup to represent Canada in Jumping and Dressage. On that first trip to
Holland, Dave had the opportunity to receive dressage training from Henk Van den Berg and developed an
appreciation of Baroque horses, training on very well bred Gelder horses as well as competing on Fresian
stallions owned by the Fresian National Stud Farm. Prior to going to Holland, Dave considered himself to be a
very good rider due to his success at competition and experimentation with the German training system. It
was then that Dave realized that Dressage would be a life-long learning process and that he had much too
learn. Over the next four-years, Dave returned to train in Holland while he continued his University and
equine studies as well as his business ventures.
In 1999, Dave went into business for himself once more, this time as a trainer of horses and riders as well as
breeding warmblood horses. Dave quickly developed a reputation for having the ability to work with young
stallions as well and problem horses and became a sought after trainer. He and his students continued to
have success in jumping competitions but with the majority of their work was of course dressage. Also in
2000, Dave obtained a Hanoverian broodmare / Prix St. Georges competitor, San System (Sultana). Thanks
to Sultana and her owner as well as Dressage World Championship competitor and FEI Judge Lise Martin,
Dave was able to continue his learning.
By 2002 World Class Warmbloods was flourishing and Dave could be seen showing a variety of training
horses at various levels of dressage. His stallion Rajah continued to be successful in the jumpers and many
satisfied clients had purchased horses from Dave. Also in 2002, he met Japanese National dressage
Coach, Margaret Dickmann of Germany. Dickmann quickly recognized Dave's talent and arranged for him to
train in Germany with Johan Zagers. Dave of course was very excited about this and an unfortunate
accident almost stopped him in his tracks. However, Dave insisted - In addition to being an extremely
accomplished competitor himself, Mr. Zagers has trained horses and riders to the highest levels, including
Renoir Unicef/A.K. Lisenhoff - Team Gold, Jerez 2002. Armed with prescription pain-killers, anti-inflammatory
pills and muscle relaxants, Dave set off for Germany. Finally Dave decided that he did not want to continue
with the toxic medications and Johan, who at one point had been bed ridden for over a year, encouraged
Dave to take the time off in order to heal. A wise decision, but a tough one at that.
The injury resulted in chronic-pain due to a pelvic-upslip, a false short-leg and sacro-iliac dysfunction. Many
health care professionals, family members and colleagues advised Dave to find a new career. At times he
considered it, but knew that somehow he was going to fully heal and follow his true calling in life. The next
three years were difficult, requiring several breaks from training while Dave still managed to obtain success
at the FEI levels of dressage. In order to recover, Dave sought help in 5 different countries, trying everything
he could: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Standard Physical therapy, Tai Chi, Meditation, Osteopathy, Q'Gong,
Massage, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Rolfing, Yoga, Pilates, and Alexander Technique. All of those modalities
contributed to his comfort levels and body awareness, but it was Feldenkrais and Reiki ( Dave is a Reiki
Master) that made all the difference. During any required lay-up, Dave immersed himself in the study of both
human and equine movement and biomechanics.
"I don't regret being injured. The pain and the idea of giving up riding was very difficult at times but it drove
me to educate myself. I am a better rider and trainer because of the pain I went through. What makes it all
worth while is that I can help other riders to learn how to avoid pain provoked by riding as well as to reduce
or eliminate pre-exisiting conditions", reflects Dave, who moved to Germany five years after his injury and
completed his Trainer certification, finishing best in class. He continues to move full speed ahead towards his
goals, all while sharing his knowledge with riders and trainers across North America and Europe.
BIOGRAPHY
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
How it all began
Dave Thind's unique skill set is a result of the
unique combination of his experiences and
circumstances. Although his grandfather was
an instructor in the Indian Cavalry, Dave never
had the chance to meet him. Dave was born
and raised outside of Montreal, Canada and
because of the generosity of his older sister
Sanjeev, began showing hunter / equitation and
jumper on their Thoroughbred gelding, Kismet.
From reading and studying videos, Dave noticed
that horses and riders from Germany and other
European nations simply performed better,
even to the uneducated eyes of a 15-year-old.
Although Dave had already attained success at
competition, he dreamt of traveling to train in
Europe and one day having the means to own
and breed warmbloods. Dave took it upon
himself to study European bloodlines and horse
breeding (conformation, gaits, breeding
indexes, etc.) So began his personal quest for
a systematic approach to better riding which
ultimately led him to dressage and the classical
training system.
Dave Thind's unique skill set is a result of the
unique combination of his experiences and
circumstances. Although his grandfather was
an instructor in the Indian Cavalry, Dave never
had the chance to meet him. Dave was born
and raised outside of Montreal, Canada and
because of the generosity of his older sister
Sanjeev, began showing hunter / equitation and
jumper on their Thoroughbred gelding, Kismet.
From reading and studying videos, Dave noticed
that horses and riders from Germany and other
European nations simply performed better,
even to the uneducated eyes of a 15-year-old.
Although Dave had already attained success at
competition, he dreamt of traveling to train in
Europe and one day having the means to own
and breed warmbloods. Dave took it upon
himself to study European bloodlines and horse
breeding (conformation, gaits, breeding
indexes, etc.) So began his personal quest for
a systematic approach to better riding which
ultimately led him to dressage and the classical
training system.
A young Dave and the first
horse that he bought with his
own money, at 17-years old.
Photo appeared with article in
Brossard Eclair.
horse that he bought with his
own money, at 17-years old.
Photo appeared with article in
Brossard Eclair.
Dave Thind is a certified German Trainer (Dressage and Jumping). Born in
Canada, trained in Germany, he now makes his home in the U.S.. As a
popular clinician, he travels the world educating riders of various disciplines
who seek improved communication and performance, based on the German
training system. Dave believes that combining classical training principals
and an advanced knowledge of biomechanics produces heightened
harmony and communication between horse and rider. As such, he provides
opportunities fo rguided exploration into the elusive concepts of “feel” and
Canada, trained in Germany, he now makes his home in the U.S.. As a
popular clinician, he travels the world educating riders of various disciplines
who seek improved communication and performance, based on the German
training system. Dave believes that combining classical training principals
and an advanced knowledge of biomechanics produces heightened
harmony and communication between horse and rider. As such, he provides
opportunities fo rguided exploration into the elusive concepts of “feel” and