Elizabeth Hollenberg, Ruston, LA - FEI Competitor
I'm so happy about what you have taught me I can hardly stand it! I have never been able to influence a
horses movement so easily. "Putting myself on the bit" before attempting to ask the horse to be on the bit
is such a great plan. The deal about turning my hips out while turning my shoulders in (torso twisting) is
just so unbelievable. And...turning my feet in the direction that I want the horse to turn is magic! I really am
so excited and energized by these techniques. Hal responds so well. He seems to understand what is
being asked of him. He isn't doing all the head throwing business. Today, I got the BEST right lead canter
ever. I could make my half halts go through to even collect the right lead canter a bit. I'm really sorry I didn't
have this information 6 years ago...there is no way I would have stopped riding.
I'm so happy about what you have taught me I can hardly stand it! I have never been able to influence a
horses movement so easily. "Putting myself on the bit" before attempting to ask the horse to be on the bit
is such a great plan. The deal about turning my hips out while turning my shoulders in (torso twisting) is
just so unbelievable. And...turning my feet in the direction that I want the horse to turn is magic! I really am
so excited and energized by these techniques. Hal responds so well. He seems to understand what is
being asked of him. He isn't doing all the head throwing business. Today, I got the BEST right lead canter
ever. I could make my half halts go through to even collect the right lead canter a bit. I'm really sorry I didn't
have this information 6 years ago...there is no way I would have stopped riding.
TESTIMONIALS
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Dinah Guarino, President, Cayuga Dressage and Combined Training Association
In our clinics Dave improved my seat position to give me a more secure rideable seat. This has been
especially helpful with the canter (not my mare's best gait). In addition Dave coached us at our recent
recognized show, helping me to relax and supple my mare resulting in very rewarding performances. Upon
listening to Dave coach me and my other co-riders and observing the results, several other riders
expressed interest in having a clinic.
In our clinics Dave improved my seat position to give me a more secure rideable seat. This has been
especially helpful with the canter (not my mare's best gait). In addition Dave coached us at our recent
recognized show, helping me to relax and supple my mare resulting in very rewarding performances. Upon
listening to Dave coach me and my other co-riders and observing the results, several other riders
expressed interest in having a clinic.
Debbie Williams, Farmerville, LA
Please express a huge “Thank you” to David Thind for the truly helpful instructions/lessons received
weekend of March 9-11. I have taken many lessons from instructors but, by far, Mr. Thind has helped me
with my riding more than any lessons I can recall. Before the clinic I was struggling very hard with the
canter transition. I have been able to ride two sessions with my horse at home since the clinic and I can
honestly say I am finding my seat! And I am gaining much needed confidence. I look forward to when David
Thind is in our area again. I will definitely sign up.
Please express a huge “Thank you” to David Thind for the truly helpful instructions/lessons received
weekend of March 9-11. I have taken many lessons from instructors but, by far, Mr. Thind has helped me
with my riding more than any lessons I can recall. Before the clinic I was struggling very hard with the
canter transition. I have been able to ride two sessions with my horse at home since the clinic and I can
honestly say I am finding my seat! And I am gaining much needed confidence. I look forward to when David
Thind is in our area again. I will definitely sign up.
Mary-Beth McGee, Quincy, MA
One of the kids at the barn said to me today, "hey, when's that awesome Canadian guy coming back?" You
have a rep at my barn now! Meaghan still talks about her lesson with you.
One of the kids at the barn said to me today, "hey, when's that awesome Canadian guy coming back?" You
have a rep at my barn now! Meaghan still talks about her lesson with you.
Lotta Bramfelt, Vaudreuil, QC
When I met Dave I had started to ride again after 25 years out of the saddle. In just a few lessons Dave
showed me the keys to a balanced and effective seat. To have a lesson with Dave is something magical.
He has the ability to show you how to use your seat and body in a correct way, and how to get the right
feeling for yourself and the horse. When he guides you to tune in to the horse with your body and seat
something fantastic happens. A lesson with Dave is a breakthrough experience. Dave is a true horseman,
a wonderful rider and teacher. He loves horses, people and to teach. He teaches you the classical
principles, how to ride your horse in a relaxed and natural way. I am truly grateful for what Dave has given
me as a rider. I recommend him as a teacher and coach with all of my heart. Thank you Dave!
When I met Dave I had started to ride again after 25 years out of the saddle. In just a few lessons Dave
showed me the keys to a balanced and effective seat. To have a lesson with Dave is something magical.
He has the ability to show you how to use your seat and body in a correct way, and how to get the right
feeling for yourself and the horse. When he guides you to tune in to the horse with your body and seat
something fantastic happens. A lesson with Dave is a breakthrough experience. Dave is a true horseman,
a wonderful rider and teacher. He loves horses, people and to teach. He teaches you the classical
principles, how to ride your horse in a relaxed and natural way. I am truly grateful for what Dave has given
me as a rider. I recommend him as a teacher and coach with all of my heart. Thank you Dave!
Julie Gagné, Montreal, QC
Formerly an incorruptible hunter/jumper with a vague, unwarranted bitterness towards dressage, I had my
unfounded prejudices towards the art shattered when I discovered Dave. Through his lessons, I have come
to perceive dressage as both an art and a language, a mounted dance based on a complex and subtle
conversation between horse and rider. Dave has since generously and very effectively conveyed his
astounding mastery and understanding of dressage, with every lesson bringing forth a deeper seat and,
more and more often, the exhilaration of that blissful resonance between horse and rider when harmony is
achieved, when you find a balance - the perfect give and take, the ideal rhythm - and you feel unity with your
mount, a conversation so clear that it could hardly be discerned as coming from two separate minds. Well,
I’ve gotten a pre-emptive taste of that, and Dave’s devotion to both his riders and horses is what I have to
thank for it. Thanks Dave.
Formerly an incorruptible hunter/jumper with a vague, unwarranted bitterness towards dressage, I had my
unfounded prejudices towards the art shattered when I discovered Dave. Through his lessons, I have come
to perceive dressage as both an art and a language, a mounted dance based on a complex and subtle
conversation between horse and rider. Dave has since generously and very effectively conveyed his
astounding mastery and understanding of dressage, with every lesson bringing forth a deeper seat and,
more and more often, the exhilaration of that blissful resonance between horse and rider when harmony is
achieved, when you find a balance - the perfect give and take, the ideal rhythm - and you feel unity with your
mount, a conversation so clear that it could hardly be discerned as coming from two separate minds. Well,
I’ve gotten a pre-emptive taste of that, and Dave’s devotion to both his riders and horses is what I have to
thank for it. Thanks Dave.
Lyne Ouellete, St-Julie, Qc
I have been a dressage rider for 17 years. One day, I saw Dave warming up his horses at a show and I
noticed that he rode very well and with lots of class. I decided to ask him to get on my mare for a quick
schooling and I quickly realized the extent of his skills. The mare displayed a lightness and obedience that
was in perfect harmony with the rider. He showed me how to be « with » the horse and how to get her
responsive and light to the aids. The next day, I was second in a class of 20+ riders with a score of 62%,
an improvement of 9%. It was from that moment on that I asked Dave to train me and my mare.
In my first lesson, we worked mostly on my position and getting my horse forward off the aids – that wasn’t
easy! I learned to trust my mare and to work with her, allowing her to step up into the bridle. My mare’s true
colors are now showing with dramatic improvements in elasticity, rhythm and suppleness. Dave’s
knowledge and drive for perfection have allowed me to continually surpass my expectations, and myself.
I now have the feeling that my mare is doing all the work – at least most of it. I simply get on my horse and
enjoy.
I have been a dressage rider for 17 years. One day, I saw Dave warming up his horses at a show and I
noticed that he rode very well and with lots of class. I decided to ask him to get on my mare for a quick
schooling and I quickly realized the extent of his skills. The mare displayed a lightness and obedience that
was in perfect harmony with the rider. He showed me how to be « with » the horse and how to get her
responsive and light to the aids. The next day, I was second in a class of 20+ riders with a score of 62%,
an improvement of 9%. It was from that moment on that I asked Dave to train me and my mare.
In my first lesson, we worked mostly on my position and getting my horse forward off the aids – that wasn’t
easy! I learned to trust my mare and to work with her, allowing her to step up into the bridle. My mare’s true
colors are now showing with dramatic improvements in elasticity, rhythm and suppleness. Dave’s
knowledge and drive for perfection have allowed me to continually surpass my expectations, and myself.
I now have the feeling that my mare is doing all the work – at least most of it. I simply get on my horse and
enjoy.
Daniela Moretti, Pilates Instructor, Montreal, QC
I always dreamed of taking dressage lessons, but due to a bad back I was never able to continue with my
lessons. My back is better now, and I began riding with Dave just last summer. At 42, I am living a dream I
thought I would have to give up. I always read about dressage being a harmonious and effortless dance
between horse and rider, and as early as my first lesson with Dave, I began feeling the pleasure of what
Dave refers to as a "psychic ride". I owe a lot to Dave, his persistence, patience and great teaching skills
make my riding lessons fun, informative and painless. I can't tell you enough how much this all means to
me.
I always dreamed of taking dressage lessons, but due to a bad back I was never able to continue with my
lessons. My back is better now, and I began riding with Dave just last summer. At 42, I am living a dream I
thought I would have to give up. I always read about dressage being a harmonious and effortless dance
between horse and rider, and as early as my first lesson with Dave, I began feeling the pleasure of what
Dave refers to as a "psychic ride". I owe a lot to Dave, his persistence, patience and great teaching skills
make my riding lessons fun, informative and painless. I can't tell you enough how much this all means to
me.
Jennifer Peters, BC
I met Dave for the first time in Spain at a catch riding Nations’ Cup and I had the pleasure of being on the
Canadian team with him. From watching Dave ride over three days, I saw right away that his style is very
correct and he can make a difficult ride look easy. It was very exciting for me to watch Dave ride and I was
pleased to get a lot of advice before I rode. Dave’s positive way of speaking was a delight; I really enjoyed
critiquing my rides with him because he told me what I did well and what he thought I could improve on in a
very positive and motivating manor.
From our conversations, it is very evident that Dave is extremely knowledgeable. He is talented and kind
to horses. His approach is to work with the horse, rather than force the horse to do what you want it to do. I
would absolutely love to have lessons with Dave on my own horse because he is an awesome trainer,
coach, and one of the nicest people in this competitive sport. In the future I plan to organize a clinic with
Dave in BC so that I can train with him.
I met Dave for the first time in Spain at a catch riding Nations’ Cup and I had the pleasure of being on the
Canadian team with him. From watching Dave ride over three days, I saw right away that his style is very
correct and he can make a difficult ride look easy. It was very exciting for me to watch Dave ride and I was
pleased to get a lot of advice before I rode. Dave’s positive way of speaking was a delight; I really enjoyed
critiquing my rides with him because he told me what I did well and what he thought I could improve on in a
very positive and motivating manor.
From our conversations, it is very evident that Dave is extremely knowledgeable. He is talented and kind
to horses. His approach is to work with the horse, rather than force the horse to do what you want it to do. I
would absolutely love to have lessons with Dave on my own horse because he is an awesome trainer,
coach, and one of the nicest people in this competitive sport. In the future I plan to organize a clinic with
Dave in BC so that I can train with him.
Carole Legace, LL.L, Alymer, QC
I discovered Dave while surfing the net well over a year ago, and since then, we have been communicating
about horses on a regular basis. It so happens that I had some serious problems with my Selle Français
mare (rushing fences and general nervousness), and the advice Dave gave me after viewing a video of my
mare was life altering. Today, thanks to following Dave's advice, my mare has a wonderful temperament
and has improved tremendously.
After reading about Dave's recent success in a Nation's Cup in Italy, I contacted him to congratulate him
and ask for his advice on another problem horse.
I asked him if it was possible to take some lessons with him and to my surprise and delight, he came all
the way to Aylmer (Ottawa/Hull) to give me my first lesson, which was simply a marvelous experience. I
have been taking lessons for over twenty years, and that was truly the best lesson of my life. His approach
with horses is a calm and relaxed one without any aggressive techniques. Therefore, the horse learned
new things in a very short time. In this case, less than half an hour of Dave riding him was all he needed to
gain his confidence. As for me, this first lesson with Dave gave me back my self esteem. I rode my horse
without any fright and without being apprehensive, because I learnt to better communicate and to "feel" my
horse. I am pleased to say that we quickly mastered the new techniques taught by Dave. My nervous
gelding has since stopped rearing and has learned to work through his back and remain balanced - he is
truly a changed horse. I don't know what it is, but there is some kind of chemistry that develops almost
immediately with him and horses and students alike.
A couple of weeks later, he came back to the region to give a clinic to me and a few of my teenage
students. For the young girls, the experience was an incredible dream. Since then, their techniques have
changed and their riding has greatly improved. Dave is very pleasant person, all you have to do is express
your feelings about your sport to him and he will definitely help you improve your skills and set you in a
direction that he feels works for you/your horse. As well, he is fairly frank, so if you ask him what are your
strong/weak points are and what you have to work on, he will be more than pleased to sincerely let you
know.
I would encourage all you riders to at least to try a lesson with Dave and I can assure you that you will not
regret it, and that you will come out completely satisfied. Dave clearly has a lot of experience as a horse
trainer and is attentive to the horse's psychology making him the ideal choice to train your horse. And if you
don't have a horse, the fact that he is a warmblood breeder combined with his various equestrian skills,
makes him an excellent contact for either buying or selling horses.
I am in the process of to starting my own riding and breeding centre called "Paradise Equestrian Farm."
Needless to say, I have already scheduled some clinics with Dave which I will also offer to the surrounding
stables so that everybody can profit from his great experience and come out with unforgettable and
profitable moments and knowledge.
It is without any hesitation that I would recommend Dave as a trainer, instructor or clinician. It isn’t the
quantity that counts but the quality.
I discovered Dave while surfing the net well over a year ago, and since then, we have been communicating
about horses on a regular basis. It so happens that I had some serious problems with my Selle Français
mare (rushing fences and general nervousness), and the advice Dave gave me after viewing a video of my
mare was life altering. Today, thanks to following Dave's advice, my mare has a wonderful temperament
and has improved tremendously.
After reading about Dave's recent success in a Nation's Cup in Italy, I contacted him to congratulate him
and ask for his advice on another problem horse.
I asked him if it was possible to take some lessons with him and to my surprise and delight, he came all
the way to Aylmer (Ottawa/Hull) to give me my first lesson, which was simply a marvelous experience. I
have been taking lessons for over twenty years, and that was truly the best lesson of my life. His approach
with horses is a calm and relaxed one without any aggressive techniques. Therefore, the horse learned
new things in a very short time. In this case, less than half an hour of Dave riding him was all he needed to
gain his confidence. As for me, this first lesson with Dave gave me back my self esteem. I rode my horse
without any fright and without being apprehensive, because I learnt to better communicate and to "feel" my
horse. I am pleased to say that we quickly mastered the new techniques taught by Dave. My nervous
gelding has since stopped rearing and has learned to work through his back and remain balanced - he is
truly a changed horse. I don't know what it is, but there is some kind of chemistry that develops almost
immediately with him and horses and students alike.
A couple of weeks later, he came back to the region to give a clinic to me and a few of my teenage
students. For the young girls, the experience was an incredible dream. Since then, their techniques have
changed and their riding has greatly improved. Dave is very pleasant person, all you have to do is express
your feelings about your sport to him and he will definitely help you improve your skills and set you in a
direction that he feels works for you/your horse. As well, he is fairly frank, so if you ask him what are your
strong/weak points are and what you have to work on, he will be more than pleased to sincerely let you
know.
I would encourage all you riders to at least to try a lesson with Dave and I can assure you that you will not
regret it, and that you will come out completely satisfied. Dave clearly has a lot of experience as a horse
trainer and is attentive to the horse's psychology making him the ideal choice to train your horse. And if you
don't have a horse, the fact that he is a warmblood breeder combined with his various equestrian skills,
makes him an excellent contact for either buying or selling horses.
I am in the process of to starting my own riding and breeding centre called "Paradise Equestrian Farm."
Needless to say, I have already scheduled some clinics with Dave which I will also offer to the surrounding
stables so that everybody can profit from his great experience and come out with unforgettable and
profitable moments and knowledge.
It is without any hesitation that I would recommend Dave as a trainer, instructor or clinician. It isn’t the
quantity that counts but the quality.
Silje Solberg, Norway
This was the first time I felt a horse’s movement flow in a soft and rhythmical way through my ankles,
knees and hips, all the way up my spine, and then finally back like a wave – this without hardly moving.
This was the first time I felt a horse’s movement flow in a soft and rhythmical way through my ankles,
knees and hips, all the way up my spine, and then finally back like a wave – this without hardly moving.
Alexandra Myhren Trainer and Clinician, Norway - www.ridekunst.no
In January 2008 I attended the first weekend clinic with Mr. Dave Thind at the Norwegian Agricultural
University and myself have arranged two full weekend long clinics with him. I am impressed by Mr. Thind`s
pedagogic approach towards both horse and rider. He is just as engaged towards the novice rider as
towards the high level competition rider, and that has been a part of his fast growing reputation in Norway.
His indepth study of the biomechanics of the rider gives him knowledge to help the rider to solve problems
regarding their seat and influence of their aids. I have myself gained much help by his expert body
awareness exercises and seat focused lessons, and I use many of the same tools with my own students
with great success. Mr. Dave Thind has a unique skill to see exactly what the individual horse and rider
needs to work on to get to the next level, and in what way to explain it. It seems like he has tools for every
individual problem and situation. There is always a great development, smiling riders and satisfied horses
after each lesson.
On behalf of me and the other clinic participants we deeply recommend Mr. Dave Thind. We are grateful
and honored to get a trainer of his caliber to Norway.
In January 2008 I attended the first weekend clinic with Mr. Dave Thind at the Norwegian Agricultural
University and myself have arranged two full weekend long clinics with him. I am impressed by Mr. Thind`s
pedagogic approach towards both horse and rider. He is just as engaged towards the novice rider as
towards the high level competition rider, and that has been a part of his fast growing reputation in Norway.
His indepth study of the biomechanics of the rider gives him knowledge to help the rider to solve problems
regarding their seat and influence of their aids. I have myself gained much help by his expert body
awareness exercises and seat focused lessons, and I use many of the same tools with my own students
with great success. Mr. Dave Thind has a unique skill to see exactly what the individual horse and rider
needs to work on to get to the next level, and in what way to explain it. It seems like he has tools for every
individual problem and situation. There is always a great development, smiling riders and satisfied horses
after each lesson.
On behalf of me and the other clinic participants we deeply recommend Mr. Dave Thind. We are grateful
and honored to get a trainer of his caliber to Norway.