Dave's System in a Nutshell
Horses are always put first. Classical training
principals and the knowledge of biomechanics and
psychology are combined in order to achieve
heightened harmony and communication between
horse and rider. This method produces happy,
sound, light and competitive equine partners. In
addition, this method gives riders the opportunity to
have long and pain-free careers, avoiding tension,
inappropriate muscle memory or even long-term
damage.
Horses are always put first. Classical training
principals and the knowledge of biomechanics and
psychology are combined in order to achieve
heightened harmony and communication between
horse and rider. This method produces happy,
sound, light and competitive equine partners. In
addition, this method gives riders the opportunity to
have long and pain-free careers, avoiding tension,
inappropriate muscle memory or even long-term
damage.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY & TECHNIQUES
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Biomechanics & Somatic Education
Where Art & Science Meet
Scientifically backed methods
Working in collaboration with Dr. Camilla Stava, an equine Veterinarian
and fellow trainer. Dave’s thought provoking training techniques allow
riders to easily learn and feel correct equine biomechanics. Only then,
will riders follow their horses properly and avoid rider created resistance.
Cutting Edge Techniques for Better Posture and Pain-Free Riding
Dave's additional expertise was brought out when a back injury and the
possibility of never riding again led to Dave's fascination with human and
equine biomechanics and his close study of various somatic education
techniques including Feldenkrais®. Dave’s Feldenkrais® inspired body
awareness techniques allow short cuts in a sport where they normally
do not exist.
Short-Cuts?
Dave’s system requires that riders develop high degrees of body
awareness, improved coordination and dexterity, all in a natural and
flowing manner. Dave helps his students learn an advanced knowledge
of correct human movement - a skill that anyone can learn. Although
some riders are naturally gifted when it comes to organizing their body’s
movement, this knowledge combined with appropriate physical activity is,
according to Dave, the key to leaning to ride like the top classical riders in
the world.
Where Art & Science Meet
Scientifically backed methods
Working in collaboration with Dr. Camilla Stava, an equine Veterinarian
and fellow trainer. Dave’s thought provoking training techniques allow
riders to easily learn and feel correct equine biomechanics. Only then,
will riders follow their horses properly and avoid rider created resistance.
Cutting Edge Techniques for Better Posture and Pain-Free Riding
Dave's additional expertise was brought out when a back injury and the
possibility of never riding again led to Dave's fascination with human and
equine biomechanics and his close study of various somatic education
techniques including Feldenkrais®. Dave’s Feldenkrais® inspired body
awareness techniques allow short cuts in a sport where they normally
do not exist.
Short-Cuts?
Dave’s system requires that riders develop high degrees of body
awareness, improved coordination and dexterity, all in a natural and
flowing manner. Dave helps his students learn an advanced knowledge
of correct human movement - a skill that anyone can learn. Although
some riders are naturally gifted when it comes to organizing their body’s
movement, this knowledge combined with appropriate physical activity is,
according to Dave, the key to leaning to ride like the top classical riders in
the world.
Psychological Wellbeing
Considering each horse as an individual, the horse’s mental wellbeing must always be considered when designing both long-term and short-term
training plans. Horses must be kept interested and their work must be well thought out, but varied. Overtaxing a horse physically will have obvious
repercussions on their mental state. In an attempt to “push through”, too many riders rattle the sensitive mental state of their horses – this is not
correct nor is it fair. With patience and empathy, horses can reach the highest levels and still display obvious pleasure in their work.
Due to horses' natural instincts to flee before fighting, they remain highly aware of those around them. Riders must take charge of their own
worries and breathing patterns in order to instill confidence in their horses. By this same token, riders who are overly confident should be weary
of taking advantage of a horse's trusting and submissive nature.
Considering each horse as an individual, the horse’s mental wellbeing must always be considered when designing both long-term and short-term
training plans. Horses must be kept interested and their work must be well thought out, but varied. Overtaxing a horse physically will have obvious
repercussions on their mental state. In an attempt to “push through”, too many riders rattle the sensitive mental state of their horses – this is not
correct nor is it fair. With patience and empathy, horses can reach the highest levels and still display obvious pleasure in their work.
Due to horses' natural instincts to flee before fighting, they remain highly aware of those around them. Riders must take charge of their own
worries and breathing patterns in order to instill confidence in their horses. By this same token, riders who are overly confident should be weary
of taking advantage of a horse's trusting and submissive nature.
Classical Training Scale
Riders should always use this scale as a general guide. One must pay close attention that above all, the horse maintains
Rhythm/Relaxation/ Regularity throughout his work which will almost automatically create step 2 - Suppleness. This in turn will
allow the horse to come over the back into a receiving contact. This scale is valid for both immediate and long-term training goals.
With patience and logical training, most horses can develop the musculature and understanding for powerful and beautiful
collection at the highest levels.
Riders should always use this scale as a general guide. One must pay close attention that above all, the horse maintains
Rhythm/Relaxation/ Regularity throughout his work which will almost automatically create step 2 - Suppleness. This in turn will
allow the horse to come over the back into a receiving contact. This scale is valid for both immediate and long-term training goals.
With patience and logical training, most horses can develop the musculature and understanding for powerful and beautiful
collection at the highest levels.
The Building Blocks of Successful Training
German pyramid of classical training
1) Rhythm/Relaxation/Regularity
2) Suppleness
3) Contact
4) Impulsion
5) Straightening of the horse's spine
6) Collection
This photo displays the beginnings
of high level collection (step 6)
with steps 1-5 clearly being art of
the puzzle
of high level collection (step 6)
with steps 1-5 clearly being art of
the puzzle
Rider Scale
Dave insists that his students remain patient and do not skip
any steps in their horse's training. This can often be a
humbling experience as most problems arise from
rider-errors originating from a faulty seat. Dave insists that
his riders consider Conrad Schumacher's Rider Training
Scale - consisting of six parts.
Dave insists that his students remain patient and do not skip
any steps in their horse's training. This can often be a
humbling experience as most problems arise from
rider-errors originating from a faulty seat. Dave insists that
his riders consider Conrad Schumacher's Rider Training
Scale - consisting of six parts.
Conrad Schumacher's Progressive scale of
development for the rider
1) Establishing balance in the seat
2) The seat becoming an active but non-disturbing
influence
3) Understanding and applying the basic aids in
combination
4) Increasing control of the horse through lateral
movements and bending
5) Finely tuning the aids in situations of reduced speed
6) Using the horse's natural tendency to anticipate for
the rider's own purposes
development for the rider
1) Establishing balance in the seat
2) The seat becoming an active but non-disturbing
influence
3) Understanding and applying the basic aids in
combination
4) Increasing control of the horse through lateral
movements and bending
5) Finely tuning the aids in situations of reduced speed
6) Using the horse's natural tendency to anticipate for
the rider's own purposes
CLASSICAL TRAINING FOR JUMPING
Also certified as a German Jumping Trainer - Trainer A (Level III) |
Dave can help dressage riders with a
well-rounded training program that
includes jumping at low levels (cavaletti
work, gym lines). Jumping provides
physical and mental benefits for both
horse and rider. Dave Thind is one of
the few dressage-specialized trainers
who has also enjoyed success
competing in hunter/jumper/ equitation
and eventing competitions throughout the
world. In January 2004, the international
judging panel of the FEI recognized
(AIEC) catch-riding Nations' Cup held in
Dwingeloo, Holland, awarded Dave the
rarely seen mark of 8.7/10 for rider's
style in the 'Style-Jumper' class. For 8
years, Dave trained with DIane Dubuc,
former coach of Eric Lamaze, Individual
Gold in China.
well-rounded training program that
includes jumping at low levels (cavaletti
work, gym lines). Jumping provides
physical and mental benefits for both
horse and rider. Dave Thind is one of
the few dressage-specialized trainers
who has also enjoyed success
competing in hunter/jumper/ equitation
and eventing competitions throughout the
world. In January 2004, the international
judging panel of the FEI recognized
(AIEC) catch-riding Nations' Cup held in
Dwingeloo, Holland, awarded Dave the
rarely seen mark of 8.7/10 for rider's
style in the 'Style-Jumper' class. For 8
years, Dave trained with DIane Dubuc,
former coach of Eric Lamaze, Individual
Gold in China.
