THE DAVE THIND METHOD
Ride with Freedom.
Discover Harmony.
Let Your Horse Feel the Difference.
A more balanced seat, greater confidence, and the quiet harmony your horse can feel.
Discover gentle, guided Feldenkrais Method® lessons created for dressage riders — a thoughtful way to improve how you move, without another workout. Learn from home, at your own pace.
With Dave Thind — Grand Prix rider, German FN Trainer A (Level III), and Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner.
Join a worldwide learning community of more than 10,000 riders across 40+ countries.
Discover a different way to ride. One that begins with curiosity, guided by your heart and inspired by love for your horse.
FALL FEATURE | FALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Before You Work Harder Again, Recalibrate Instead.
Six guided Feldenkrais® lessons for greater balance, freedom and harmony in the saddle.
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY 13-MINUTE AUDIO EXPERIENCE
Discover What Less Effort Can Feel Like.
What if a small discovery in how you move could change the way you ride?
Enter your name and email to access a complimentary 13-minute DTM audio experience, and join our community of riders exploring classical harmony through greater awareness, ease and a deeper partnership with the horse.
A first experience of the Dave Thind Method. No purchase required.
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From Dave — Latest Insights & Discoveries
Articles and conversations on classical riding, rider awareness, and the small changes that make a difference to the horse.
Explore All Articles, Podcasts & Videos
THE HORSE IS OUR WHY
Imagine the Moment Your Horse Says Yes.
A softer aid. A freer stride. The quiet feeling that you and your horse understand one another. This is the harmony we are all searching for.
Awaken Your Untapped Potential
Why the Dave Thind Method?
Discover how greater ease in your own movement can transform the conversation with your horse.
Exceptional expertise. Thoughtfully shared.
As a Grand Prix rider and German FN Trainer A (Level III), graduating with top honors, I went on to complete four years of professional Feldenkrais education. That combination now informs my work with riders at every level, including Olympic medalists.
My recorded courses share many of the same lessons I give elite riders as homework. Gentle and accessible, each invites you to discover what makes a difference in your own riding.
A small discovery off the horse can make a remarkable difference in the saddle.
“To make the impossible possible, the possible easy, and the easy beautiful.”
— Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais
Your comfort matters, too. Many riders quietly manage stiffness, persistent discomfort or pain. Their well-being deserves as much attention as the horse's, and exploring more comfortable, efficient movement can be an important part of enjoying the sport for years to come.
I help riders explore more comfortable, efficient movement, while recognizing that movement education does not replace medical care. Explore movement and pain relief.
INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE
Working with Olympic Riders & Medalists
My hands-on movement work has included the following accomplished riders and trainers:
WORDS FROM RESPECTED EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONALS
Classical Horsemanship. An Experienced Perspective.
“I have met Dave Thind as a rider who approaches his horse with respect and fairness. As a German certified trainer, Dave has learned to work horses according to the training scale and is always focused on the correct and efficient seat and application of the aids.”
Monica Theodorescu
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist
“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.”
Christoph Hess
German equestrian trainer and educator
“Dave’s work is clearly a form of biohacking that optimizes health, performance, and well-being through self-experimentation of movement. As a rider and trainer, I have known Dave for 25 years, and he is someone who truly understands the fine details of dressage biomechanics. He helps even top Olympic-level riders achieve what they are looking for. At the same time, his work also benefits beginner and intermediate riders. The changes can be equally impressive, and sometimes quite significant. I’ve seen it work very well both in person and through his online courses. Riders are able to ride as the best version of themselves, fully capable of training and achieving their best results, with greater harmony.”
Johan Zagers
German Master Trainer · Olympic Trainer
Trained Dave early in his career and worked with him over many years.
“We really enjoyed and benefited from having Dave at our facility for the third time, and we’re now excited to begin his new online course, Awaken the Rider Within, as well as to dive into his full program, 60 Days to a Better Dressage Seat. His work has become an incredible asset within our dressage community.”
Anabel Balkenhol
Olympic Bronze Medalist
Trainer A · Level III
Highest level of the FN trainer pathway
What does Trainer A mean? In the German Equestrian Federation’s three-level trainer system, the progression is Trainer C → Trainer B → Trainer A. Trainer A is Level III, the highest qualification in that pathway—not the entry level. Christoph Hess describes it as a high-level credential that reflects mastery of classical German training principles.
“The panel of judges was thoroughly impressed by Dave's abilities as an instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score.”
— Christoph Hess · Former Director of Training and Education, German Equestrian Federation (FN)
German Equestrian Federation (FN)Trainer A · Level III
Highest level of the FN trainer pathway
What does Trainer A mean? In the German Equestrian Federation’s three-level trainer system, the progression is Trainer C → Trainer B → Trainer A. Trainer A is Level III, the highest qualification in that pathway—not the entry level. Christoph Hess describes it as a high-level credential that reflects mastery of classical German training principles.
How does Trainer A compare with a Bereiter? Germany has two distinct routes: the FN trainer certification pathway and the professional vocational training pathway. Under IGEQ’s international classification, Bereiter / Pferdewirt (riding) is Level II, alongside Trainer B. Trainer A is Level III, the same international classification as Pferdewirtschaftsmeister (Reitausbildung). These are different German qualifications, not interchangeable titles. Dave also holds an IGEQ International Trainer Passport · Level III.
“The panel of judges was thoroughly impressed by Dave's abilities as an instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score.”
— Christoph Hess · Former Director of Training and Education, German Equestrian Federation (FN)
From Struggle to Flow
What began as a personal search for greater ease became a different way of helping riders find balance, feel and freedom with their horses.
Your Body. Your Horse. Your Future Together.
A beautiful seat is more than a picture. Your comfort, your horse’s well-being and the years you hope to share together matter just as much.
My wife, equine veterinarian and chiropractor Dr. Camilla Stava, shares my commitment to helping horses and riders thrive for years to come.
“I am grateful for your trust and for the opportunity to help. I take this responsibility very seriously.”
— Dave Thind
Not More of the Same
You’ve heard it before: “Relax your hips. Soften your shoulders.”
You do, yet the results never quite live up to what you thought they would be. The effort is there, but the flow isn’t.
Physical fitness is important and empowering, but trying harder, incorrect muscle relationships and habitual patterns of contraction plus could leave you out of breath from trying harder, and even further near your dream ride.
DTM bridges that gap, showing riders how awareness, not strength, transforms the seat and the connection.
After a serious riding injury in 2002, I experienced the frustration of a body that would not cooperate. I understand what it means to work hard, yet still struggle to find ease in the saddle.
The Feldenkrais® Method changed how I moved and deepened my understanding of classical riding. That experience continues to shape my teaching, alongside the training that earned me top honors in my German FN Trainer A (Level III) program.
German Equestrian Federation (FN) · Trainer A · Level III
Highest “Trainer” qualification in the FN pathway (C → B → A).
In the IGEQ international framework, a German Bereiter is Level II; Trainer A is Level III, alongside Germany's professional Master Instructor qualification. These are different training paths. Dave also holds an IGEQ International Level III Trainer Passport.
“The panel of judges was thoroughly impressed by Dave's abilities as an instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score.”
— Christoph Hess · Former Director of Training and Education, German Equestrian Federation (FN)
The Path Forward
With the Dave Thind Method integrated into your weekly routine, every ride becomes an opportunity for refinement. More suppleness, more responsiveness, more presence.
You’ll not only feel consistent improvement in your riding, but invest in longevity - years of comfortable, confident, and connected movement.
Start one of our courses today, or begin your transformation with our signature program, 60-Days to a Better Dressage Seat.
Learn More
A KINDER WAY TO GROW
More Freedom for You. More Freedom for Your Horse.
You deserve to feel comfortable, confident and at home in the saddle. Your horse deserves a rider who can listen, adapt and allow. Progress can begin with curiosity rather than more effort.
The Science of Feel, Flow and Function
Not every riding issue can be fixed by riding more.
DTM uses Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® lessons to retrain how the brain and body communicate, replacing tension with coordination, and over-effort with true effectiveness.
Through each session, you’ll learn to:
- Reset old tension patterns
- Improve posture, flexibility, and coordination
- Reduce stress and prevent injury
- Reclaim ease in your body, mind, and the saddle
The Science
The Art
The Awareness
Ways to Experience the Method
Choose the learning format that suits your goals and your horse.
Online Courses
Progress at your own pace with guided Awareness Through Movement® lessons that retrain coordination, balance, and feel.
Live Zoom Classes
Join group sessions with riders around the world and receive real-time insight directly from Dave.
Private Consultations (ONLINE)
Work one-on-one with Dave to address your specific challenges, whether on or off the horse.
Clinics & Intensives
🇩🇪 🇳🇱 🇳🇴 🇩🇰 🇫🇷
Experience DTM in person through specialized clinics and in-depth training held worldwide.
A SHARED WAY OF RIDING
We’re Here for the Same Reason: We Love Our Horses.
Whatever your level or your goals, there is room here for you. A community of thoughtful riders discovering greater awareness, classical harmony and the joy of learning together.
Discover the Dave Thind Method Courses and also our Signature Program
14-day Challenge
Unlock Your Hips. Free Your Seat. SEAT 101
A transformative introduction to the Dave Thind Method.
In just two weeks, you’ll explore five complete DTM Awareness Through Movement® lessons guaranteed to soften and renew hip movement and ideal function, to improve core organization, and restore effortless swing through your back. Your horse will be your best feedback.
These subtle, science-based sessions reveal how small adjustments in awareness create measurable changes in your balance, posture, and connection with your horse.
$299 – Lifetime Access
Ideal for riders new to DTM or returning students who want to deepen their feel.
60-Day Transformation
The Complete DTM System for the Serious Rider
Thirty progressive DTM lessons taught across five modules guide you step by step toward a freer, more independent seat.
You’ll refine your balance, coordination, and feel while retraining your nervous system to move efficiently and gracefully, on and off the horse.
This is Dave’s signature program, trusted by top FEI riders and adult amateurs worldwide for its lasting impact on riding, posture, and overall well-being.
$899 – Money-Back Guarantee
For riders ready to commit to meaningful, long-term transformation in their body and partnership.
There’s more! Discover Dave’s specialized courses - including Wheel Alignment, Breathing, Skeletal Strength, and our popular “Improve Your Riding From Home” series.
Explore All CoursesAwaken the Rider Within
31 short Feldenkrais® lessons with Dave
Explore 31 guided, unmounted lessons (approximately 10–12 minutes each) to develop awareness and coordination at home, at your own pace.
Available now — your recorded lesson library. This is an on-demand course, not a live Zoom series.
Each of the 31 short lessons is taught and demonstrated by Dave and can be revisited anytime.
Use the lessons to:
- Refresh learning from previous DTM programs
- Prepare with greater awareness before riding or competing
- Unwind after a busy day
- Reconnect with your movement when time is short
In-Person Training
Work with Dave at his Wellington, Florida base or join his clinics across Europe and North America.
Private sessions can be classical lessons, mounted and unmounted work, equine Feldenkrais®, and personalized movement analysis designed to improve comfort, confidence, and communication in the saddle.
Unlock breakthroughs you and your horse deserve. In Dave Thind’s worldwide clinics, riders and auditors gain deeper insight into the art and science of dressage. With his “x-ray vision” for rider and horse biomechanics, Dave identifies and transforms subtle challenges, creating almost unbelievable improvements. Fun, engaging group sessions foster learning, energy, and excitement — leaving everyone inspired, balanced, and ready to ride at a whole new level.
Experience the Difference Awareness Makes
Experience the method trusted by Olympians and beloved by horses everywhere.
I’m Ready to Start My Transformation
