From Training to FEI, Central NY Dressage Riders Excel
Horseheads, NY, June 29, 2007 --- Following a clinic conducted in Moravia, NY May 18-19, Canadian FEI
competitor and clinician Dave Thind was invited back to Central NY to teach June 21-24. Once again, the
clinic started with Dave teaching at Kathy Thode’s Brookside Farms in Moravia. Next, Dave traveled to
coach clinic participants competing at the 2007 USEF and USDF recognized Dressage Competition at
Chemung County Fairgrounds in Horseheads, NY, June 23-24.
Teaching Training Level thru Grand Prix, Dave focused on good basics including light and effective rider
positions that are as dynamic as a horse’s ever-changing center of gravity. Using their seat and the
appropriate warm-up, riders were required to instill rhythm and relaxation. Using various exercises, Dave
insisted that every horse moved nicely over their back, with ‘hot-potato’ like responsiveness to forward-
driving aids.
Dave’s practical experience and honed knowledge of both human and equine biomechanics, several body
awareness modalities combined with his ability to convey this information serve as a unique formula to
attain improvement in problem areas at a fast rate. This of course is done while adhering to the principles of
the German classical training scale and never compromising the long-term development of a horse or rider
for short-lived success.
“In our clinics Dave improved my seat position to give me a more secure and effective seat. This has been
especially helpful with the canter - not my mare's best gait,” stated Dinah Guarino, President of Cayuga
Dressage and Combined Training, Inc.
“Dave’s coaching at the show helped 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,” continued Guarino.
With improved gaits, rider positions and high levels of preparation and confidence, every horse-rider
combination showed at their full potential and were rewarded with good scores, some even obtaining
personal best scores including Cathy J. Zappala and her PSG dance partner, Hilcodion.
Zappala and her impressive 18-year-old Hilcodion ruled the FEI levels and after winning two PSG classes,
won the Show Championship for the FEI levels. This pair’s 63% score in the first PSG class was reason for
celebration as it also qualified the talented rider for a USDF Silver medal.
“I am a firm believer that horse shows are not the place to teach your horse new things, however riders
can learn how to remain calm and confident, ensuring a positive experience for both horse and rider.
Ensuring positive experiences and helping riders learn how to best warm-up one’s horse as an individual is
something that I enjoy helping people with,” commented Dave.
“I am pleased and proud of every rider and horse. Everyone remained focused and positive while making
an example of what sportsmanship and team spirit are all about. Finishing well is never a bad thing either,”
continued a smiling Dave.
More about Dave
As an international level competitor and clinician, Dave’s ability to guide riders of all levels into feeling and
reproducing improvement is what sets this Canadian trainer apart. Although now comfortably back in the
saddle, 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 body awareness techniques including Feldenkrais®,
Centered Riding®, Pilates and Yoga. Combined with a solid foundation in classical dressage, this
combination has allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel from basic to international levels. Currently
based in Germany, Dave keeps up with his own education by riding with some of the best European
trainers.
Horseheads, NY, June 29, 2007 --- Following a clinic conducted in Moravia, NY May 18-19, Canadian FEI
competitor and clinician Dave Thind was invited back to Central NY to teach June 21-24. Once again, the
clinic started with Dave teaching at Kathy Thode’s Brookside Farms in Moravia. Next, Dave traveled to
coach clinic participants competing at the 2007 USEF and USDF recognized Dressage Competition at
Chemung County Fairgrounds in Horseheads, NY, June 23-24.
Teaching Training Level thru Grand Prix, Dave focused on good basics including light and effective rider
positions that are as dynamic as a horse’s ever-changing center of gravity. Using their seat and the
appropriate warm-up, riders were required to instill rhythm and relaxation. Using various exercises, Dave
insisted that every horse moved nicely over their back, with ‘hot-potato’ like responsiveness to forward-
driving aids.
Dave’s practical experience and honed knowledge of both human and equine biomechanics, several body
awareness modalities combined with his ability to convey this information serve as a unique formula to
attain improvement in problem areas at a fast rate. This of course is done while adhering to the principles of
the German classical training scale and never compromising the long-term development of a horse or rider
for short-lived success.
“In our clinics Dave improved my seat position to give me a more secure and effective seat. This has been
especially helpful with the canter - not my mare's best gait,” stated Dinah Guarino, President of Cayuga
Dressage and Combined Training, Inc.
“Dave’s coaching at the show helped 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,” continued Guarino.
With improved gaits, rider positions and high levels of preparation and confidence, every horse-rider
combination showed at their full potential and were rewarded with good scores, some even obtaining
personal best scores including Cathy J. Zappala and her PSG dance partner, Hilcodion.
Zappala and her impressive 18-year-old Hilcodion ruled the FEI levels and after winning two PSG classes,
won the Show Championship for the FEI levels. This pair’s 63% score in the first PSG class was reason for
celebration as it also qualified the talented rider for a USDF Silver medal.
“I am a firm believer that horse shows are not the place to teach your horse new things, however riders
can learn how to remain calm and confident, ensuring a positive experience for both horse and rider.
Ensuring positive experiences and helping riders learn how to best warm-up one’s horse as an individual is
something that I enjoy helping people with,” commented Dave.
“I am pleased and proud of every rider and horse. Everyone remained focused and positive while making
an example of what sportsmanship and team spirit are all about. Finishing well is never a bad thing either,”
continued a smiling Dave.
More about Dave
As an international level competitor and clinician, Dave’s ability to guide riders of all levels into feeling and
reproducing improvement is what sets this Canadian trainer apart. Although now comfortably back in the
saddle, 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 body awareness techniques including Feldenkrais®,
Centered Riding®, Pilates and Yoga. Combined with a solid foundation in classical dressage, this
combination has allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel from basic to international levels. Currently
based in Germany, Dave keeps up with his own education by riding with some of the best European
trainers.
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