Ummm....I don't know how to say this without sounding dumb, but I do not know who he is, but his bio on his website sounds interesting, albeit a bit confusing....Can someone enlighten me a bit more as to who he is and why I should part with my cash to either participate or to audit?
Wow...I wasn't going to say anything but you guys are coming across as really closed-minded.
Just because this guy hasn't won an Olympic medal or is super well-known doesn't mean that he doesn't have anything to offer.
Out of curiousity sake, I checked out his website. I also think I have met him in the past in conjuction with the Canadian University Equestrian Team. Anyways, he's in the German system and that, in itself, is very hard to accomplish. They are extremely picky about who they let through and it is a very long process (5+ years). I have worked alongside those who have gone through the system and am aware of the many hours of commitment required.
As a 3rd year honours student in HK (human kinetics) at OttawaU, the understanding of biomechanics is fundamental for any athlete (including equestrians), as well as sport psychology (both of which this Dave guy seems to be preaching). For any of you that had the privilege of going to the Jill Henselwood clinic...she made constant references in her lessons to the study of biomechanics(both horse and human). With form comes function.
I wanted to host a public clinic with one of my German buddies, who is a Bereiter (professional rider) but am now concerned that some people feel they can't learn anything from someone who simply isn't the world's best.
I would actually love to go to this clinic, it seems like it would be very educational. Unfortunately I am currently at university, and therefore my horses are not fit for this work. Same reason I couldn't attend Jill's either!
And using someone as a reference, I don't think Ruth Koch is an Olympic rider. But if you have ever attended one of her clinics, or taken a lesson or more with her... WOW you can learn a LOT! She definitely knows her stuff (and more!) for sure!
I have nothing to add about him, website seems very good. But if the above for sale ads are him, and not a joke, that is ALOT of money for an older gelding that looks like his better years were awhile ago. The same for the other horses being sold. It is my understanding that the sale ads are what have the above posters slightly incredulous, as am I.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: hollyhocks,
All I really wanted was an unbiased opinion as to who Mr. Thind is and what makes him a good/great coach/clinician, and his website bio was a bit confusing. Maybe I was reading it too fast, maybe not. I would ask the same question of anyone whose clinic I would be attending regardless of medals won or not. My money is hard earned and not easily parted with and as such I like to make sure I am getting value for my money.
I did not mean to imply that Mr. Thind is not good, not talented nor has not put in long hours as a student of the sport.
Originally posted by hollyhocks: I have nothing to add about him, website seems very good. But if the above for sale ads are him, and not a joke, that is ALOT of money for an older gelding that looks like his better years were awhile ago. The same for the other horses being sold. It is my understanding that the sale ads are what have the above posters slightly incredulous, as am I.
I'm pretty sure that add is a joke and was posted by someone that is not him. I have had personal experience with Dave.
Posts: 124 | Location: East Ottawa | Registered: October 03, 2007
David is a great guy who sustained an injury in a car accident that sidetracked his showing career. The injury made him become very serious about and focused on kinetics and bio mechanics and he has a very unique persepctive give his own rehabilitation experience. He's spent the last several years training in germany full time where he has learned and achieved much. He LOVES to teach and is paitient, and yes he teaches very much in the German pyramid style. What I like most about David is that he gets the most out of each horse and rider combination regardless of who or what they are. He is very focussed and his lessons can be intense. In contrast, I once attended a dressage clinic with a well known and highly sought after popular trainer who completely ignored any horse that was not "fancy"...my money was a COMPLETE waste as she barely looked at us except to sneer. David will work with you and your draft cross as hard as he will work with those lucky enough to have fancy horses. He's well loved in Germany and Norway, and currently based in the US.
Posts: 314 | Location: Foxbridge | Registered: October 11, 2006
I know Dave through several venues but originally met him when he generously offered his gorgeous horses for use in the first Student Riders Nations Cup held in Canada in 2006, as well as his coaching services to riders. I would guess that people haven't heard much about him because he is in such high demand teaching abroad (as you can see on his site), and previous to that, I understand spent a lot of time in Europe working towards his qualifications which are highly regarded.
He is an excellent coach- very positive, friendly, inspiring, and very involved with each horse and rider. His clinics have different portions- part of it takes place off of the horse, where human and horse biomechanics are discussed: what your body is doing and how it affects your horse, and vice versa. He takes the time to talk to each individual about their challenges, with respect to the rider and/or the horse. When I attended he also had a physiotherapist that added more insight into anatomy, muscles, crookedness etc. and how to work on these things.
The riding clinic itself then moves this knowledge into the saddle, where the same concepts are applied in real time. As was mentioned, he really works with you no matter your level or horse. When I went I actually rode a horse I didn't know and it was still fantastic because its about the way you ride- your effectiveness and feeling the horse- and I got amazing results just by implementing the concepts he teaches. While riding, you can really feel what he is talking about because he can recognize things from the ground. Dave is also a stunning rider and will help you greatly with your position and effectiveness. I have a lot of respect for him because he seems to truly love working with horses and riders which some pros seem to lose. It really shines through that he loves and is passionate about what he does. I would recommend his clinics, and even if you can't go ride you might consider going for the lecture portion and/or auditing (better yet both so you can see the implementation of the concepts in the lectures!).
She definitely knows her stuff (and more!) for sure!
