Dave Thind has competed at the Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping and is a noted equestrian biomechanics authority, with published articles and appearances as an expert guest and lecturer. He received his German Trainer A license in 2007 with a nearly perfect score awarded to him from the German National Federation. Dave holds an International Trainer Passport Level III and is also an authorized teacher of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement. 

• Hometown: Montreal, Canada.
• Current homebase: Wellington, Florida. “I still co-own Aspire Farm, a beautiful 27-stall facility just outside Boston, but I’m now based in Wellington and spend my summers in Europe.”
• Family: Married to Camilla Stava, DVM, who is also a rider, international equine chiropractor and German Trainer C. Dave and Camilla have a 9-year-old son Zander, who already seems to have inherited the horse bug.
• Specialty: Dressage and equestrian biomechanics. “My goal is to help my horses move, feel and perform their best, and I find many horses benefit by returning to the fundamentals, correct biomechanics, suppleness and preventive rehab work. I also enjoy helping riders create that same feeling from the saddle, developing horses who are truly over the back, elastic and happy in their work.” Dave also helps rider better understand equestrian biomechanics out of the saddle through the Feldenkrais Method®, teaches clinics around the U.S. and offers private online sessions and self-paced recorded classes.
• What first drew you to horses? “They’re magic! From the very beginning, I was captivated by their beauty, sensitivity and honesty—the way they mirror who we are and invite us to grow. Horses have an incredible ability to teach us about ourselves and keep us present, and that connection continues to inspire me every day.”
• Favorite horse growing up: “I actually didn’t start riding until I was 15, so I didn’t have a single favorite horse. I loved them all! I was fortunate to begin mostly on off-the-track Thoroughbreds, who were sensitive, flighty and often unpredictable. Riding them taught me to be soft, gentle, precise and to really feel what the horse is sensing. I’ve noticed that riders who learned on Thoroughbreds and other more sensitive horses often develop a subtle and sensitive seat, riding in a way that’s very different from someone who started on heavier, perhaps more forgiving breeds.”
• Career highlights: “It’s hard to pick just one career highlight because, for me, the most special moments aren’t about competition achievements. My favorite moments are always when a horse lets me in and reveals their unique personality and the long-term connections I’ve forged with so many over time. There’s something incredibly rewarding about earning a horse’s trust—the subtle recognition that you’re listening, that you understand them and that you’re there to help rather than force.”
• Mentors: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from amazing instructors throughout my riding journey. Early on, I admired eight-time Olympian Ian Millar, whose show boots became my ‘lucky’ boots, and I witnessed Dr. Reiner Klimke live at the Royal Winter Fair, which gave me a clear picture of the perfection I wanted in my own riding. Over the years, I trained with many incredible mentors, including Johan Zagers, Martin Plewa, Rainer Jäckel, Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg, Christoph Hess, Monica Theodorescu and now with Rien van der Schaft. I’ve learned everything from classical refinement, correct seat and aid-usage to the relaxed competition mindset.”
• Most influential horse in your career: “I can’t choose. Every horse I’ve worked with has been equally loved and appreciated. I still miss those who have passed on. Each one has left a mark on my journey as a rider and trainer.”
• Competition superstitions: “I don’t really have any. I go by feel—sometimes a different saddle, a shorter warm-up or only a walk the day before feels right. Horses are living, breathing animals that keep changing, so no two rides are ever the same. In my preparation for a predictable outcome, I like to embrace that unpredictability—it keeps every ride an adventure.”
• When you’re not riding, where we can we find you? “I’m usually exploring new places with my family. My son Zander loves to travel as much as I do. I remain endlessly curious about cultures, cuisines and the mysteries of the universe. Meditation and energy work are part of my daily practice, but it’s my Feldenkrais work that truly keeps me present, grounded and fully connected with the horses I work with.”
• Fun fact: “Most people are surprised to find out that I’m fluent in six languages.”
• Favorite eats: “I’m a bit of a foodie and admittedly fussy. I avoid GMOs and seed oils when possible and prefer organic ingredients. I can’t resist good cheese, wine or a truly great pizza. In Europe, I tend to indulge in endless bread and other wheat-based treats, but I generally avoid them stateside. Once in a while, we go out of our way to experience something really special at a restaurant, but I also love cooking at home. I’ll happily seek out a hole-in-the-wall Mexican, Thai, Indian or Italian spot where the flavors are authentic and the ingredients are fresh. I tend to like spicy food, but since I spend a lot of time in Scandinavia, I’ve also learned to really appreciate more subtle flavors.”
• Favorite book and/or movie: “I’m a bit predictable. My library, which I adore, is mostly a collection of classics on classical riding, biomechanics and the Feldenkrais Method. One of my favorites is ‘My Horses, My Teachers’ by Alois Podhajsky. I also enjoy books on alternative therapies. I rarely read fiction, but ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ captivated me. On the movie side, anything visually stunning, thought-provoking or that just makes me laugh never fails.”
• Mares or geldings? “All! I have always gotten along with mares and stallions, but geldings are great, too!”
• What’s kept you involved in the sport for so long? “The horses. Every horse is unique, and the process of getting to know them, understanding them and building a partnership never gets old. I personally love training horses—helping sculpt and enable them, giving them confidence and bringing out what nature intended. I also love helping a horse-and-rider pair really begin to come together, opening a door to something new and discovering the elusive obvious. Just the other day, after working with someone, I noticed what a terrific mood I was in while driving to my next appointment and thought how lucky I am to help open a whole new world for both horse and rider. I am humbled by this, and helping create these moments is a gift to me as well. The curiosity, growth and breakthrough moments keep me passionate about this sport every single day.”
• Learn more: davethindmethod.com

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