Cutler Farm Dressage Welcomes New Trainer Dave Thind

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'Cutler Farm Team' - left to right: Manager Josh Peters, Donna Cameron and Dave Thind

MEDFIELD, MA, May 14, 2012 – Cutler Farm Dressage, a state-of-the-art dressage facility located in Medfield, MA, is pleased to introduce German-certified trainer and biomechanics expert Dave Thind as trainer and instructor.

Thind’s arrival at Cutler Farm marks the revival of owner Donna Cameron’s vision of offering exceptional educational opportunities for dressage enthusiasts in the Northeast Region.  “Quality horse care and training are at the heart of what we offer at Cutler Farm.  But I’ve always wanted to go beyond that.  Since the farm opened in 2006, we’ve hosted world-class clinicians Conrad Schumacher, George Williams, Lars Petersen, Shannon Dueck, and Heike Kemmer,” she said.  “To be a successful rider means time in the saddle with exceptional instruction, which is why Dave is joining the team.  But it also means time in the clinic ‘classroom’, and time focused on rider fitness, in order to maximize performance.   Cutler Farm Dressage is unique among training facilities in offering an array of services designed to promote wellness and to enhance under-saddle performance of both horse and rider.   I’m thrilled that we’re returning to that focus,” continued Cameron.

“Dave Thind holds a ‘Trainer A’ license from the German Equestrian Federation.  This high level degree is a Level III, the highest possible, and one step higher than the ‘Bereiter’ title. An International Level III means certification as a Master Instructor.  This level of certification allows Dave to act as an ambassador for both the principles and correct application of the German classical system of training,” stated Christoph Hess, Director of Training and Education at the German Equestrian Federation.

“The panel of judges from our Federation were thoroughly impressed by Dave’s abilities as an Instructor and awarded him an almost perfect score. I personally wish the program at Cutler Farm much success and commend their efforts to provide classical training opportunities,” added Hess. He too plans to join the roster of clinicians scheduled to appear at Cutler Farm Dressage this year.

Dave has himself educated horses up to the Grand Prix level of dressage and show jumping. His students have been successful up to international levels in both dressage and jumping.  Many are successful trainers in their own right.

Boston area FEI rider and trainer Ellie Colleti has found Thind’s help to be invaluable.  “As a professional rider and trainer, I am very picky when it comes to coaching assistance for me.  Learning that Dave was in my area, I decided to meet him and utilize his expertise to help me with a young horse that I am bringing up the levels.  This particular horse is talented, yet very complicated.  My concern was he is too edgy for most trainers to assess quickly enough from the ground before determining how much to push him.  Dave worked with me as if we were a seasoned team right from the start.  The outcome was exactly what I wanted to achieve.  We broke though some important issues, without blowing the horse’s mind.  Every day since has been productive building off the time spent working with Dave.  Dave is friendly, experienced, and focused… truly a pleasure to work with,” said the Plympton, MA based trainer.

In fact, trainers and riders across the country are excited about the opportunity to ride with Dave. “His training methods and approach are wonderfully effective and he helps you to really understand how each of your actions with your body creates a reaction from the horse. He has a fabulous ability to explain a concept so that I and all of my clients were able to understand and implement what we learned. We are all truly looking forward to his return for another clinic! Dave has also encouraged me to challenge myself and go for some goals that I hadn’t thought I would be able to accomplish this year, and I am so grateful to him for giving me, and my clients, that little push that we all need sometimes! With Dave’s education, experience and connections, I am confident that he will become a celebrated rider and coach this year in the US,” commented Grand Prix rider and trainer Stacy Posthumus of Grand Rapids, MI.

Originally from Canada, Dave Thind ran a busy training and sales business there, successfully campaigning horses at high levels in the dressage and hunter/jumper rings.  A back injury, and the possibility of never riding again, led to Dave’s deep interest in human and equine biomechanics.  This also led to his close study of various body awareness techniques including Feldenkrais. These techniques, combined with a solid foundation in German classical dressage, have allowed Dave to help competitive riders excel up to the highest levels.

While in Germany, Dave received regular training from some the best teachers Germany has to offer including former Olympic Team Trainer, Martin Plewa, Brazilian Olympic Team Trainer Johan Zagers and three-time German Professional Riders’ Champion Hartwig Burfeind.  Most recently, he has been training with German-based Spaniard Juan Manuel Vidal, a student of Hubertus Schmidt.

As a popular clinician, Dave travels extensively, working with riders of various disciplines who seek heightened communication and performance, based on the German training system and an advanced knowledge of biomechanics.  Dave’s ability to convey complex theoretical concepts and help riders not only to feel, but also to reproduce improvement, sets this trainer apart. Dave has taught theory-based courses in riding and riding-related biomechanics at educational institutions such as the Westphalishe Reit und Fahr Schule (GER), UMB Agricultural University (NOR), and Tveit Agricultural College (NOR).

Dave is married to Dr. Camilla Stava, an equine Veterinarian who holds certification in Animal Chiropractic as well a German ‘Trainer C’ license.

To celebrate Dave Thind’s arrival, Cutler Farm Dressage is hosting a clinic with Dave June 16-17, 2012 in Medfield, MA.  The clinic is open to riders of all levels, and will include an interactive section on riding theory and biomechanics.

More about Cutler Farm
An easy drive from Boston, Cutler Farm Dressage’s mission is to provide the highest quality environment for clients and their horses.  The staff is devoted to the well-being of each horse as an individual, and to providing riders with an array of services designed to promote wellness and to enhance under-saddle performance of both horse and rider. In addition to providing exceptional care for the horses, Cutler Farm offers its riders access to full and part-time training programs with German certified trainer Dave Thind, unique educational programs and an impressive roster of visiting clinicians. Boarders enjoy access to all of the luxurious extras including a fully equipped Pilates studio complete with changing and showering areas. For more information, please visit www.cutlerfarmdressage.com.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
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