About David
Horses have been a significant part of David’s life for over 20 years. He started as a young boy riding anything that was put in front of him, and subsequently falling off a lot. Through this trial and error, an uncanny natural balance was developed. After working as an equine vet assistant for ten years, David found his confidence with horses. Not only physically, but also mentally. David also began starting young horses on the side.
In 2002, David was able to focus solely on training and developing the horse. In 2005, he was accepted into the Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium which was developed by Scott Hassler, Hilltop Farm, and Harmony Sporthorses. Only forty young horse trainers in the US and Canada were accepted. The Symposium is an annual event in which trainers network and discuss training methods with Scott Hassler, Ingo Pape, and Michael Klimke. Several times a year, David works with Loma Fowler, Leif Sorensen and Heather Blitz. He has also been selected as a demo rider for symposiums conducted by Scott Hassler, Eckart Meyners, and Jan Ebling. Currently, David competes to Intermediate I and has received his Bronze and Silver medal.
David's Training Philosophy
"Dressage" literally means "training".The dictionary definition of training is 'to give discipline and instruction, designed to impart proficiency and efficiency, to undergo discipline, to get oneself into condition for an athletic performance through exercises and practice'. I use many of these words daily in my training and instruction. I believe that one of the most rewarding partnerships is the one between horse and rider.
Developing yourself and your horse is a long-term commitment. It takes patience with yourself, your horse, and also from your instructor. Allow yourself, your horse and your instructor to make mistakes. Interaction, experimenting, collaborating, and having fun are all part of a productive training program.
In a relaxed, interactive atmosphere, riders can learn about their horses and themselves. My favorite lessons are when students ask questions and try things on their own. Along with consistency and determination, I believe that this is how you achieve the balance necessary to create and allow brilliance and harmony to come to your partnership. Helping students become self-thinking, self-riding, and to discover the basic building blocks that will bring the partnership along the path to the highest level you can achieve is my passion, my goal ... Have fun!
