Patrick Tigchelaar

Patrick Tigchelaar is a Dutch dressage instructor and FEI-level competitor now based in the United States.

🇳🇱 Background & Training

Originally from the Netherlands

Trained under well-known European dressage figures including:

Rien van der Schaft

Inge van der Schaft

German master Georg Theodorescu

🏇 Competitive Career

FEI competitor through Grand Prix level

Earned USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals (Gold with distinction)

Consistently scored 70%+ at FEI competitions

Wins include:

FEI Small Tour victories (e.g., Dressage at Devon)

Member of the Dutch Nations Cup team in Wellington, Florida

🇺🇸 Career in the United States

Moved to the U.S. in 2007

Worked as assistant trainer for top international rider:

Catherine Haddad-Staller

Founded his own training business:

PT Dressage (est. 2015)

🐎 Coaching Style & Work

Works with all levels (from amateur to FEI/Grand Prix riders)

Focus on:

Classical dressage foundations

Horse biomechanics and correctness

Producing horses up through FEI levels

Known for being:

Patient but demanding

Detail-oriented with rider position and harmony between horse & rider