Horsetalk with Robert Dover

As a Canadian living in America, I was delighted to find out that Robert Dover the most decorated rider in US Dressage history is also living with a boot in both countries as the coach and technical advisor of the Canadian Dressage team headed to the World Equestrian Games. In 1984, Dover competed in his first Olympic Games at the age of 28. He was elected team captain in all six Olympics in which he competed. In 1987, Dover defeated Reiner Klimke, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, at the German Aachen Grand Prix freestyle competition. In 1994 he was named the US Olympic Male Equestrian Athlete of the Year. Robert Dover is a living legend whose talent for dressage riding and coaching is only surpassed by his huge heart. In research I have discovered that Robert uses his fame in the dressage world to create a force of kindness that is a rare phenomena. The web is riddled with references to this kindness from his own website declaring a whole page just for “Out for Good” a place where he bestows gratitude to individuals who he believes serve humanity. Beyond his website I found references to his generosity with his time finding horses for the Para Dressage riders, and keeping the candle burning in the hope department for Courtenay Dye King who is recovering from a catastrophic head injury. Most impressive is the role he played creating the Equestrian Aid Foundation which helps horse people who are suffering any life threatening illness. All of these moments in time have prepared Robert for the job that lays ahead in coaching the Canadian Dressage Team at WEG. In this interview we discuss the team, confidence techniques and cross training on August 23, 2010 as we do a little horsetalk with Robert Dover. To support Equine Canada Dressage Team you can pledge to "Take the Podium" effort http://www.podium.agendamanagers.ca or follow the links on Roberts website www.doversworld.com. RIDE ON!