Dolphins are one of my favorite animals and here they show why they are thought to be among the smartest too.

I am a little embarrassed to confess that I have walked the very fine line between “fan” and “stalker” in the case of my Dover’s World Hero for April, Ellen DeGeneres. Wait! Now, I’m not saying I’m one of those “Call the Swat Team” or “Tell the judge to get a restraining order” kinda folk. What I’m saying is that, of all the people I would like to meet in my life, Ellen is among the top 3. (The other 2 are Barack Obama and Bill Clinton)

My life as an Olympic equestrian has permitted me to meet and talk to many, many stars from the political and entertainment worlds, including past presidents, and I admit to feeling excited at each chance to see what made these icons “tick” and why they rose to being the best in their fields. And what amazed me most by these people is how “normal” they were and how easy it was to converse with them about even the most mundane subjects.

So while I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Ellen in person, one of the reasons I’ve named her my hero for April is that I, along with countless fans, bring her into our homes each day, and because of her, get to laugh and dance and just plain be entertained for an hour. In these difficult times, just giving people that would be worthy of a medal!

But here’s the thing. Ellen does so much more. She raises awareness as well as millions of dollars for people and animals around the world in need. Almost every day she makes someone’s (or many people’s) life easier and brings hope to folks who are struggling.

I know that some think that having a TV show and the money and celebrity that it brings makes it easy to do all those things for others. We tend to forget that stardom does not exclude one from having all the life problems such as health, family, love and even broken toilets, just like us real people. What makes Ellen a true star is that her fame has never seemed to make her forget her connectedness to what is important in life. Family, love, honesty, joyfulness, laughter and giving back are the traits that Ellen does not only talk about, but actually exhibits through every particle of her being every day.

As an openly gay athlete, much of what I have tried to do with my life has been out of gratitude for all that I have been given. But for many gay people in sports it still isn’t easy, and Ellen has given immeasurable hope to them and me that someday soon there will be no more fear by anyone for anyone else based on sexuality.

I honestly believe that Ellen hopes like I do that in the future there will be no need for marches or pride rallies, for benefits or fundraisers, because everyone will finally be treated equally and with respect. This is truly how the world is meant to be and Ellen has, through her words, acts, and deeds, brought us a huge step closer to that reality.

RD

Just a quick note that not only is Brentina doing very well since recovering from a colic surgery, Deb says she’s been given the green light to appear as scheduled in Vegas next month.
That is such wonderful news and I know that everyone who loves this fabulous combination will be thrilled to see her one more time during the World Cup where she will be formally retired. It is all the more special since the Thomas family, who the arena is named after, will all be on hand for this bitter sweet presentation. And we all have to remember that this is where history took place when Debbie and Brentina became the first and only American combination to win this prestigious event!
I know there won’t be a dry eye in the house and I’ll be no exception!

RD

Dear Rhonda,

I rented a beach house for the summer with a bunch of friends and really want to shed about 20 lbs before we all arrive for Memorial Day. Everyone has a different weight loss regimen that they all swear by. Any advice on which diet or workout routine might help me lose the weight?

Thanks
Cindy

Dear Cindy,

While I am neither a licensed nutritionist nor do I have any actual medical or physical fitness certification, I am filled with tons (no pun intended) of life experience. Before I answer your question, I must first strongly recommend that you consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise program.

Now that doversworld.com and I are legally covered, lets get down to business Cindy. You eat too much damn food! It’s that simple. You can cut carbs, give up meat, eat high protein, low protein, no sugar, no wheat or any of the fad diets that are out there (lets not even get into colonics…), but unless you cut your total caloric intake and exercise you will remain pleasurably plump (and in all likelihood gain slowly and steadily) throughout your entire life.

I have no idea how many calories are the right number for you and I surely don’t know what exercise program suits your physicality, but I will tell you two things that will be the foundation for any success you may have.

1. Be realistic- 20 lbs in two months is never going to happen. It probably took years to get to this point, so it will take some time to take it off. All this unrealistic goal will do is give you something to feel bad about on Memorial Day when you only lost 6-8 lbs. Set goals that you can celebrate, so that you don’t end up with your face in a bowl of chocolate ice cream trying to make yourself feel better over your perceived failure.
2. Make sure you are doing it (or anything in life for that matter) for the right reasons. If you are committed to making a “lifestyle change” then I have all the hope in the world that you will succeed and find a happier and healthier you under all those extra pounds. If you are doing this strictly to fit into a bathing suit, head out immediately and buy the ice cream now (and you might as well throw in the chocolate syrup…)

If you really want to change your lifestyle and can set realistic goals, then I suggest you join your local gym and sign up with a trainer. It may seem intimidating at first, but I guarantee it will be the best investment in YOU that you have probably made in years. And trust me, if you stay on the track, the 6-8 lbs on Memorial Day may well turn into the 20 you are hoping for by Labor Day. Please let me know how you progress and good luck!

Best,

Rhonda

After months of meetings as well as consultations with the Stakeholder Groups and NF’s, The FEI Dressage Task Force is closing in on a final proposal to go before the FEI Bureau, where we hope it will be easily approved. It has not been always easy, but we feel that our work has truly shown a new beginning in a more democratic and transparent process by which to make great and necessary change.

I want to say how much I admire the other members of the DTF, who have all proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they care about the Dressage sport with a passion which is not at all divided by the interest group they represent. This is not to say that we do not understand our obligations to our constituent groups, but rather that our experiences overlap nicely into each-other’s fields of expertise such that we are able to empathise easily with each-other’s issues.

In case you haven’t met my colleagues, let me do a brief introduction.

Our Chairman (and “Fearless Leader”), Frank Kemperman, is an absolutely great guy, as well as being the organizer of the grandest horse show in the world, Aachen. In that capacity he has had to become an expert in all FEI sports as well as negotiation and, luckily for me, patience!

Katrina Wuest represents the International Dressage Judges group and is amazing. She has trained and ridden to Grand Prix and, coming from Germany, this ‘O’ Judge has huge experience which she draws from in passionately working for positive change.

Elisabeth (Sissy) Max-Theurer was an Olympic individual Gold Medalist in 1980 and still trains, rides, and work for her Austrian FN. All this and she is also a major horse owner and the proud Mom of her top internationally competing daughter. Enough said.

Alain Francqueville, representing the Chefs d’equipe, is our resident genius. Thank goodness, whenever we are a bit cloudy as to procedures and formulas, Alain comes to the table with an at once intricate but also simple way of solving complex problems.

And what can I say about my good friend and competitor for many years, Richard Davison? With his very special British humour and his excellent ability for tact and diplomacy, Richard is a vigorous defender of athletes’ rights. Not only is he a rider and trainer, Richard puts on a CDI in England and is the vice-chair of the IDRC.

These are the folks on the Dressage Task Force with me, but I can’t forget the FEI staff, as without them, we’d be literally running around in circles!

David Holmes is the Executive Director of Sport at the FEI and, as a dressage rider from his native England, has not only the special expertise needed to ensure positive change, but the intellect and passion to take us to the next level in horse sport in general.

Anna Milne has been invaluable at keeping track of the minutes and making sure we are living up to our goal of becoming a more transparent and approachable organization.

Last but certainly not least is Eva Soloman who, as director of Dressage for many years, left us the other day to pursue other things. Eva had the strength and wisdom to be able to deal with so many issues at one time, that my head would spin. It was an honour to serve along side her for the brief time before she left her post and I know we all wish her the very best in the future. She is a great friend and will be greatly missed!

In the next couple of days I will send out our latest version of the DTF’s proposals (we are just waiting for them to be typed up) and I hope you will see that we are truly trying to deal with everyone’s concerns. At the same time we must all remember that, while keeping the basic principles of Dressage a priority, our goal must also be to “sell the sport” to a wider world audience and ensure our spot in the Olympic family for ever.

Cheers!

RD

From Karin Offield:

The Swedish Studbooks (ASVH) and The American Swedish Warmblood Breeders (SWANA) are hosting this meeting with special guests, the KWPN in Las Vegas Friday morning April 17th. I would like to invite you to join us for the meeting. Please pass the word and I hope to see you in Las Vegas! Thanks, Karin Offield

Click here to see the invite (PDF).

This just off the press: Anky will be showing up after all- not with Salinero as she and many others hoped, but with Painted Black, with whom she qualified. Whether you are a fan or not, nobody can deny the fact that Anky is a huge draw for the event, and the show will be far better off with her there.
I, for one, am thrilled and applaud her sense of spotsmanship and can’t wait to watch her, Isabel, Steffen, and all the other great stars along with their super mounts.

And, for the first time, the World Cup will be broadcast live on NBC Universal and I’m lucky enough to be doing the commentary. So, I hope everyone will either come to Vegas and enjoy all the fun, ot watch it all go down live on TV.
Oh, and even if you are planning to come to Vegas, don’t forget to set your DVR’s to tape the show. If we want continued equestrian programming, we need to support it by tuning in!

Cheers!

RD

Just back from the 1st leg of my once a month trips on my “Cher” Farewell Tour, I am delighted to say that the Californians still “got it goin on!” I saw some excellent riders on truly knock-out horses, and I’ll fill you in further about them in my next post.

I also am really psyched to report that the World Cup WILL be televised live on NBC Universal, an affiliate of NBC. The main events in Show Jumping as well as Dressage will be aired and I will be on hand doing the play-by-play commentary, so you can be assured of a no-holes-barred program. The World Cup is always an amazingly exciting competition, but in “Sin City” it takes on a whole new dimension. The glitz and glamour of show business brings the entire event to a level you just can’t find anywhere else on earth.
So if you’ve been on the fence about going, climb off and meet me in Vegas! Oh, and by the way, if you do intend to go, don’t forget to set your Tivo’s and DVR’s to tape the shows. We need to tell the networks that we horse lovers will support all equestrian related programming if we are to gain a “soft spot in their hearts”.

Hope to see you in Vegas!

Cheers!
RD

Dear Rhonda,

I am a successful, 37 year old divorcé with no children and but can’t seem to get a date. All of my friends are married and I hate going to bars. I know so many people who met their soul mates on sites like Match.com and Eharmony.com, but honestly I can’t imagine myself on any of those sites. It feels a bit desperate. What is your take on this?

Lonely –Table for One

Dear Lonely,

What’s not to imagine about yourself being on one (if not all) of those site? Are you disfigured in a way that makes you unsalable in an online photo? Aside from severe burns about the face and/or neck, I can’t imagine you don’t have a respectable head shot. On the other hand, I can understand how you might feel insecure in the on-line medium having to promote yourself like a new book on Amazon.com. But, unfortunately this is the world we live in today, so I suggest you jump on board. Unless you want to grow old, choke on chicken bone and die by yourself you better pound out 350 words that describe yourself and upload a flattering photo or two. If it proves too difficult, get a $20 bottle of Merlot and invite your best friend over to help you write it. It will be a blast!

All that said, here are few of Rhonda’s rules for on-line dating, which are sure to make it a more pleasurable experience for both you and your prospective suitor.

1. Don’t lie (embellishing is OK)
2. Your photos must have been taken within the last 12 months and be within 5 pounds of your current weight
3. After 2-3 emails and 1-2 phone conversations set up a date. Don’t waste months getting to know each others innermost feelings on the phone and via email only to find out when you finally meet that your actual chemistry is dimmer than a 25 watt bulb. Trust me. it happens…
4. ALWAYS meet in a public place, no matter how “connected” you think you feel to him/her.
5. Don’t be discouraged after your disastrous first date with the 350 pound Herman Munster that shows up. I know he looked like Brad Pitt on Match.com, but not everyone listens to Rhonda’s rules #1 and #2…

I hope this helps and good luck out there. With a little courage and perseverance, I suspect you will be a “table for two” in no time.

Best,
Rhonda

Corrected! Oops we had the wrong name! Sorry Jane! One of the most fun and beautiful things about Dover’s World for me has been getting to see all the amazing pictures of your pets. I loved each and every one of them and could never have chosen a winner by myself!  But luckily, I have a few very practical (hard-hearted), and unemotional (cold as fish) friends (not all that close), who most kindly (still waiting for their checks) said they would act (like field marshals) as judges (thank God they weren’t judging me!).

And they came up with the winner(so please don’t write me to complain) of our first contest. On March 16th, Jane Savoie sent the winning picture of his absolutely adorable lab puppy. Jane, when you read this and have stopped jumping up and down screaming, “I won! I won!”, which you clearly will, please be so kind as to write in your address and phone number so I can personally send you the prize you and your puppy definitely deserve. Being that cute all day long is clearly an exhausting and daunting responsibility ( I’m talking about the dog), but somebody’s got to do it, right? When you write in, please give us a bit of his/her background along with any new (you know you take them constantly) pics.

Congratulations again!

RD