What Does It Take?
So here’s the thing. I’m working away, writing my next month’s “Update” as well as my “Out For Good Hero” for June, and thinking, “Where are all my readers and friends?”
I mean, I know you’re out there- and not just a few. There are well over 150,000 of you now all over the world, who are obviously a little crazy and share that as well as at least a few of the same passions or thoughts which I have.
But what does it take to get you to write in and talk to me more?
Maybe if I mention Anky in every post, even the ones having nothing to do with horses, I will get a rise out of you and you’ll start communicating again like the time I did the piece on “Claasical”. Or maybe I should bring up some political or religious hotspots- they always seem to get people going at parties.
What if I were to just try asking each of you to simply “count off’”, like in gramar school in the morning’s attendance? Would you please take a moment to click on the bottom of this post and, if nothing else (PLEASE, something else!), type in your name and let me know you care. It would make me sooooo happy!
And while you’re at it, would it be too much to ask you to let 10 or 20 friends know about Dover’s World? I mean, there are millions of us “crazy people” out there, and here’s a chance for us to get together daily to discuss and maybe even come up with ways to change things and make our world a better place. Remember, this is “our movie” and we can direct it anyway we choose, but to do that we have to take part and not just watch it from a far. Right?
Cheers!
RD
Micki — May 28, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I’m here, although I have never written. I enjoy your comments and really enjoyed your comments during the Las Vegas WEG this year. I listened via the internet and learned a lot from your observations. It really helped that what you were saying was happening while I was watching, so I got real-time feedback. Thanks! What I have been wondering is how is baby Simon, are his tests back? I sure hope it was good news!
Thanks for your help with our US team, I really hope all the hard work you guys have done will continue to put the US riders toward the top. I have no problems with Anky or Isabell, but I sure want us to beat them regularly! I am a huge mare fan, do we have any up and coming young mares on the world stage scene? Have a great day!
Micki in Ga.
Robyn Hahn — May 28, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Hi Robert! I have really been enjoying your blog. Your writing is so personal, it’s like we’re friends
I’m not one to comment, usually, but since you begged…
I’m headed with my horse to the Raleigh CDI later today. After looking at the day sheets last night, I’m wondering what I was thinking!!!! There are about 15+ horses in each of my 4th level classes (I haven’t seen that many since training/1st level), and I’m a bit intimidated. I’m slightly more nervous than usual, but the training has been good and we’re ready, so I just need to ride my horse like I do at home. Easier said than done, as we all know.
I thought I had seen earlier that you were to visit Raleigh on your farewell tour. Either your plans have changed, or I was mistaken. Either way I am disappointed.
Thanks for all your continued activity in the dressage world, and for this really entertaining blog.
Robyn in NC
lita dove — May 28, 2009 @ 10:55 am
First–thank you for starting the website, it is one of the most entertaining and interesting blogs out there.
Second–what is going on with the search for the next U.S. dressage coach?
I know the time period for ‘the search’ has been extended–but for how long, not to mention why…
or are TPTB (the powers that be) going to change the criteria?
wishing us all well,
dlh — May 28, 2009 @ 11:13 am
I love your website!
and since you asked.. I sit a true rumor that Debbie mcdonald will be the new US coach? She has stated that she has retired from the show ring so it looks like all the stars are in alinement for the spot.
Jenn — May 28, 2009 @ 11:20 am
I’m one of those crazy horse people who reads your blog/website! I just don’t comment very often. Keep up the excellent work!
Susan Lawson — May 28, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Dear Mr. Dover,
I wondered if you had seen the live stream of the WDM Munich recently. If so, I wondered if you could comment on Catherine Haddad’s performance. I could not see that her ride in the special was on the web, but I did see the GP. I took lessons from her more than 15years ago before she left for Germany while she still studied with Herr Hangen. I have followed her and others on Youtube(I spend most of my luch hours watching dressage) and have followed her career with particular interest. Here’s the thing. I think that her score should have been higher. I felt that I was seeing real progress with her performaces on Cadillac. He excels at the collected movements, but unlike some others who excel in the same way his extended gaits are also very good-not stiff or choppy. The changes seemed straighter than almost anyone else in her section (alot of swinging haunches, I thought) and the pirouettes which seemed to present somewhat of a challenge on this horse seem to be coming along-more forward, better rhythm, and tighter circles. So, am I just biased as an Americn and a former student? Also, I was floored by Ulla Salzgeber and Herzuf’s Erbe. I think that the press that they have received is not understated. As they are relatively “new” to each other once they get in better sync. and make their transitions a little more fluid WATCH OUT. I think that they will be tough!
Patty — May 28, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
Hi Robert: I just now for the first time have seen your website and this posting gets me to write that I am a ‘fan’, having watched you ride and coach for several years. Am hoping to get to Cincinnati, as I want to see one of the participants as a potential match for my mare.
Here is the one thing I look for in my lifelong quest of riding, and I just don’t see it. Where are the experts on training the riders? Too many just want to create a pretty picture for themselves - put your leg there, your elbow there, bend him more - which just ends up with tension and frustration in both horse and rider. They call that a lesson, or a clinic. Not many people can teach ‘the feel’ to those who don’t get it innately. Actually there are some, but the incentive to keep schoolmasters for the purpose just isn’t there. Let’s start a virtual school, write a curriculum, find teachers with appropriate schoolmasters for each level, and certify them. What is your opinion on this?
Nancy — May 28, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
Hi Robert! Big fan, check the web site every day. Is there any way to alert people who are big fans of dressage to up coming events that will be on the web or broadcast and how to find it? I live in a rural area with few dressage fans. Also could you put video of the World Cup with you commentary on your site so those of us who couldn’t get it live can still see it?
Thanks!!
Nancy
Jennifer Davis — May 28, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Hey Robert!
I said hi to you back when you first started this up! I still check it regularly, and I love reading about your goings on! Sorry to hear you are selling your home in Welly World, will you still be around on Wednesdays? I’ll be out of school soon, maybe I can come visit!
christie hanson — May 29, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
You know I am here! I write in regularly! I will pass it on as well….Since I have a blog of my own I feel the same way. I post here the same way I hope that people will head over and post on my own blog. I have been in a slump since my grandfather passed away but I have been inspired by you and the great insight you provide! Thanks again Christie
RDover2 — May 29, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
I just want to thank you all for writing in. And they are still streaming in which makes me happy. I wish I could put up a copy of the WC byt, alas, it’s owned by NBC and I don’t have the rights. Happy to chat about it all with you though.
Cheers!
RD
Jane Savoie — May 29, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
Well, you know I’m here.
Jane
xo
Buffy — May 30, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
Hi Robert.
Just stumbled on to this, now bookmarked in a safe place. Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I really enjoy your writing. Please keep it up!!
Buffy
Karin Offield — June 1, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
standing by ya ! I hope to hear that you are selected as our team coach. What an incredible time and experience that will be for us. Love you, Karin Offield
Ralph Suarez — June 8, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
Thanks for all that you do to further dressage, here in the USA.