Mom’s Corner - Mentors and Moms
A picture of this remarkable Lady taken at the convention last December. The other two are Herb & me, her fervent admirers
Way back in 1981 or 2 The Insilco Dressage Finals were held in Kansas City at the Kemper Arena. Mary Ellen Purucker was chairing the show & was in charge of assigning a lady to escort each rider and see to their needs. As fate would have it the lady got sick at the last minute and Mary Ellen, at who’s home Robert was staying, decided to escort Robert herself.
And so began a life long friendship that has spanned these 30 some years.
Last night we were chatting about all the horses Mary Ellen has had Robert bring for an exhibition to the very appreciative crowds. There was Johnathon Livingston Seagull who died under Robert from an aneurism. Then Romantico, Federleicht , Deveraux, Juvel, Ranier and Kennedy.
I am sure there were more but Robert will have to fill us in on them.
This from Mary Ellen:
“I will never forget the night Robert was putting on an exhibition at the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas. There was a cocktail party before the show, hosted by the Woman’s Chamber of Commerce, and Robert was to speak. We left my house in plenty of time and arrived at the show building. Robert reached for his jacket in the back seat..it was not there!!! We just sat looking at each other, sure the other had put it there. I told him to go in. Fortunately it was a very warm November night, and I sped home in record time & back in 30 minutes. It usually takes 30 minutes one way. I could have been locked up for excessive speeding. Robert put on his jacket and calmly performed.”
“Another time he and Kay Meredith performed a Pas De Deux on foot! No one knew it was going to happen .It was a wonderful surprise.. Whenever Kay went off course Robert grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back. The crowd loved it and laughed, showing their appreciation. The two came out wringing wet but happy to have pulled it off.”
Fast forward to the USDF, December 25th, in Denver Co. The temperature was a chilly 25 degrees and it was snowing. All the Dovers were thrilled to hear that Mary Ellen and her long time friend Micky Christopherson were going to join us for the festivities. Micky is on the board of directors of the USEF which was sponsoring the convention.
To see Mary Ellen with her vitality at 90 years old, it was amazing. We should all be so blessed! What a trooper she is. I sat her next to Robert and the two enjoyed eachother’s company very much..
Mary Ellen is still active and interested in all things having to do with horses.
Tags: feature
Jean Dover — August 6, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Where is the picture?
Jessica — August 9, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
Hi Roberts Mom… I read your response under the coupons post, but thought I would move it up and give you an update here. We were treated in the hospital on an outpatient basis on Friday - Blood transfusions work just like chemo, so they hooked her up and let the blood drip. She was very scared and very upset she had to go, but they let me stay with her the whole time. The chest xray came back, and as the doctor said, looked very good, no pneumonia. He did prescribe another round on anti-biotics anyway though, as he thinks her sinus infection might have settled as bronchitis. She’s stayed home this weekend as it’s become very hot and humid here a(95 degrees w/80% humidity) and that’s not helpful when someone is short of breath. She’s feeling slightly better - Definitely speaking better (she had trouble keeping up with a conversation before), and she’s breathing slightly better. We borrowed a wheelchair from her work and she is begrudgingly letting me push her around - it really is easier for her though. Mom will have her chemo treatment tomorrow and then I believe another PET in early September to see if it’s working. RIght now she doesn’t have much of an appetite, so I am really bugging her about that. She’s just as stubborn as her father, my grandfather. I remember him being this difficult very vividly!
I am SO excited and happy to hear your good news! That is so fantastic and I’m so excited you get to go to the Shakespeare Theater in Texas! You will have to tell me all about it. I love Shakespeare. It was one of my favorite classes in college. I had season tickets to the Shakespeare Theater here when I lived in the city and then for a couple of years after, but as other things got busy I didn’t renew - I really need to get back to that …
Don’t EVER hate to tell me good news! It makes me smile! I couldn’t be happier for you! I am blessed to have “met” you on here and have the prayers of you, your family and so many people who I imagine are reading these posts …
That is a great picture above on this post BTW.
Talk soon - Love Always - Jessica
Jean Dover — August 11, 2009 @ 10:46 am
Dearest Jessica,
Your Moms great results from the blood transfusion she dreaded having helped her and she is able to have her chemotherapy. That in itself is a miracle we all have been praying for.
I wrote her an uplifting note yesterday. Sometimes it helps to read for yourself that someone out there cares.
Our life is very difficult but I now realize I must have help with Herb, and that I can’t do everything for him, or with him. Two things I am trying to accomplish are getting him into a day care program to help stimulate his brain, and find a real Alzheimer’s caregiver so I can get out on my own for a few hours several times a week.
Thanks for wishing me well.
Love,
Roberts Mom
PS: If there are any misspelled words please forgive me as one of the problems of Dyslectic people is that one can read the same sentence over and over and never see the problem. I kid you not!
Jeny — August 15, 2009 @ 10:09 am
I jump on Dovers world from time to time. I love your postings. I came across the one about Mary Ellen. My grandmother took me to the 1982 Insilco competition in KC ( the old American Royal building ). I still have the program. After watching Robert and Kay do their duo ( I believe it was on stick horses ) I was hooked!. I spent the rest of the time asking questions and learning about the Kansas City Dressage Society. I met Mikki Christopherson and Mary Ellen and they encouraged me to join. I joined that day in the office! What delightful women! I was fortunate to be able to grace Mary Ellens presents at many dressage events to follow in the KC area. I knew very little of Robert or dressage but he had inspired me with his silliness that day at Insilco. Years later I was competing a horse that he chose to ride ( Capello ) in the Concert of Champions. With the lights down low, the symphony started to play and here came Robert through the endgate with the spotlight on! I was holding my breath as he moved Capello in passage down the far end towards the bandstand. He had only ridden the horse for two thirty minute sessions previous to the performance. He was brilliant! He ended with a salute. The crowd stood up and roared! Thank you for posting about Mary Ellen. I am glad to read she is doing well!
Jean Dover — August 15, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Dear Jeny,
It was delightful to receive your informative comment. Is it possible they performed on stick horses 27 years ago? That is what made it such fun. Thanks for adding the information. I can see them now cantering along.
Mary Ellen told me I had misspelled Mikki. She hadn’t advised me, and you must admit it is a rare spelling. My apologies to Mikki.
The Kansas City Dressage Societies history reveals a most consistent, elegant, and well run organization. Mary Ellen’s leadership was, & maybe still is, in a great way responsible for that. Robert always spoke of his time there in glowing terms.
My favorite way to see the Musical Kur is under a spot light following rider and horse. That combination makes the ride so exquisite. I know watching Capplo perform in the Concert of Champions with the symphony was a thrill few get. I myself never had that pleasure.
Are you still riding Jeny? It is such a great way to relax and let the problems of the world fade away for a while.
Thanks again for writing.
Robert’s Mom
Jeny — August 17, 2009 @ 10:33 am
Jean,
I am still riding everyday! After that Insilco competition and Roberts stick ride I got totally absorbed in dressage 27 years ago! Mary Ellen being voted in as an honorary member. Robert coming into town from time to time, gracefully allowing us to “pick his brain”, has and will always be a thrill.
I felt very fortunate to become involved on the board of KCDS for 15 years. KCDS being a charter member of USDF was a vast experience. Very active with all USDF programs and education being number one! That experience inspired me to move to Palm Beach County Florida 8 years ago. I teach and judge at the schooling show level. I still pinch myself from time to time being able to stand close by and watch Robert school students during the Wellington shows.
I have not known of any other dressage venue that has had exhibition riding in the spotlight with a symphony orchestra ( in the arena with the horse! ). More more!
Jean Dover — August 18, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Dear Jeny,
How wonderful you are still an active rider. It is amazing how the Insilco show changed the focus of your life. To think you became very involved with the KCDS for 15 years, and that you are now in Florida, not only riding, but teaching & judging. Wow,I think that is fabulous.
The symphony could use some meaningful work as many people have lost interest in going. The trouble is there is probably little money to realize live music ever being used at shows. Just think every rider would have to send them their music. It does sound complicated doesn’t it?
Continued good luck. Stay safe.
Roberts Mom
kenn acebal — August 26, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
Hi Jean,
It was so wonderful to hear form you. I have so many fond memories of you and Herb. I am sad to hear of his battle with Alzheimers, but i know that he is in the cradle of love and support with you and family!! I know when i went to ride with Robert at the beginning , i was only 22, that i always loved seeing you and felt like my mother was around. I have so many funny stories and memories that span the years. I am glad that you have battled and your illness and are still going strong!! With a blog !!! A true 21st century women. Do you have my email so that we can communicate directly to one another.
All my love and best wishes ,
Ken
Jean Dover — August 27, 2009 @ 11:04 am
Dear Ken,
How about relating some of those funny stories on this blog. My readers love the personal stuff memories are made of.
My love to your folks and of course to you.
Roberts Mom, Jean
Jean Dover — September 27, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Here is an update on that very wonderful,amazing lady Mary Ellen Purucker.
She called me today to say hello. In August Mary Ellen celebrated her 91st. birthday. She is still active with the Royal. Can you believe that? Her job is to choose the hostesses for the event. That is the same job she had when she first met Robert years ago. We chatted about everything from world events, to common everyday goings on with our family, and hers.
So please hop on this page and send her a belated Happy Birthday, and best wishes for all the coming year.
Love,
Roberts Mom
Jean Dover — October 23, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
There are two other Ladies I want to mention as being great friends, and students of Robert. They both, in their own way, made a difference in his life.
First is Kay Moss Dore. She met Robert when he was grown, training and showing Romantico in Florida. Kay introduced him to many people in the world of Dressage. From there he developed a great following. Kay told Robert she would like to meet me as she had a desire to get into the jewelry business. One thing about Kay is whatever she decides to do, she does to perfection. We became fast friends. Kay was so kind to us when we came to watch Robert compete. She saw to it that we had good seats, and a cart to drive around in. Can you imagine she even bought us yellow folding seats so we would never have to stand. Herb & I stayed at her home many times. Kay became like another daughter to me. We even shared space showing our jewelry at horse shows. Kay & I will always be fast friends. I love her dearly.
Karin Offield is another wonderful friend, and student of Roberts. When he was raising funds to show his reality video she helped make that possible. Robert went with her when she decided to buy Linge. She said it was the best year of her life. I am so happy knowing Robert helped make it that for her. Karin is so lovely and charming. I always enjoy time spent with her.
Roberts Mom
Jean Dover — October 28, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
10-28-09
Looking at the date I decided it was time to complete my Mothers and Mentors articles.
This next is a direct quote of what Robert had to say when asked the question, “Who has been one of your greatest Mentors throughout your Dressage career?”
Dover: I have had many wonderful people assist me over the years. I started my career with Myra Wagner. Elizabeth Lewis was also instrumental in helping me. My greatest mentor was Colonel Bent Ljungquist,coach of our Olympic team when I made the squad for the first time. He was the trainer who mentored me from being a medium level rider through to the Grand Prix. He formed my belief system on not only how to ride, but also on horse care and mastership.
I was also going to address our life in Atlanta. Living there agreed with all of us. Robert knew about Elizabeth Lewis & so He and Herb went off to meet her. She agreed to have Robert stable and train with her. I can still see pictures of her in the Chronicle mounted on her beautiful white horse.
I decided to get a Real Estate license and was soon busy with selling homes in a huge development. Robert must have been driving because I don’t remember having to take him daily as I did when he was young and we lived in Hollywood Florida.
If any of you have other memories of that long ago time please fill me in.
Love,
Roberts Mom