O Canada - Day 2 In Vancouver
Another fun day is over observing the Coaching Symposium with Ellen Bontje and Christoph Hess here in beautiful Vancouver. The enthusiasm has been terrific and I see the potential in both horses and riders to excel. I also see the need just as clearly for extremely well defined, funded, and administered programs at all levels.
I am reminded of a time when my mentor, the late Col. Bengt Ljungquist, looked at the vastness of the United States as well as the amazing potential of its people and resources, and created a vision which put the pieces of the puzzle together and thus created the evolution of Dressage sport in America. It is a lot like training a horse. Put all the pieces in their correct place and get them working in harmony with each-other and suddenly there becomes “music”- a true work of art!
And so it is with arts, machines, countries, and sport organizations and their teams. Putting this puzzle together will be hard work but also exciting and fun, eh?
Cheers!
RD
Angel Robson — October 25, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Thank you Robert for coming to Vancouver and for taking on the big job of orchestrating a dressage team for Canada. I believe that it can be done and can’t wait to see the results! Would also like to see a picture of you in that hat, eh?
Alioop — November 2, 2009 @ 12:20 am
America’s loss of Robert Dover as their new US Team Coach is a HUGE GAIN for Dressage in Canada.
If DCB had acted with common sense 18 months ago on the 2008 Senior High Performance Committee’s written recommendation…and hired Robert at that time to coach the Olympic Team as OG Team Members requested….we may be 18 months ahead of the game. Instead DCB dismissed the Senior High Performance Committee with no reason and took 18 months to reach the same recommended decision. I don’t get it.
O Well…that is now history… along with those dismissed and discouraged volunteer Dressage Canada Committee Members.
O Canada…there is much work to be done before we rest. Will we ever REALLY…HONESTLY…Own The Podium?
Robert says “YES WE CAN”…He loves Obama! I Want to believe and hope!
I pledged to join Robert’s crusade trying to make a positive difference moving forward.
Robert Dover is truly an Olympic inspiration, an excellent leader, and a spark that re-ignites passion for the sport in many Athletes, Coaches, Judges and Youth. Dressage Canada must move forward… not backwards making the same mistakes over again.
May the force be with you Robert…
O Canada …YES WE CAN !
robert Dover — November 2, 2009 @ 12:36 am
I truly thank everyone in Canada who has voiced their support for me and excitement for our team’s future.
It will take all of us getting together and working to build, fund, and administer the programs which are absolutely necessary if we want to OWN THE PODIUM!
I promise to give 100% and hope you all will do the same.
Cheers!
RD