Mom’s Corner -Olympic Adventures (And A Few Disasters!) :)
As Robert mentioned on his website, I will soon be writing stories titled. The Dover’s Olympic Follies. I hope you will enjoy going down memory lane with me again. I asked Margo to relate her memories of that wonderful time, and how it all came to pass. So here it is, Dear Friends. While that went on in Texas, we Florida Seniors tackled the logistics of insuring a smooth trip to our First Olympics in Los Angeles.
Robert was told he had xx number of months to purchase Romantico from the German owners (RD owned a small percentage and was training him in Virginia I believe) or Romantico would be at the Olympics for the Germans.I called Marnie Reeder and a group of Texans joined together and bought him with the caveat that we syndicate him quickly and repay the ones that wanted out. I got all of the phone numbers from RD of all his top fans and supporters and began making phone calls. It was my full time job.Stacy was a newborn and I remember the months of March and April, May just walking around and around the house with stacy on one hip and the phone in my hand telling the story to people I’d never met and working to raise the money. Stacy could use a toy phone better then any kid I’d ever seen, it was her life. I think her first sentence was probably, “so can I interest you in a share of an Olympic horse”? We did pretty well, but when we got to the Olympics we were still about $18,000 short. Stacy and I were getting donuts and coffee in the motel (well, I was getting coffee and donuts stace was along for the ride) when we met a nice young man and his young daughter. They were from jackson hole I believe and we talked for a while and next thing I knew he was buying the final share. Phew!What I remember was the amazing heart that a bunch of Texans showed in buying the horse on behalf the USA - and for wanting a young rider that showed such incredible promise to be able to represent his country and the finest horse ever.Remember, after Romantico was retired he to Austin and lived at Marnie Reeders until his death. He was sweet and loving and when he was turned out he would do his dressage routines without a rider on his back. PS Thanks to Half-halt he hated small dogs forever.
Love,
Robert’s Mom and Sister, Margo
Tags: feature
Marci Brown — October 17, 2009 @ 10:38 am
These stories will be fantastic. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life journey with all of us !
Jean Dover — October 17, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Dear Marci,
I don’t know if you are aware I am no longer in remission, and have started chemotherapy this week.
I am not feeling like going dancing, but not as bad as I had feared.
Today I will start writing my memories of 1984.
Please tell me about yourself. I am always interested in my new friends Dressage story.
Thanks for your e-mail.
Love,
Roberts Mom
Marci Brown — October 17, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
Dearest Jean,
In 2008 we spent much of the year with my own Mom, at 54, and her cancer battle. She didn’t feel much like dancing eithor , but the extra time spent together with family was so wonderful ! Heartfelt prayers sent your way. God works amazing miracles, both medically and in families through these hard times ! I wish you strength !
What a wonderful time you will have recalling all your fun stories though ! And, how generous of you to share them with us all !
We run a residential teen program here at our small farm in Canada. It is an awesome combination of horse passion, and the hearts of kids. I am very very blessed to live the life I have. I work very hard at my own riding trying to find that elusive balance between family, time and money. It is a challenge but I enjoy every step. I am surrounded by great people. We areso thrilled to have Roberts new involvement in Canada, and I hope to be able to assist him where I can !
I anxiously await to hear your 1984 memories, and then eventually, wait for you to pen your new 2009 and on memories !
Your new Canadian friend,
Marci
Marci Brown — October 23, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Dearset Roberts Mom,
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are getting through all of this with strength.
As a Canadian I am eager to hear more about the years your family lived here ! Please share more when you can !
Marci
Jean Dover — October 24, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Dear Marci,
I will have to go through all the archives to see what I have already written about our wonderful years in Willowdale Canada. I know I just wrote about living above Windfield farm. Check it out too, and I will take it from there.
Love.
Roberts Mom