Thanks For The Thanks!
On occasion I receive some very kind letters about my work and try to respond directly to those who wrote me. This particular letter came to me this morning and I was very touched and thought I would like to post it on DoversWorld as well as to thank Melanie for the very sweet words. I hope she doesn’t mind my putting her message on my site as it is truly her kindness, as is the case with so many great Canadians I’ve been privileged to meet during the last year, which I wish to allow people to see first hand
On behalf of Canadian Dressage riders everywhere I would like to send a sincere thank you to you for everything that you have done for our sport over the past year. For many years the quality of horses and riders in Canada has been steadily improving however we have lacked clear direction and development, often causing us to under perform and not achieve the results that we are capable of. This weekend I had the opportunity to observe first hand the marked improvement in Belinda and Anton and the new found poise and confidence that they now possess; a confidence that goes well beyond their relative experience in the Grand Prix tests. Watching you instruct, guide, and push for more from both Bonnie and Belinda using both constructive feedback and praise was a refreshing change. I know that it has been an uphill battle for you and that the ever present politics have played a role in this battle, for which for lack of a better term I am both embarrassed and ashamed, as aren’t we all striving for the same goals? The improvement and positive results that you have brought to our sport does not go unnoticed or unappreciated and I only hope that when I am lucky enough to represent this country that I love so much doing a sport that I love that a strong leader like yourself will be there to help guide us through. With much thanks
Melanie
Thanks again, Melanie!
ChEers!
RD
Jill Pfaff — September 7, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Bravo!
Robert is such a great positive influence to all that have come in contact with him. In addition to the terrific work he has been doing with our WEG riders, he has inspired and put just as much effort into his work with our junior and young riders. Such mentorship and reassurance to our young people that they are capable of achieving great things and not to accept less than that is wonderful. My daughter feels amazingly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Robert and is exceedingly thankful for this.
JIll
Wendy christoff — September 9, 2010 @ 10:05 am
As one of the riders who has benefited from the work you have done , Robert, I too want to say thank you! You have made an enormous difference in a short time and we riders know how much you have fought and pushed to make things better for Dressage in Canada. One of the best things about you is that you lead by example, and do not ask anyone to do something you have not already done. So I agree with all that Melanie says and more!