I love my small animal Vet!  Not only is Dr. Ringler ( Royal Palm Animal Hospital) the finest Vet I have ever known; he is an extraordinary human being and one of the funniest and smartest guys I’ve had the pleasure of being around.  The thing is that every time I take Simon to see him for whatever is ailing him, Dr.Ringler and I get into a discussion that has us both laughing our heads off. 

Yesterday, we got onto the subject of politics and it is amazing how similar our beliefs are.  We both agree that the Republicans are far better at “playing the game” and getting their message out, regardless of how stupid the message is.  They are also not afraid to sacrifice one of their own “crazier” nominees to make the more electable ones rise to the top.  I can’t help thinking though that those who continue to preach all those right-wing “conservative” social values” are responsible for the fear and hatred which still abounds within far too many communities in America.  It was this kind of idiotic hatred that ended up with Brent Whitehouse’s barn being burned down on Sunday along with his 8 horses, all of which perished in the fire, including a one week old foal.  And I’m sorry but if Republicans and anyone else actually back Donald Trump as their Presidential nominee, they are even dumber now then they were for voting George Bush twice into the highest office in the world!  His record in business as well as his motives are highly questionable. 

It is also unbelievable to me that anyone, no less an entire Tea Party, still questions the scientific data proving Global Warming.  Look at the incredible storms around the world, including the enormously potent ones responsible for over 300 lives in the southern United States this week.  Not to mention their assertion that Gays enjoying the same rights as all Americans would destroy the fabric of our nation.  And they have no problem with the idea of arming countries like India with nuclear warheads while that same country is incapable of providing anyone, even the very rich, with clean drinking water.

Which brings me back to Dr. Ringler who, like me, is a huge “Trekkie” (fan of Star Trek) and reminded me that if America were to live by “The Prime Directive”, not only would our world be a better place, but our nation would truly be the greatest country it ever could be - the grandest version of America we would ever have! Naturally, one must extrapolate some of its words to recognize that we have an obligation to help all those in need who, because of our previous neglect as a race, have their very lives in jeopardy.  In case you don’t remember or know what The Prime Directive says, here it is, courtesy of my favourite Vet.

“”As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Starfleet personnel may interfere with the normal and healthy development of alien life and culture.  Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely.  Starfleet personnel may not violate the Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture.  This directive takes precedence over any and all other consideratio0ns, and carries with it the highest moral obligation”

Live long and prosper!

RD

What a week to report on!  I mean, there are so many things going on, both in the horse world and the “real” one.  As usual, I will let the true reporting of the results from the World Cup and  other shows stay with those other websites, but I will say that Adelinde is obviously in complete charge of the arena in Leipzig with Parzival.  Over 80% in the Grand Prix sets her up beautifully to win the World Cup Freestyle while, at the same time down in France, Carl Hester and his student, Charlotte, are showing their power by winning and coming 2ndin the Grand Prix with 74% and 73% respectively.  Would you say that Great Britain is putting a top team together for the upcoming European Championships and next year’s Olympics?  I would!

Our American riders in Leipzig  placed 10th (Jan Ebeling), 11th ( Catherine Haddad) and 14th (Shawna Harding) and I feel certain will all pull out every stop to move up in the Freestyle.  I wish them the very best of luck!  We have a strong contingent of U.S. riders leaving in May to compete in Europe including all of our WEG combinations and Olympian, Guenter Seidel.  All of them are looking at Aachen as their big goal as well they should.  This will give us a strong sense of where we stand one year out from the London Olympics.

Two Royal weddings are taking place - one for the next King and Queen of England tomorrow morning and the other for Princess Zara, world-class 3-day competitor and daughter of Mark Phillips and Princess Ann, both great Olympians themselves.  I’m still waiting for my invitation, Zara.  Remember our month of lessons?

I had 151 e-mails and text messages from literally all around the world in 1 hour duringmy radio show with Tom and Jamie Welling on Tuesday evening! Can you believe it?  I am so excited that “Dover’s World” is getting more andmore traction every week, even as we head toward the summer where I will be bringing my show live from Fire Island.  AndI have guests ranging from Olympic Stars to Politicians to stars from show business; all friends from “my world”.  I also intend to keep highlighting my wonderful sponsors: Robert Ross/Keller Williams, Martin Collins, Equestrian Sport Productions/The Sanctuary, The Dressage Connection/PanaCavallo, The Law Firm of Paul Krasker, Hampton Green Farm and the USPREA.  And I will keep pushing my favourite charities and causes. In other words, “Dover’s World” will continue to be about Everything and Everyone I LOVE!  I hope you will keep tuning and calling in like you did last Tuesday too!

Cheers!

RD

 I was stunned to read the account below of  a hate crime in Ohio against a gay man by someone ( or some people, loosely speaking) who burned down his barn with 8 horses still inside, killing them all!  It is incredible to me that Gay Pride events are being held everywhere and so many steps forward have been seen recently, such as the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, as well as the president saying that Gay people deserve the same rights that straight people enjoy - and then this!  It proves that America still has a very long way to go, especially when major right-wing politicians include anti-gay rhetoric in their platform.  Our youth learn to hate….they are not born programmed to do so.  It saddens me so much when I consider that and I want to ask the horse murderers if it was really worth it to them, considering the cost of innocent lives?  I hope they are found and are brought to justice and will do everything I can to help Mr. Whitehouse if I am able to get in contact with him.  If you know Brent Whitehouse, please ask him to e-mail me at Robert@DoversWorld.com.  Here is the article. 

Brent Whitehouse said he noticed an orange glow coming from the barn near his farmhouse in McConnelsville, Ohio, just before midnight Sunday. He ran out to the barn, but the door jammed — its hinges likely melted from the fire’s heat.

“I couldn’t get the door open,” Whitehouse told the Ohio news website WhizNews.com. “I could still hear the horses kicking and I tried as hard as I could to get them out, and I just couldn’t get them out in time.”

“Whoever did this, I can’t believe they would take the time to actually harm an innocent animal,” Whitehouse told Channel 10 TV station. “Because the way that barn burned, they had to be around those horses. And to see a little baby colt, a week old, and know that they were going to kill it.”

Neighbor and friend Bobbie Nelson said she believes those responsible for the arson “obviously don’t know [Whitehouse] very well, because he’s a sweet-hearted person, and how he lives his lifestyle is nobody’s business but his own.”

“To take it out on these innocent horses was beyond any fathom of what anybody should ever do to anybody,” another neighbor who worked with Whitehouse’s horses, Yvette Yeadon, also told WhizNews.

The dead animals were show horses. One of the eight, named Love, was a pregnant mare and about to give birth. Whitehouse estimated their value, along with the destroyed barn, to be more than $500,000.

“The barn I can rebuild, but the bond I had with those horses can’t be replaced,” he told the Zanesville Times Recorder.

The other horses were named Elvis, Barney, Bella, Ethel and Floyd — plus a mare named Princess and her week-old foal, Buddy.

The state fire marshal’s office has ruled that the fire was intentionally set. The local Blue Ribbon Arson Committee has announced a $5,000 reward for any information about who set the fire.

“No tip is considered too small or insignificant,” fire marshal spokesman Shane Cartmill told the Times Recorder. “We want to hear from anyone who may have seen something out of the ordinary at, or around, the time of the fire or hear from someone else talking about the fire with an unusual level of interest or knowledge.”

Let’s all try to help Brent Whitehouse in any way we can!  I will do my best to get in touch with him and see what we can do.

RD

Spring is most definitely here and I am enjoying the shift to slowing down from the very hectic winter.  Now, I am always very grateful for my wonderful customers who loyally come back each fall and stay until April  and I truly miss them when they go home.  It’s sort of like when “summer camp” used to end in my childhood and I hated to see all my friends leave.  But leave they have and now, for the month of May, I will be down here for the most part in Wellington, other than a few trips to Fire Island to open our summer house and a clinic here and there.  So, if you are in the Wellington area and are looking for some training from me, now is your chance.  Just give me a call or contact me at Robert@DoversWorld.com and I’ll get back to you.

We will be in Fire Island from June to September and I will be going every Wednesday to Bedford to teach a one-day weekly clinic as well as each Friday to do the same in Riverhead, New York.  If you are interested in riding or auditing these clinics, they are filling very quickly, so please get in touch with Heather Ward for the Wednesday clinics in Bedord, at her HWDressage at Sunnyfield Farm. Phone #:917-886-9165 or e-mail her at: heatherton2000@yahoo.com    If you are interested in Friday clinics in Riverhead at Willow Tree Farm, please contact Jane Springer right away at 631-335-0085 or at janepspringer@gmail.com and she will be pleased to put you on the list.  I am really looking forward to getting to work with old and new friends this summer!

Cheers!

RD

Don’t forget to tune in to WBZT (AM1230) this Tuesday night from 6:05-8pm EST or live around the world right here at DoversWorld.com to “Dover’s World”! It is going to be a great show!
The first hour is called, “Ask The Olympians” , and I hope you all will call in with your questions to our 2 GREATS, Lauren Hough from Jumping and Debbie Mcdonald from Dressage. They will be fielding all your questions at 561-844-6167 and toll-free from anywhere at 1-800-889+0267. Whether it’s about the upcoming Games, the state of the sports, training questions you might have for yourself abd your horses, or anything else you want to ask these legends, PLEASE call in and speak to them!!!

And In my 2nd hour, Tom (Superman from the hit show, Smallville) and his wife, Jamie (up and coming Dressage rider) will be on to discuss life after Smallville, horsing around the world, what’s next for both of them, and whether or not we might see some little supermen or women flying around in the future. :). This is one show that fans can call in to the number above and speak to this power couple one on one, so don’t miss the chance, because Tom never does interviews….EVER! Don’t let me down, FRIENDS! Tune and call in, PLEASE!! Thanks!

Cheers!

RD

The Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is going on in Miami and we are planning on seeing some movies during the weekend, but tonight we went to see Water For Elephants and it was amazing! You can always tell a great movie by the fact that the audience actually claps when it ends to show their appreciation. And this group clapped vigorously! The cast, both 2 and 4-legged, were fantastic and I would strongly suggest you see Robert Patterson, Reese Witherspoon and Hal Holbrook along with the rest of this stellar cast in what I feel certain will receive multiple Oscar nods! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Cheers!

RD

Tom and Jamie Welling

      Did I mention that I am soooo excited to be having Tom Welling (Star of hit TV show, Smallville) and his wife, Jamie ( up and coming Dressage rider and amazing lady!) on my radio show, “Dover’s World”, this coming Tuesday evening from 6:05 to 8pm EST on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and live around the world  here at DoversWorld.com?  This is your chance to talk to and ask questions of one of the most FABULOUS POWER COUPLES in the show-biz/horsey world!  Call in to 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267 and find out everything you are dying to know from them.  I don’t know about you, but they’re my good friends and I still have a thousand questions to ask!  LOL!

Tom Welling and me at "our" (his) unemployment party a couple of weeks ago in L.A., hosted by Jamie. Sweet!

Cheers!

RD

If there was ever a radio show you won’t want to miss, it will be this coming Tuesday, April 26th, on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and live around the world right here on DoversWorld.com between 6:05 and 8pm EST! I know, you are saying, “Well, I’ve heard from your “Olympic friends” before, so what’s new?”

Well, in the first hour I will be speaking with one of the greatest American Olympians ever, Debbie McDonald from Dressage and an equally fantastic Olympian from the world of jumping, Lauren Hough, as we discuss the road to the Pan America and Olympic Games for our Teams! You can call in and ask these top professionals your questions at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267 and they and I really love to hear from you!

But that’s just where t
He fun begins, because in my 2nd hour I will have very special guests, Jamie and Tom Welling, she a dedicated Dressage up and coming rider and he….. well he has been the star of Smallville for 10 seasons, playing SUPERMAN, himself!! Now, I have been a Superman addict since childhood and have watched every week as Tom literally grew up in the role of Clark Kent, before and after he understood his powers, other than flying. We will discuss Jamie’s riding career and Tom’s acting career as well as what’s next for them both as Superman comes to a close this season. Here is your chance to call in to speak to this “power couple” at 561-844-6167 or 800-889-0267. Don’t miss this opportunity as Jamie tells me Tom NEVER does interviews unless they are work related. These are going to be 2 fantastic hours and I can’t wait!

Cheers!

RD

One of the few things in life we can all depend upon other than death and taxes is “CHANGE” is inevitable.  And change is not always easy or painless, however, learning to cope with it comes  with experience and the wisdom from growing older.  A good friend of mine was recently very upset because their best client was stolen away by someone they thought would never do such a thing.  I know exactly what that feels like, as does practically everyone in almost any kind of business, especially those who are really doing well for themselves.  I have also had someone I thought of as a dear friend, practically family, steal a great deal of money from me.  In the end, everything happens for a reason and even the harder moments as “s#*t happens” can end up to be doorways toward something better.

And so it goes in business and in life.  If we stay true to the very best of who we think we are, no matter how challenging life can be, a little time will go by and we come to the realisation that everything truly does tend to work out for the best in the end!  If I sound like the “eternal optimist”, it is because that is exactly what I am! The key to remaining happy is in how we decide to perceive that which is happening to us as we go through life.  We always have the choice to make lemonade out of lemons; we simply have to remind ourselves to do so!

Cheers!

RD

I have a great show for you tomorrow evening from 6:05 to 8pmEST  on Dover’s World - Carl Hester will be calling in on his way home from Badminton and I am hoping to have him as well as Ashley Holzer discuss their plans on “the road to the Olympics”.  Carl is in a very unusual situation with both horses for himself to try out with and a top horse he owns being ridden successfully by one of his students.  And Ashley has just added a second horse to follow up and take a bit of pressure off of the great Pop Art, so she will also have two horses to try our with.  These are two of the top trainers/riders in the world today so take advantage of the opportunity to tune in to WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and live around the world right here at DoversWorld.com and call in and ask them your questions at 561-844-6167 or toll-free at 1-800-889-0267!  They both and I would love to hear from you!

And in my 2nd hour, I guarantee you will laugh your backsides off as I talk with one of the smartest, funniest guys I have ever known in a segment I am calling, “The Life and Times of Ron Davis”.  From his childhood resembling “The Soprano’s” to his stint as a horseman/drag queen to his moving up the ranks in the publishing industry and eventual amazing success as a producer/director for a major company, Ron’s story is a tale that would make a great book in and of itself and nobody could recount it more honestly and humorously than Ron himself.  You do not want to miss this show!!!  So tune in and call in to the numbers listed above and ask Ron ANYTHING!  You won’t regret it……I think. 

Cheers!

RD