I was so happy last night during my radio show, “Dover’s World”, not only because I had the thrill of reporting on both the fantastic news related to the upcoming Global Dressage Festival Series in Florida this winter as well as the incredible news of winning Gay Marriage finally in New York, but because I had the great honor of interviewing a true hero in my eyes, Andy Tobias!  Andy is not only a financial genius and a political giant by anyone’s standards, he is a humble and wonderful person, which makes him what I always refer to as “THE REAL DEAL!”  I loved the conversation and also thank those friends who called in to speak to him as well as me earlier in the show.

But speaking of friends, one such “friend” on facebook decided that it was her moment to put the fear of Jesus in my heart and all of us who, by our desire to love members of the same sex, must in her interpretation of the bible, already have one foot in hell.  So here’s the thing.  GOD is in each and every one of us and that GOD is LOVE!  That means everything which is, is LOVE/GOD and the opposite of LOVE/GOD is ……fear.  This now “ex-friend” from facebook (she is no longer going to be on my wall or invited for lunch, though I did wish her a good life as I deleted her ) went on to post many times last night on my wall before I could respond appropriately and quite a few people are still commenting on her posts.  To those who are still reacting to her messages, I say LET IT GO AND IGNORE  HER AND SHE”LL GO AWAY.  If you wish, do as I did and delete her as a “friend” since she is obviously no friend even to herself.  Take a look at her profile and you will see that she is “Interested in MEN AND WOMEN”  Hmmmm.  No worries, GOD even loves her!

Cheers!

RD

I am both honored and thrilled to be having Andy Tobias on my radio show, “Dover’s World”, tomorrow evening on WBZT(AM1230, Clear Channel) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com from 6:05 to 8:00pm EST.  My first hour will be catching up on the “horsey news” from around the world with Lita Dove as well as Devon Kane’s “Youth Round-up”.  And I will be bringing you HUGE news, both “horsey and not” for which I really hope you will call in and speak with me in person at 561-844=6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  If you have never called in before, I really hope that tomorrow night you will make your first of many calls to me and share the moment in person!  This is truly some of the most important news of my life so PLEASE don’t let me down.  OK?

And in my 2nd hour, I am thrilled and honored to have one of the most influential men of this generation, Andy Tobias, on the show!  Andy has been the Treasurer of the Democratic National Party for years and his genius for finance has been proven again and again through th many books he has authored, some of which are still taken to be the “bible” on the subject.  But Andy has also authored other books, one of which has been responsible for changing countless lives of gay and questioning men and women called, “The Best Little Boy In The World”.  Still, this humble genius has truly done way more to create positive change for progressive thinking straight and gay people alike in America than practically anyone I have known.  And it is for this reason why I have never heard anything but fantastic praise for Andy, even years before I had the honor of meeting him myself.  I very much hope you will call in with your questions and comments for Andy or simply to tell him how much he means to you!  Again, the numbers are 561-844-6167 or 1-800-889-0267.  I know Andy would appreciate hearing from his friends and fans around the world!  It’s going to be a GREAT SHOW!

Cheers!

RD

After 20 years and thanks to so many tireless workers on its behalf, New York finally got it right yesterday and voted to legalize Gay Marriage!  Just in time for Gay Pride Weekend, which now Robert and I will leave Fire Island later today to participate in Manhattan alongside our friends for, it proves that the voice of the people, straight and gay, have spoken. An almost super-majority of 60% came out in fabour of the bill which will be signed into law in 30 days by Governor Cuomo.  Below is the full press release by Ross D. Levi, Director of The Empire State Pride Agenda.  Party on, Friends!  We deserve it!

VICTORY FOR MARRIAGE: Love and fairness win the day! Dear Robert, Because of your dedication and hard work, love and fairness wins the day for all New Yorkers and our families! Today is a historic day and a victory for equality and justice – it is the culmination of many years of work by the Pride Agenda and others across the state. We are thrilled that finally, 30 days after the Governor signs the bill into law, all loving, committed New Yorkers will be able to make the commitment of marriage here in the Empire State. Today’s victory didn’t happen by accident or in the last few years. The Pride Agenda has been working on marriage since the early 2000s when polling was in the low 30s through to nearly 60% today. The bill that was passed today is a direct result of more than a decade of work on the ground, changing people’s minds and opening their hearts. We have spent the past year building momentum and amplifying a drumbeat, so that Albany couldn’t ignore the vast and varied support for doing the right thing on marriage. And our legislators listened to the will of the people, a nearly 60% super majority. It was because of those years of work that the voices of equality were heard. We thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for putting his political capital and popularity firmly behind this issue from day one; Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver for being a steadfast champion in the Assembly; the sponsor of the bill in that chamber, Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell; and the supporters in the Assembly from both parties who voted for this measure over the last three years. We also thank Senate Minority Leader John Sampson and Senator Tom Duane for carrying this bill as the lead sponsor in that chamber; Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for allowing democracy to happen by bringing the bill to the floor; and every member of the State Senate who voted for fairness. I especially want to thank you, our supporters, who have stood by us every step of the way. Because of our community’s hard work in recent elections and since, we changed the political calculus and allowed our elected officials to vote for what they believe is right. We will work tirelessly to hold onto what we won today and we will support our friends who stood by our side. Thanks also to our allied local, state and national organizations – LGBT and non – who were in the fight with us, side-by-side, including unions, congregations and businesses. The Empire State Pride Agenda has more than 20 years experience working on issues that when first introduced did not have strong public support. We are not strangers to hard work and we know how to activate local voices to change hearts and minds. It took us eleven years to pass hate crimes and thirty years to pass the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act. And now we have won marriage! But we must hold onto it. There are those who will want to take away this victory from us and we will fight every day to stop them. Can you make a gift today to protect our win? Together we will prevent the unthinkable and push forward the struggle for full equality and justice. On the streets, in the press and in the halls of government we will also advance equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers and their families by: making sure private actors like companies and unions know how to reconcile New York marriages with federal law; continuing to advocate for transgender civil rights and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA); working to implement the Dignity for All Students Act; and, working to ensure that the health and human service needs of the LGBT community are addressed. Our work continues to change hearts and minds so that loving, committed same-sex couples can be welcomed as married people in all aspects of their lives. We need to help frame the national narrative around marriage, transgender civil rights and other LGBT issues so equality and justice do not end at our borders. We can’t do it without you. But first, we must celebrate our victory - and today’s is momentous. Congratulations. Onward to justice!   Ross D. Levi Executive Director Empire State Pride Agenda

Cheers!

RD

I just heard from my friend, Ken Braddick, of Dressage-News.com ( Watch for all the details at Ken’s site later this evening.) and one of the key players along with Mark Bellissimo, Michael Stone, Kim Boyer and a group of sponsorswho have committed themselves to the creation of The Global Dressage Series, that we have been granted all the shows I hoped for.  Pending approval of the exact dates, Equestrian Sport Production will be offering 2 CDIW’s, 1 CDI3*, ! CDI4/5* and the first ever annual CDIO Nations Cup ever in this hemisphere!  This is absolutely a dream come true and will usher in a new era for Dressage in Florida, America and the world!

The Global Dressage Festival will take place at the brand new, world-class venue which is being constructed on the old Polo Stadium grounds and I guarantee the finest of footing as well as gorgeous facilities for the world’s finest horses and riders to enjoy all winter.  So, Friends from around the world,  start making your plans to spend the 2011/12 season in the Wellington sun with us as we celebrate the sport of Dressage like never before in America. 

 Sun,  fun,  amazing lifestyle, fantastic prize money and World-class showgrounds and competitions!  What could be better?  See you in Wellington!

Cheers!

RD

This week in New York, regardless ofthe weather, Gay Pride is certain to be the biggest ever!  President Obama gave an amazing speech on Thursday evening to get the ball rolling and the parties will now be non-stop until Monday with the parade on Sunday followed by not one but two dances on the piers for both men and women celebrating their sexuality and hopes for equality.  We are so close to finally legalizing Gay Marriage in New York, with just one more vote needed.  It is time for the vote to be taken, so if you are a New Yorker, PLEASE call your senator and tell him or her that you demand they bring the vote to the floor!  We’ve already waited way too long.

I hope all my friends have a fantastic week, both on Fire Island and in the city and that they stay safe and play responsibly.  I, for one, am looking forward to having a great time with Robert and all my gang.    HAPPY PRIDE!

Cheers!

RD

Now listen up, boys and girls who are 21 and under!  Just weeks ago, Lendon Gray, Courtney King-Dye and I went way out on a limb to create and introduce what could be the most life-changing program ever produced in America , JUST FOR YOU!  But here’s the thing - if we don’t get everyone out there to contribute, even $5 or $10 dollars or whatever you can, we just won’t be able to fund this incredible new program.  Lendon, Courtney and I are putting all our energy and resources behind bringing you the training and instruction at practically no cost to yourselves to wherever you live in the United States that we can put on clinics.  But you have to understand that we are not rich enough to fund the whole thing by ourselves, just as Melanie Smith Taylor could never finance her fantastic Emerging Athlete Program for kids in the Jumping discipline without private contributions from people who get that the future of our country depends on getting the very best training for our kids all across America.

So this is what I’m asking you to do:   Write in to me here and tell me and everyone who reads Dover’s World why you need them to send in a contribution to The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program at Dressage4Kids.com.  They need to hear from all kids everywhere so they just don’t hear it from me, but rather from everyone who is really going to benefit from what I promise is going to be the finest program ever produced for our youth in Dressage.  Explain to them what it will mean to you if such a program is in place and how it will change your life.  I need you, your friends, your parents and everyone you know to get involved so we can raise around $100,000 to get YOUR program underway.  Are you ready to help me with this challenge?  If I don’t hear from you, I may just take it to mean that you really don’t care whether or not The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program succeeds and this will not only make me very sad, but also make e wonder why people like Lendon and Courtney should care so much to give back to our youth.  I am certain that a lot of kids read DoverWorld.com and I challenge you to start a campaign here and on every Dressage blog-site to create a true avalanche of contributions through Dressage4Kids to The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program!  I want to read about it everywhere and see comments from the thousands and thousands of young riders in the U.S.A. who get that this program is the surest way of knowing we will have the very best Olympic Teams for generations to come.  So, how’s about it, Kids -  are you ready to meet my challenge?  I hope so more than you can possibly know!

Cheers!

RD

I and so many others are waiting anxiously to know if today will finally be the day that New York becomes one of the states legalizing Gay Marriage!  It has been so long coming for a state which, by all standards, is looked at as one of our most progressive and sophisticated places in America.  It actually boggles my mind that, while so many countries around the world have easily voted to accept Gay Marriage with aboslutely no ill consequences for the rest of the population, our country has been, led by our religous right, impossibly ignorant and acting out of unfounded fears for decades now.  This nation will never live up to its potential until all of its citizens enjoy the same rights and privileges enjoyed by those who seek to limit them to themselves.  AS New York goes, so shall go many other states just waiting for what I am incredibly hopeful will be the just and right outcome - Legal Gay Marriage!

Cheers!

RD

Don’t forget to tune in for a great show tomorrow with an all-star cast of Professional Hunter Trainers and Judges as we cover everything from the Ponies to the direction the sport is going in with Hunter Derbies and the desire by some to be allowed medications to quiet their horses.  All extremely interesting stuff that you won’t want to miss, so please go to WBZT (AM1230) in the Palm Beaches or catch the show LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com and be sure to call in with your questions and comments for my panel of experts ( Peter Pletcher, Richard Slocam, Kim Stewart and one more TBA) at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  The show is from 6:05 to 8:00 pm EST and I am bringing it to you direct from beautiful Fire Island Pines with the ocean waves crashing against the beach just feet from my window.  It’s a tough job but somebody has got to do it!   LOL!

Cheers!

RD

I had a fantastic day with about 100 auditors and 10 rider/horse combinations at all levels from Training to Grand Prix today at Mike Rucci’s, WoodsEdge Farm in Lebanon, New Jersey.  Teri Miller did a great job of putting on the symposium and I thank her and County Competitor Saddlery for their sponsorship.   The farm is gorgeous and both the riders and their horses performed in a perfect way to show the audience how the basic principles are the way by which we train up the levels.  We had a lecture from 9:00am to 10:00 am and discussed the “WHY’s” of Dressage and exactly how things work.  This allowed me to enjoy the process of applying the basic principles to each combination that entered the arena and I believe that everyone finished the day with a greater understanding of the art and the sport.  I told them they would feel, at the very least, entertained but that I truly hoped that each would go away feeling that they had a life-changing experience.  I know that I always end the day knowing that in some way it has changed my life for the better ( and no, I do not mean  because of my salary! ).  I saw wonderful riders and horses today and am looking forward to another great day tomorrow which will deal with both the basics (We never forget them!) and their application  to competitive riding and the show ring.  I know it will be another exciting day and hope you will be there to join me, though I understand that it is Father’s Day and that takes precedent over my symposium, as well it should. Still, I hope to see you all for my 2nd day of my symposium tomorrow.

Cheers!

RD

I am very excited to be devoting my entire show this coming  Tuesday, June 21st, from 6 to 8pm EST on WBZT (AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com to The HUNTER INDUSTRY.  I have invited a great panel of experts including Peter Pletcher, Kim Stewart and others to examine the direction everything from the ponies to the Hunter Derbies is going in.  I have already done shows on the Jumping and Eventing industries and naturally Dressage is constantly discussed, but there have been some rather strong controversies regarding the course Hunters are going in ( no pun intended) and I feel it very appropriate to have an open, respectful dialogue on “Dover’s World”.  If you have concerns, questions or comments, I hope you will call in and voice them at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  This is going to be a great show and I am counting on your participation!

Cheers!

RD