I Love Dressage At Devon!  This show has produced so many fantastic memories for our sport and the riders including myself that life would just not be right without it.  So why have there been such difficulties in maintaining the success of Devon as a premier show in America, especially when there is no other like it?  Dressage At Devon combines the electric atmosphere seen in European competitions with the many vendors and thousands of spectators who come out to be entertained by our wonderful horses dancing under the lights in the Dixon Arena.  And yet this year numbers of exhibitors are way down, even though both the Gold and Dixon arenas now have the same great footing used at the Wellington Equestrian Festival and most other top shows around the world.  But there still are some problems which must be faced and fixed in order to ensure that Devon remains a “must go to” competition.  Here are my thoughts.

1)  Fix every inch of the areas on which horses are ridden such that between the two arenas is exactly like the arenas themselves.  There is so little area on this show grounds and so many horses going on it that it is obvious that if the footing in both competition areas were placed everywhere else on the grounds with the exact same drainage and level, riders of every discipline competing here would be thrilled.  Wouldn’t that be a great start?  But that takes money and Devon is a county fairgrounds after all.  In other words, we need a benevolent benefactor - person or corporation - that believes in Dressage At Devon enough to make it the world-class venue it can easily become.

2)  Footing alone cannot escalate Dressage At Devon to the status of “world-class”.  The formula which has been, for the most part, the same for decades now must be changed.  Greater sponsorship with more prize money and the inclusion of pardressage  as well as other exciting classes would help.  I believe that, if I could, I would also change the dates for the show in order to make it more relevant to the selection process for whichever international teams are to be selected in a given year.  If  Devon were in May as an important qualifier before Gladstone or wherever the final trials were to be contested, I feel certain that you would see many more of our top riders and horses. Years ago, the show was earlier and had far more competitors in all levels.  The end of September is difficult for horses for many reasons, not the least of which is that their coats are changing and many just are not physically at their best during this time.

So, to conclude, perfect footing, more money with better and new classes, and a date which creates definite relevance for our sport and our Team are the ingredients I believe are necessary to assure the long, long and triumphant success which Dressage At Devon deserves and which America needs just as desperately.

Cheers!

RD

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time with George Morris last night on my radio show, “Dover’s World”, and hope that if you were not able to listen live, you’ll click on the tool bar on the home page and do it now.  The only sad thing was that the time flew by and I truly needed many more hours to come close to learning even a fraction of what this living legend can share with us all.

Like most people who achieve excellence in life, whether in the arts, sports, or business, George manifested the attributes of self-discipline, determination, drive, focus, commitment to hard work, passion and natural, God-given talent. It was fun talking about his youth and the amazing characters he grew up with as well as the many great riders and trainers he has produced over the decades like Bernie Traurig and Leslie Howard, both of whom called in, as well as Katie Prudent and argueably one of the greatest riders of all times, Conrad Holmfeld.

But George’s wisdom also came with a strong sense of humility and even responsibility for taking the sport of jumping on a course away from his roots in which riding was about 70% training at home and 30% taking part in horse shows which were and still should be a “test” to see where one stands against one’s peers at the same level, whether that is local, regional, national or international.  Now, the situation is such that riders spend more like 80% of their time in the show ring and sadly, only 20% at home learning not only how to ride but how to become complete horse-masters.  The drive and commitment to be the “total package” has become a more rare and seldom seen.  The true horseman can do it all and this can’t be learned running from show to show, not to mention the enormous expense necessary to be able to be competitive these days.

George and I agree that the very best thing we can and must do right now is get behind our Emerging (Dressage for us) Athlete Programs and do the best we can to mentor and nurture our juniors and young riders.  But if there was ine thing that George said that struck me, it was the following:  “They resent what they should admire”.  Think about that - I know I’ve been!

Cheers!

RD

Ya, ya,ya - I’ve heard it a thousand times since Dover’s World went on the air almost one year ago - only one percent of listeners to talk radio actually call in to speak to the host or their guests.  But here’s the thing - the horse community is a family, just as is the gay community and I cater to both. So can’t I expect maybe something more like five percent of my listeners to call in each week? 

Tomorrow evening, I have true legends of equestrian sport on my show from 6pm to 8pm EST on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at Doversworld.com.  They and I would love to hear from you at 561-844-6167 or toll-free at 1-800-889-0267 and I just cannot believe that there aren’t huge numbers of you out there who would have questions or comments for these guys, especially our Olympic Jumping Coach, George Morris!

Let’s have a great conversation about the Washington International Horse Show ( How about creating an indoor Dressage series using Washington, The National Horse Show and Toronto with a car to the winner? ) and just think about all the amazing questions out there for George, who knows more about making a successful Team than anyone in the world I know!  Don’t be shy tomorrow - CALL IN!!!  Thanks!

Cheers!

RD

I’ve told you before how excited I’ve been to have some great guests on my radio show on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at Doversworld.com each Tuesday evening from 6 to 8pm EST.   But every once in a while you just know that the show you are about to do is going to be downright fantastic and this is one of those times!

Last week I showcased the Alltech National Horse Show and all the excitement with it’s coming to the Kentucky State Horse Park.  This week, another legendary show and one I was honored to ride an exhibition in 23 years ago on Juvel, my Olympic mount of 1988. The Washington International Horse Show, will be my topic and I have Olympic rider/course designer/ organizer, Robert Ridland, top manager, David Distler and top ,rider/trainer, Archie Cox all on hand to update us on all the news of the upcoming competition. There’s sure to be a surprise or two this year as the WIHS becomes even bigger and better and I hope you will call in with your comments or questions to my panel at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.

Now if that was not enough, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have one of my favourite horsemen in the world and a true living legend, George Morris, in my studio this Tuesday.  No one has lived a life more full of all the greatest ups and enormous downs that come along with truly leading the Jumping industry for many decades as George has done.  The stories, triumphs and defeats as well as the politics he’s experienced in his amazing life are unparalleled and I know that our conversation is going to be one you won’t want to miss.  Plus, you actually have the chance to ask George directly the questions you may have had on your mind but were never able to ask - LIVE on the air!  Don’t miss this opportunity to speak to a legend - George Morris- at the numbers provided above in this post.  This show is going to be awesome!

Cheers!

RD

I’m out in L.A. today for Robert’s brother’s wedding later today and looking forward to it.  Tomorrow, we’ll be flying back to West Palm Beach and Thursday I’ll be on my way to help riders at Devon.  I haven’t been to Devon in a couple of years and am excited that my friend, Brett, is now doing the footing so it will be the way a great show should be - finally! 

I also am really stoked to be having the legendary George Morris on my radio show this coming Tuesday! I will be writing more about it in the next day but this is definitely one show you won’t want to miss and I hope you will be on your phones calling in to speak to George directly.  He’s AMAZING!

I have already gotten some great questions from Theo  for my new segment, “Ask My Mom…Anything” and I know she’s preparing her answers for one week from Tuesday on my show.  She will be both honest and direct in her responses and I have no idea what will come out of her mouth. 

And take a look at the posts under the heading, “Sorry, President Obama” as Kim and I are going at it again.  I LOVE IT!  Join in if you have the balls to do it! LOL!

Cheers!

RD

My Mom has been fantastic and received wonderful responses from her readers on DoversWorld.com and her listeners on my radio show every other Tuesday evening.  But you know what, with times as they are, Mom’s just going to have to work a little harder for her extensive salary, so I have decided to start a new segment called, ” Ask My Mom…..Anything!”  When I tell you that my Mom is pretty much an expert on everything, I mean it.  Please send in your questions right here and post them under mine.  If I read your question on the air, you will receive a personalized gift from me and my Mom! Please make sure to include your contact information when you leave your questions for Mom so we can get in touch with you in case you are the big winner.  And don’t make the questions too easy or boring, OK?

Cheers!

RD

After a few days back in Florida again, I am already booking up for the fall with clinics and symposia.  As much as I hate flying, what with my bad flying karma and all, it looks like a flight (or 2) every week for the next months.  here’s a quick look at September and October:

Friday, September 23rd - Teaching at Jan Ebeling’s farm in LA

Thursday, September 29th to Sunday, October 2nd - Training and warm-ups at Dressage at Devon (Interested riders can contact me directly at Robert@DoversWorld.com or on my Facebook or directly if you have my contact information)

Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th - Clinic with David Marcus in Toronto, Canada (For information, contact David Marcus at 905-510-3034 or at marcusdi@hotmail.com)

Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th - Clinic in Wisconsin (Please contact Elizabeth Poulin for information)

Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th, Para-Dressage Clinic at Gladstone, New Jersey ( For information, contact Pam Lane at 908-326-1150 or at plane@usef.org)

December 26th- 31st - The Robert Dover HorseMastership Week for The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program in Wellington, Florida. ( For information, contact Lendon Gray or go to Dressage4Kids.com and click on The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program * Info may take until November to be out in print)

In other words, I’m back to work both doing clinics and working privately here in Wellington with selected riders and trainers.  If you are interested in training with me this fall, winter, and spring, please contact me directly soon as I have very few spots left. 

Cheers!

RD

So here’s the thing - my second hour of “Dover’s World” this evening on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at Doversworld.com is going to be a free-for-all with my taking your calls about anything and everything under the sun!  Want to talk politics (Kim and Michelle)?  How about animal well-fare ( Steven or Donny)?  Dressage anyone( Tuny, Oded, or Nick)?  What about Gay Marriage (Rand or Josh)?  In other words, let’s talk about anything you are interested in, whether I know you or not and regardless how provocative the issue is.  I promise that, provided it is not illegal or vulgar, I will answer all questions 100% truthfully and to the point.  This si your chance to put me on the spot about things you disagree with me on, or maybe even commend me on things you do agree with me on. 

Remember, WBZT  is called “Talk Radio” for a reason - so WE CAN  TALK!  Don’t be shy.  I love to hear from you at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800=-889-0267.  Lets have a lot of fun and, as promised, the best question or comment is going to win a personalized gift from me which I know you will enjoy.  So think up those questions/ comments or even stuff to gossip about.  By the way, just saw The Help and loved it and the next night we saw So You Think You Can Dance on tour in Miami and just liked it.  What about you?  Any great movies, plays or other entertainment out there that is a must see?

Can”t wait to talk to you in person this evening from 7:20pm to 8:00pm EST.  Don’t let me down, OK?

Cheers!

RD

Tune in this Tuesday, September 20th at 6:05pm EST when Dover’s World on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com,  will be covering history as The National Horse Show ( now the Alltech National Horse Show) makes its home at the fabulous Kentucky State Horse Park!  Incredible classes and prizes including a brand new luxury car, courtesy of Audi of Lexington will be just part of all the excitement at this year’s NHS.  CEO, Mason Phelps Jr. as well as co-Manager and VP of The National Horse Show Association will be on hand to update us with all the latest news on this, the most famous American Equestrian event. 

If you have questions or comments for Mason, Leroy or myself, PLEASE call in to either 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  I personally can’t wait to hear all the details and look forward to a great hour of talk with the guys!

And in my second hour, I am going to first have all the international news by Lita Dove, and follow that with my “Open Mic Hour”, in which I will be taking calls from all of you out there on absolutely any subject you would like to talk about.  This is your time to ASK ME ANYTHING, and provided it is not against the law to discuss it on the air, I promise to be 100% honest in my reply.  Now, last week I went on Facebook and told my “FRIENDS” that I was disappointed that they will type long messages to me, even during my radio show, but when it comes down to calling in to talk to me in person, they wimp out on me.  So, I’m going to try it again and ask my friends and fans (or even those who don’t much like me :)  ) to please call in and ask a question or make a comment on anything horsey or not.  The best question or comment will win a lucky person a personalized gift from me that I’m sure you will like.  So how about it, FRIENDS - will you call in this Tuesday evening to talk with me?  I hear that’s why they call it, “TALK RADIO!”

Cheers!

RD

After a  nice day in Wellington visiting my PRE stallion Fiero who is going fabulous under the direction of Nicholas Fyffe, Australian Grand Prix rider, seeing many of my friends at Stillpoint Farm, Robert and I took off for the weekend to our place in Miami Beach.  What a beautiful day it’s been and the beach was gorgeous with very warm water to enjoy.  We saw The Help last night at the theater and I highly suggest it as one of the great movies put out this year so far.  I am also looking forward to Steven Spielberg’s, The War Horse, which I saw as a play in London with the original cast and was awesome!  I must say it’s nice to have the luxury once again to have everything at your fingertips and lots of choices, neither of which one gets living on an island for the summer, though it also had its perks, without a doubt.

View from our MIami Beach apartment

The truth is, I have the best of all worlds and am very lucky and I know it.  Health, Happiness and Love …… oh,and Starbucks!

Cheers!

RD