This Tuesday, April 10th, is my final radio show before I take off for the summer (If it’s good enough for Ellen, It’s good enough for me! ) and I am extra thrilled to be having two incredible guests for your listening pleasure.  Jen Noble has produced one of the most fantastic documentaries I’ve ever seen called, “Untamed Legacy”, depicting the lives and hardships of the Wild Mustangs in America.  Please tune in to WBZT (AM1230, Clear Channel) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE AROUND THE WORLD right here at Doversworld.com and if you are as passionate as I am about this issue, PLEASE call in to 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  If you haven’t seen this amazing film yet, go to Jen’s website, jenesiscreative.com and click on the “videos” tab and it is the featured program in the gallery.  FANTASTIC!

And if that were not already enough, get ready because my 2nd hour is going to be a free-for-all with none other than the brilliant and crazy Waynescot Lukas, designer and stylist to the stars!  Wayne has been on my show before and literally got calls from around the world from his fans and friends.  You absolutely do not want to miss this show, my last of the season!  I guarantee you will laugh until you cry — or maybe that will be me crying from getting screamed at by the sensors at the station!  LOL!  Don’t forget to call in to speak to Wayne and me because we LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

Cheers!

RD

Nicholas Fyffe, the rider of my wonderful PRE stallion, Hampton Green Farm Fiero, sent me this photo taken yesterday and being the proud parent I am, I just had to post it on my site.  Enjoy!

HGF Fiero is gorgeous at 4 years old!

Cheers!

RD

The ongoing turmoil over the F.E.I.’s possible decision to attempt to suspend the International Dressage Riders Club over ambiguous rules pertaining to how members of the Dressage Committee are supposed to be nominated and elected have been hitting the headlines as riders come forward with their opinions.  I love that they are stepping up to the plate!  Clearly, there are further issues with the writing and editing of rules as has been seen by this ridiculous problem of the Individuals being allowed to compete on qualified Teams this year at the Olympic Games.  Our Dressage Task Force clearly wanted all qualified Teams to be able to bring their 4th combination as an Individual who could, should the need arise, be used on the Team until 1 hour before both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special.  Only Individuals from nations not able to field a Team were to be selected from the World Ranking List.  Can you imagine only 3 Teams being allowed to bring their 4th rider and horse along and how this may help them over all the others, especially if, as it usually does happen, one horse on a Team goes lame and thus the nation is no longer able to field a Team at all. And if this happens to some good countries, their other 2 combinations will now become Individuals to be added into the 11 which are able to go on to the Grand Prix Special, a test, by the way, that was supposed to be shortened and somehow ended up just about as long as the former, far nicer, Special.

Here is what the rules say regarding Individuals going on the the Grand Prix Special:

The FEI Grand Prix Special is the final Team competition and the Second (2nd) Individual

Qualifying Competition. The FEI Grand Prix Special is limited to and compulsory for the best

seven (7) placed teams of the Grand Prix, including those tied for 7th place, ( Our Task Force had advised 8 Teams, but that was using a shortened version of the GPS, not the one now which is practically as long as the former one.) as well as the eleven (11) highest placed riders of the Grand Prix not otherwise participating as the qualified team members, including those tied for 11th place.

The important word is “qualified”. If a rider participate in a team, which does not qualify for the GPS, the rider is automatically able to come on the list of the 11 individuals.

Richard Davison and I used to look carefully at the wording of proposed rules to be certain they could not be ambiguous.  I can not say this for the present Dressage Committee when I look at how unclear these statements are taken by themselves without the input of Trond Asmyr, who informed the head of Equine Canada as to their meaning. The FEI needs to re-examine their entire situation as a supposedly Democratically composed organization and seek outside assistance to redefine the way in which they do their business.

Speaking of Equine Canada/ Dressage Canada, when I decided not to re-sign my contract, I hoped to leave them with several important thoughts as to how to progress and become more competitive nation in the sport. First, I said they absolutely needed to create a fundraising mechanism such as the one America has in the US Equestrian Team Foundation.  Only then could they produce a far stronger national and international training program which would offer world-class education to all riders from Juniors through the Elite Grand Prix competitors.  Finally I gave them a formula for selecting their Pan American Team far different from the one used to pick their WEG Team, which made absolutely no sense.  For the WEG, a rider needed to get 4 scores over 67% and could throw out all others. meaning if they got the 4 scores early in the year and then became a disaster later in the season, while another rider and horse began doing better and was on the rise but was just edged out by one score from the former rider, the first would make the Team.  For the Pan Am’s, I told them they had to have the best 12 to 15 combinations ride in head-to -head competitions to determine the top 4 to make the Team.  This is what America and most nations do and is tried and true. Canada did this for the Pan Am’s and it worked to their benefit, earning them a silver team medal and an Olympic berth.  But do you think they remembered this for this Olympic year?  Nope!   They went back to the old WEG selection system that once again makes no sense and will most certainly not ascertain they have the very best combinations going to the Games. So, basically, Canada has not implemented any of the changes I hoped they would, other than the riders forming a stronger Active Athletes Committee, though I’m not sure how much it has helped them.  Very sad!

And finally America. The U.S. has made some headway in creating better national programs for its riders at all levels but still has a way to go.  We are fortunate to have the USET Foundation to raise funds for our training and competitive programs, though these programs could still be stronger and better staffed.  My only real critique during this Olympic year is regarding the selection process which not only has used only the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special to qualify the top 15 combinations for Gladstone’s Final Selection Trials, but will not even contest the Grand Prix Freestyle at all in Gladstone.  For many years, although only the Grand Prix determined the Team medals, we always contested the Grand Prix (sometimes twice in back-to-back weekends) as well as the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle in order to both ensure we were producing medal winning teams but also extremely strong individuals destined to make it into the Freestyle.  America should always be in the business of preparing 100% toward both goals.  Not keeping to our own “tried and true” methods of doing so is a step backward for our Team.  It has also had serious implications for our CDI’s all season in which the Freestyles were generally very poorly contested because riders needed to get their Grand Prix Special scores and the Freestyle didn’t count for anything.  Not only was this bad for shows where most spectators normally go to see the Kurs, I believe it even undermined the ability for vendors to make a good living. All in all, a poor decision.

I’m sure my opinions are not going to go over well with everyone who reads them, but I truly believe all 3 of these federations need to do a better job for their athletes.  It is what they exist to do, not as some think, to further the political aspirations of those holding offices in the organizations.

Cheers!

RD

I loved the last years of watching the Gay Polo League tournaments and they are coming back to Wellington again!  Saturday. April 14th at 1:00 PM semi finals and finals at 3:00 at Grand Champions Polo Club on Lake Worth Road. General admission is $20. Food and beverages available. Victory Party at 6:30 at Graffito’s sponsored by the Wellington Rotary. Tickets $50 - dinner and cash bar.

Sunday, April 15th - Join the GPL players for brunch at International Polo Club - field side. Cost $150, includes poolside brunch, semi finals of the US Open and beverage. Bar open all afternoon and included in the fee.

For reservations and tickets, call Julie or Karen at 561 753-3389

Cheers!

RD

With the anything but smooth and well run Wellington elections over and the results being affirmed for Margolis, Greene and Wilheit, what will be the fate for the Equestrian community in a town which last weekend saw the greatest shows for both Jumping and Dressage outside of World Cup Finals or the World Equestrian Games?  The positive impact of not only the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival but also the new Global Dressage Festival venues simply cannot be overstated and I truly believe everyone who attended the $120,000.oo GDF show or the $500,000.00 End Of Season Jumping Grand Prix could clearly see how amazing and valuable both are to Wellington and its future.  I, personally, was gratified by the many people who came up to me last Friday evening at the Freestyle to thank me for my perseverance in attaining my dream of a world-class show facility and Series and I was even more thankful to the large group of sponsors standing with Mark Bellissimo and myself in the main arena for their wonderful support of that dream!  We have the chance, when built out, of finally hosting not only a World Cup Finals for both Dressage and Jumping at our new venue, but even a World Equestrian Games, provided we have enough infrastructure in place for them.

The question is….”Now what?”  Clearly, some feel obliged to try to prevent any further commercial construction on the equestrian venues; however, the owners already have the legal permits to build out the remaining 260,000 square feet of commercial/ recreational property as shops, cafes, etc.  I, honestly, would have preferred an elegant  and low-impact 5* hotel on the corner of Pierson Rd. and South Shore Blvd. but will be more than thrilled when it is built directly across the street from the show on the corner of South Shore and Green View Shore Blvd.  I also want to point out that we have now held our biggest competitions on the new show grounds without any problems arising from the traffic as had been used in propaganda to stop construction.  I was happy to see both Neil Hirsch and new Village Rep., John Greene, at the Freestyle event on Friday evening.  I think that the healing is already underway, but I still want to say that I feel very sorry that both Mayor Bowen and Mark Bellissimo were vilified and somehow it was made to seem that “developers” are, by their very nature, evil and against the best interest of our town.  Moreover, if there was one person who, throughout the whole affair, never lied or denied what he was trying to do, it was( and continues to be) Mark Bellissimo.

I think last week proved we are entering a new era for the equestrian community in Wellington, America, and truly, the world, because of the amazing success of both our sh0w facilities as well as the superb International Polo Club and I am certain that we will be THE winter destination for everyone around the globe from now on.   I am equally sure that Wellington will need to be further developed to ensure those coming from near and far have everything they need and desire to enjoy our lifestyle as we do.  I also agree that it is time to put our differences aside and work together to reach compromises that everyone can live with, understanding that we are a community which has both “horsey and not-horsey” concerns to deal with.  I, personally, am a bit exhausted and ready to have this my last post on the subject.  I wish the winners of the elections congratulations and know they will do their best for our fabulous community going forward!

Cheers!

RD

Only 2 more shows before I take the summer season off ( If it works for Ellen….:) ) and move up to beautiful Fire Island.  I wanted to have my last couple of shows be  both interesting and special and to that end I decided to cover last weekend’s Global Dressage Festival 5*, the winners and the incredible event itself.  To that end, I am thrilled to have Adrienne Lyle and her trainer, mentor and one of my favorite teammates of all times, Debbie McDonald, on my show to talk about their brilliant wins in the Grand Prix and $83,000.00 Grand Prix Freestyle!  If you love them like I do, please call in to 561-844-6167 or toll-free to 1-800-889-0267 and let them know it!

Other than the World Equestrian Games and the World Cup, The GDF venue and Series proved itself to be the foremost equestrian competition in North America, and it’s  just the beginning!  The final GDF show will be the CDIO 3* April 12-15 and will have Teams from around the world contesting the Prix St. George and Intermediaire 1 and Freestyle.  How exciting!

My second hour is going to be all about you and me.  I am opening up the lines to anyone out there with absolutely any question or comment for me.  I promise to answer honestly and frankly about whatever it is you wish to discuss.  No issue is off limits so I hope you will tune in to WBZT ( AM1230, Clear Channel) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com and call in to 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267.  PLEASE don’t be shy- I really want to hear from YOU!

Cheers!

RD

Last month I sold my Mom’s car directly off my site to a lovely lady in New Orleans.  It got me thinking that I should look for a new home for another of my favorite things which I know longer have room for in my new home - my Baldwin Baby Grand Piano.  It is in gorgeous condition, made in America, and even plays itself ( orchestra included)!  I loved this piano for the look as well as the sound but this new house simply has no space for it….. and believe me, I tried!  It is  listed with a dealer for $19,900.00 but I will let it go to a great home for the best offer over $15,000.00 right now.  Just send me a message here with your contact information and I’ll get back to you.

Baldwin Baby Grand Piano with Piano Disc

Cheers!

RD

The Global Dressage Festival 5* is in full tilt and the excitement is in the air as we head toward this evening’s $83,000.00 Grand Prix Freestyle.  Who will take home the big money - German rider, Anja Plontzke, American, Heather Blitz or Tina Konyot, or Canadian Olympian, Ashley Holzer ……or anyone else in this elite group of riders and horses?  With an amazing opening ceremonies you won’t want to miss, fantastic rides set to exciting music, and an after party at The Players Club, tonight is sure to be a highlight of the Dressage circuit this season!

And while I’m talking about this season, if you are interested in joining the fabulous group of “Founding Sponsors” for the Global Dressage Festival and be treated to everything VIP this and next season, let me know and I will hook you up with Mark Bellissimo.  I guarantee that next winter the world will be making Wellington its destination for Dressage, just as it has for hunters, jumpers and polo.  We will have the most prize money anywhere for the riders and the perfect Florida lifestyle we all love and are spoiled by.

I look forward to seeing you at the show tonight and don’t forget also that tomorrow evening is the $500,000.00 FTI Jumping Grand Prix and Sunday is the final Hunter Derby back over at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds.  What a week a fantastic sport!

Cheers!

RD

The never ending election process in Wellington is now going to a “hand count” after Tuesday evening’s Village Council Meeting where many people on the side of the Alliance, fueled by Jeremy Jacobs, were certain that by showing up in great numbers and demonstrating, their candidates would be seated, upon which they would all head over the Neil Hirsch’s  Players Club to celebrate their triumph.  Well, I’m not sure if they all went anyway to have a stiff drink, but they did not get the news they were looking for.  The result of the meeting, a “hand count” of the ballots, will most definitely tell us all exactly who won each of the elections for Mayor and Village Council; however, my next question is, “What comes after they get the results?”  The fact is that since Bush vs Gore, “hand counts’ are no longer legal in the state of Florida…..period.  Remember “hanging chads”?  So, I have a string feeling that no matter how this next count comes out, we will see everyone right back in the courts where I feel sure a judge will end up having to rule on the entire matter.  Isn’t it amazing that with 17 county elections happening two weeks ago, only Wellington suffered this strange computer glitch which changed the outcome of the results…for the moment anyway.

It was Joan Jacobs who came on my site after the turnabout and told me to “breath in and out” and thought it was not because of her advice, I am still doing just that.  I hope she and everyone else in Wellington continues to do the same because this election is not even close to  being resolved.  In the meantime, I hope our Village Council goes about its business of keeping Wellington moving in a positive and progressive direction for the good of everyone.

Cheers!

RD

Cheers!

I can honestly say that I am shocked by the latest news from the FEI that they are even considering suspending the International Dressage Riders Club, who they say are not properly fulfilling their obligations to their constituents, the riders from around the world.  Now, I absolutely believe that ALL of the stakeholder clubs need to be reformed to create a direct line of continuity from National Clubs to the International clubs to the FEI and it is the FEI’s responsibility to create guidelines for everyone else to follow.  But this is very different from trying to get rid of an club which exists solely for the benefit of those who take part in the sport.

Here is what I know from my time as a member of the FEI Dressage Task Force which took over after Princess Haya determined that the former Dressage Committee could not be trusted and therefore “fired” them a la Donald Trump.  During the following year, Frank Kemperman (Organizer of Aachen- Nethelands), Katrina Wuest ( International O Judge- Germany), Alain Francqueville ( Chef d’Equipe - France), Elisabeth Max-Theurer ( Owner - Austria), Richard Davison ( International Rider - Great Britain), and I, Robert Dover, (International Trainer - USA) were appointed to serve on the Task Force and given major tasks including giving a proposal for the creation of a new Dressage Committee as well as a formula for the upcoming London Olympics.  As a group we proposed that the FEI mandate that all countries create national stakeholder clubs to advocate for and vote to elect their members to the international clubs which in turn each nominate and elect their member to go forward to become members of the FEI Dressage Committee.  This would be by far the most democratic way of not only involving national governing bodies in the process, but also ensure a direct line from the grass-roots to the elite group which governs the sport.  Such a process would also ensure that the most desirable designees from each Stakeholder Group be put forward to the Dressage Committee, also taking into consideration the notions of geographic diversity by having only one member from any country.  One thing is for sure; as our year was ending and the creation of the new Dressage Committee was underway, we already new that there was great danger of having both ambiguous and unclear rules in place to nominate and elect the new members.  With our desire to have Frank Kemperman stay on for at least the first year, we proposed that the rest of the DC not include another “Organizer” and yet Thomas Bauer was put forward by Germany as well as the International Organizers Committee - the first problem.  Next, Great Britain put David Hunt’s name and since the International Dressage Trainers Club agreed to this, he was in.  A Judge was needed and America put forward Ann Gribbons.  And then the International Dressage Riders Club put forward the name of Wayne Channon ; but then came the problem since there was an unwritten rule that two members could not be from the same country.  Now, we discussed this situation since there were other names from the IDTC which we felt could be equally effective, but it was taken out of our hands and left with the FEI nomination committee, chaired by American, John Long, to decide.  At that point it was clear that the democratic policies of the FEI were clearly subservient to their absolute rule  their constituents.  Not only were there going to be TWO new members from the same Stakeholder group, but suddenly the IDRC was no longer allowed to name their representative as had always been the case.

Fast forward one year and the same situation is causing a huge stir within the Dressage community.  Kyra Kirkland has stood up on behalf of the IDRC to say that the two candidates nominated by Spain and Colombia are not acceptable by virtue that they do not meet the criteria of the Club and were not even members until they found out they needed to be to meet the FEI criteria.  In the end, what is most undesirable is the aggressive behavior of the FEI toward the IDRC, made up of the exact group they are responsible to work for and on behalf of.  These are the riders who have dedicated their lives to the sport and have been in the trenches and down the Olympic center lines, I would wager far more than all of the FEI members combined.  To not respect and listen to them is an affront to our sport and should not be tolerated.  If anything, it is the FEI which requires the true reform I called for even before accepting the job from Princess Haya on the Dressage Task Force, but which has never taken place.  The FEI is absolutely not a democratically run organization and would never be allowed to act as it has if it were.

Cheers!

RD