Robert Dover, 53, a six-time Olympian for the United States, has been appointed Technical/Coach Advisor for Canada’s dressage team for the next year, Dressage Canada announced Wednesday.
The Dressage Canada announcement came after an extensive search and selection process which began in July of this year and was led by the Dressage Canada Own the Podium Task Force, including consultation with Dressage Canada’s Athletes Council.
Applicants were narrowed down to three candidates and interviews were conducted in Toronto, Ontario. The Task Force then made their recommendation to the Dressage Canada Board, which was then approved by the board.
“We are thrilled that Robert has accepted this position and are confident that his experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable to dressage in Canada,” said Victoria Winter, the chair of the Dressage Canada Own the Podium Task Force. “We look forward to having Robert work with our athletes, coaches, owners and volunteers to put together a successful high performance plan for the future.”
The post is part of the new high performance program being developed to assist in identifying talented human and equine athletes and in creating a system to support and complement their training and competitive goals. Own the Podium, a national sport technical initiative, provided financial assistance to help Canada’s summer and winter athletes achieve podium success at the Olympic Games.
With three decades of international competition experience, six Olympic Games, four World Championships and seven World Cup Final appearances, Dover has amassed four Olympic bronze medals and more than 100 Grand Prix victories. In addition, he has coached some of the world’s best dressage riders to top international results.
Dover competed in six consecutive Olympiads for the United States Equestrian Team, as well as four World Championship Teams and seven World Cups.