Sunday November 30, 2003

Robert Dover And FBW Kennedy Win Grand Prix Special At Dressage at the National

Dover had originally entered FBW Kennedy and Rainier – both horses owned by Jane Clark – in the Grand Prix, but scratched them on Friday. An insect bit Kennedy, which caused swelling in his chest and legs, but USAE-approved medications administered by a veterinarian enabled him to compete on Saturday. Dover decided to concentrate his attention on the new mount, rather than Rainier whom he’s had for five years and rode at Sydney.

“I’ve truly never been as happy to go into the ring on a horse in my life,” said Dover of the 14-year-old, chestnut Baden-Wurttemberger gelding who also competed at Sydney on the Danish team under rider Lone Jorgenssen. “Look at his abilities.” Kennedy’s best movement in the test was his piaffe, Dover said. “You just sit there and you just go like this [slight touch] and he starts. He’s so wonderful about that, and his pirouettes, and his extended trots. He’s a lovely, lovely horse.”

Dover also pointed out that since Kennedy is a well-known international competitor, the judges have to get used to seeing him on the horse. “I’ve got to earn the respect of the dressage world as a combination with this horse,” Dover said.

Owner Jane Clark was ringside for the debut. “I thought it was wonderful to have Robert back in the tack. He’s a great horse. I’m looking forward to two or three years of Robert competing him, because to me it’s not about just the Olympic Games or whatever, it’s about going to the ring with someone with a big smile on their face like he did today.” Clark also noted, “The first ride was pretty perfect.”