An authentically honest and self-reflective promise of how a life lived with purpose and passion can yield greatness.

“The gates to brilliance are surrounded by a cloud of sweat and tears.” That is what Olympic dressage rider and coach Robert Dover’s mentor, the revered Swedish equestrian Colonel Bengt Ljungquist, told him. It is a lesson that stuck—only with great passion and determination can one achieve success, and just maybe, happiness, too.

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A Potent Elixir

In a fascinating book that reads like a potent elixir, three parts memoir and one part inspirational self-improvement guide, readers are ushered through 15 “gates to brilliance”—keys that Dover discovered as he made his way through his own life, from gawky, horse-crazy child to influential Olympic coach and entrepreneur. Sharing deeply personal stories that were fundamental to his evolution, Dover is candid about the path he took on his way to becoming one of the most successful equestrians in the world.

Formative Years

Readers learn about abuse he suffered as a child, and his formative years as the only Jewish kid on Grand Bahama Island. He writes frankly about his father’s alcoholism, his parents’ divorce, and his unwavering devotion to his mother. The book delves into his fear of coming out, explores love and loss, and examines the perfectionist tendencies that have at times held Dover back, while at others, have helped him rise to all new heights.

In addition, readers hear stories from the barns, arenas, and show grounds where Dover built his career, from his days as a wild Pony Clubber to his struggles in Germany under the tutelage of some of Europe’s great riding masters. We meet the horses and people he partnered with along the way as he offers a glimpse behind the curtain at the pomp and politics of international equestrian competition.

Searing Honesty

Throughout, Dover’s dedication to self-betterment and belief in living a life with purpose stands front and center, softened by his humor and willingness to cast a critical eye on himself. With countless moments of searing honesty bound to fundamental life lessons from which he hopes we can all learn, Dover assures us the road to success is there for the taking. The ultimate goal, though, is to emerge on the other side of whatever comes next a brighter, more compassionate, happier person—that is brilliance.

About Robert Dover

ROBERT DOVER has earned more honors than any other U.S. dressage rider, competing in six Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004) with four medals (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), and seven FEI World Equestrian Games, winning team bronze and placing fifth individually at the 1994 WEG in The Hague. Dover was seven-time U.S. Grand Prix National Champion and rode in seven World Cups. He became the first American since 1960 to win the Aachen Grand Prix in 1987; he was the first openly gay Olympic athlete when he came out in 1988. Dover served as Technical Advisor and Chef D’Equipe for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team from 2013 to 2018. Under his leadership, the U.S. Dressage Team returned to the podium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the team won a bronze medal.

About Trafalgar Square Books

HorseandRiderBooks.com is the storefront for Trafalgar Square Books of North Pomfret, Vermont—a small, privately-owned publisher of fine equestrian books, eBooks, and videos, craft books, and selected other titles. TSB’s owners, Caroline and Ted Robbins, moved to a farm in North Pomfret—a rural community of around 200 residents, nestled in the hills surrounding the better-known (and larger) town of Woodstock—in the early 1970s, and established the TSB offices and warehousing facilities in part of the farmhouse and the barns on the property. The small publishing company of seven employees still thrives, along with Scottish Highland cattle, on the farm today.