While photographing the Wellington CDI 5*** in 2016, I found myself side by side with my longtime friend Robert Dover. Since 1980 when I first began covering Dressage, Robert and I have shared many a conversation, our feelings and philosophies. This day was no different as he tirelessly worked with the Developing and Elite Dressage US athletes in the midst of the winter season. He looked a bit tired, and I asked him “So Robert when are you going to retire?” He replied “When we win a Team Medal.”

That year, he guided the US to an Olympic Team Bronze. But he would not be allowed to rest and continued his efforts along with a passionate group of dedicated and devoted colleagues building a foundation of strength and talent supported by a massive and focussed fundraising effort that would finance a long range plan for growth from Young Riders to the top US Team. 

Horsesdaily’s Mary Phelps

Today marks my last day as U.S. Technical Advisor/ Chef d’Equipe and I want to share how grateful I am to have had the honor to represent our great country in this role for the past 6 years. It has been a true labor of love for me and I feel so lucky to have had the very best riders, horses, coaches, grooms, trainers, owners, sponsors, veterinarians, farriers, equine and human physiotherapists and specialists, Jenny and Hallye and the entire USEF staff, family and all our friends who have supported our efforts and as Allyn Mann calls it, the journey.