Lexington, KY (November 19, 2008) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) announced today they will be working together at the 2008 Adequan/USDF National Convention to raise funds in support of the EAF in honor of EAF co-founder Robert Dover, a 2008 inductee into the Roemer Foundation/ USDF Hall of Fame and founder of the EAF.  The convention this year is in Denver, CO with the Salute Gala inductions into the HOF on Thursday evening, December 4.
          Robert Dover, 52, has had an enormous impact on the sport of dressage in the U.S. for nearly three decades. As an international competitor, Dover represented the U.S. in six consecutive Olympic Games, a record for U.S. dressage riders. He was instrumental in helping the U.S collect four Olympic team bronze medals, a World Equestrian Games (WEG) team bronze medal, and a team gold medal at the North American Dressage Championships (NADC). Dover's individual career highlights include a personal best sixth place in the 2004 Athens Olympics Games, and a fifth place at the 1994 (WEG), highlighting a legendary career that also includes seven FEI World Cup Finals and five U.S. National Grand Prix Championship titles.
          Dover has consistently been on the cutting edge of the dressage scene nationally and internationally in a variety of roles, including that of trainer, teacher, and avid promoter. Often referred to as "Mr. Dressage" in America, Dover's influence is exemplified by the successes of the horses and students he has trained, and through his visionary establishment of the Equestrian Aid Foundation.
          "So many of our members have trained with Robert over the years and learned so much from him. We would all like to say thank you for everything he has done for dressage - and each of us. This is a way we can pay tribute to him and support a cause he believes in," states Linda Schultz, Director of Marketing for USDF.
          "Robert has touched countless people in all walks of life but this foundation is a testament to his compassion in lending a helping hand towards his fellow equestrians in their time of need. As a co-founder of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Robert's inspiration and guidance will continue to have a profound impact on the equestrian world for many years to come," adds R. Scot Evans, EAF co-founder.
          To make a donation to the Equestrian Aid Foundation, visit their Web site at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org or to learn more about USDF, visit www.usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.