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.
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. 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.
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.
Review
“Icon, mentor, coach, philanthropist, activist, friend. While Robert’s achievements may seem larger than life, they are truly not larger than the life he has actually led. Enjoy his journey and let it inspire your own.” —Tami Hoag, New York Times Bestselling author of THE BOY
“Luckily, when I took my first holiday in two years, my only job was to read Robert Dover’s book! As one might expect, it takes you for a romp through his life—all its ups and downs. His honesty is so obvious. For anyone who needs to get back on their feet having struggled with life’s trials and tribulations, this book is a must-read! I loved all the stories and am just happy I played my own little part.” —Carl Hester, MBE, Olympic Dressage Rider
“Robert’s power in his communities has long been his ability to excel on the international stage while being his true, authentic self. His raw vulnerability in this book – lumps, bumps and all – through coming out, the AIDS crisis and his incredible dressage career is a testament to a trailblazing champion and serves as powerful life lessons for today’s and future generations.” —Cyd Zeigler, Co-founder of Outsports.com
“Robert Dover essentially defined US dressage over the course of the 25 years he rode on the US team and beyond, yet his honest, sometimes painful memoir tells of much more than his scores and medals. With a quick, energetic pace, the book moves forward with impulsion as Dover speaks of finding positivity and purpose despite heartbreaks and disappointments, focusing on love and remaining true to yourself and your passion even amidst the inevitable pains, learning experiences, and losses of life
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