Extremely proud of the American efforts in Europe so far this year, new U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover believes that with silver and bronze positions in Hickstead and Aachen this summer show season the U.S "has once again proven to be a world power in Dressage."
"Our combinations also had many personal bests and we now have no less than 7 horses achieving well over 70% in Grand Prix," Robert told Eurodressage.
Determined to continue the USA's rise to the top, Robert happily reports that across all divisions in American dressage, all the other coaches, directors, staff and volunteers are working closely with him. "Our aim is to introduce new world-class programs and to produce a steady pipeline of top, international combinations, to bring home the medals," he stated.
Picked as one of the lucky US riders granted access to Europe, Tuny Page says that the American riders were chosen on their performances and were basically allowed to make their own plans for the European tour. She is very proud of both her own and her American compatriots' performance.
"I made the Nations Cup Hickstead tour simply because I was ranked in the top four of the applicants and I chose to go to Jurgen Koschel in Hagen, Germany, for a variety of reasons," said Tuny. "I have worked with Mr. Koschel whenever he has been stateside and found him to be completely clear and straightforward. I also have found him to be completely invested in his students, hence genuinely focused on you and your horse. ''
Finding the top trainer to be consistent with his support at every show, even if it meant a number of days away from home, Tuny has certainly benefited from Koschel's dedicated and constant support. "Frankly, he promised that he would make time for me and my horses and he has done all that and more! His stable in Hagen is well equipped with one competition size indoor and an oversized outdoor with super footing in both. Plus we are 100 meters to the Kasselmann's competition facility and race track."
According to Tuny, the fact that team Kasselmann has welcomed the American riders in every way, is just the "icing on the cake" of what has been a very exciting and successful European tour.
"The most important results of my 3 months (thus far) in Europe are that Alina is back in top form after a long lay off and Woodstock, my 10 year-old future star, is more confirmed in all the Grand Prix exercises. With Alina in competition I have re-established myself as a successful international combination with top placings at Isernhagen, Lingen, and Hickstead.''
Lucky to have the opportunity to train with some of the best trainers in Germany throughout her career, Tuny is struck by the similarity of the experience amongst all of them. "The main philosophy is to train honestly and completely so that every i is dotted and t is crossed. So I guess I would say that this experience has strongly returned me to the importance of thorough training, risk taking, the constant focus on sitting well, and using consistent and perfectly executed aids," she explained.
Challenged by the emotional aspect of being so far away from her home and her family, Tuny has overcome such obstacles by looking at the many highlights the journey has brought to not only her, but to US dressage in general.
"The highlight of my competition series was completing a series of shows successfully and thereby proving that my mare was dependably fit to compete internationally.
I can surely say now that the US Team is "on a roll" and being one of those contributing to a strong presence in any and all International competitions is a great opportunity and an honor. The future is looking better and better for the US Dressage Team."
As Dover's dream has been set into action, the quadruple Olympian reminds us all to "make no mistake; Americans are never satisfied to be "taking part". "We are there to win," said the ambitious coach. "You will see an ongoing push toward Normandy and an even greater acceleration as we head on to Rio and beyond."
Photos © Risto Aaltonen
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