Robert Dover (equestrian)

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Robert Dover (born June 7, 1956) is an American equestrian who has had international success in the sport of dressage.

Born near Chicago, Dover was given a horse for his Bar Mitzvah, and was active in Pony Club in his younger years. He decided to specialize in dressage when he was 19, and went on to college at the University of Georgia.

Dover began competing internationally in 1984, when he was part of the US Dressage Team at the Los Angeles Olympics where he finished 16th individually. He won the Aachen Grand Prix in 1987, defeating the great Reiner Klimke (the first time an American had won at the prestegious venue since 1960). At the 1988 Seoul Games, Dover finished 13th. In 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Dover was part of the bronze medal-winning US Dressage Team, the USA's first medals in the dressage event since 1976. Having competed in six consecuative Olympics (1984-2004), he has participated in more Games than any other American dressage rider.

In December 2004, Dover announced his idea for an American Dressage Idol Competition, a reality show in which selected riders 24 or younger would train with him. The winner would receive a job with Dover and tack and clothes from EuroAmerican Saddlery.