He guided the U.S. show jumping team to medals at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, the 2015 Pan American Games and the 2016 Olympics, so it was no surprise that Robert Ridland just got another four years as the squad’s technical adviser/chef d’equipe, or the title he prefers, “coach.”
At this point, Robert is the only U.S. chef in the Olympic disciplines who is assured of staying through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Robert Dover guided the dressage team to bronze at the Rio Games, but wasn’t sure he wanted to stay on past the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
David O’Connor, whose eventing squad did not finish as a team at either the 2014 WEG or the Rio Olympics, got another two years to show what he can do.
But it seemed a cinch that Robert Ridland would be asked to remain in his post.
“I’m very excited to once again be given the unique opportunity of working with what I believe is the most talented group of horses and riders in the sport today,” said Robert, who had Kent Farrington (number three in the world this month) and McLain Ward (number four in the world) as half of his team at the WEG, Pan Ams and Olympics.
“Over the past four years, I have constantly been reminded of how fortunate we are to have the unrivaled USEF support team working behind the scenes with us to make it all possible,” Robert continued.
“And with the unwavering support of the owners, I look forward to continuing to help lay the groundwork for sustained success for our present and future riders throughout the next quadrennium and beyond.”