BIOGRAPHY


Robert was fortunate from the start to grow up fox hunting and showing in the horse crazy town of Hamilton, Massachusetts. After seeing his first Ledyard International Three-Day Event, his attention was quickly drawn to the ultimate equestrian sport of Eventing. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s Hamilton was headquarters for Jack LeGoff and the USET Three Day Event squad. This proved very influential as Robert knew from an early age that representing his country internationally would be his goal.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a Mass Communications major and a Music Performance minor, Robert ventured into the horse business full-time with long time friend and supporter Leila Clay. Robert and Leila started C&C Sporthorse, Inc. in 1990 and soon moved the business from Hamilton to its current location at Tanglewood Farm in Southern Pines, NC.

Horses owned early on by Leila, such as Rufus, Simon Rattle and Class Action, laid the groundwork for Robert having the privilege of being asked to ride Deirdre Pirie’s equine star Chevalier. “Charlie” is the horse that would ultimately take him to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. In addition to an 8th place finish there, this partnership also produced top placings at Fair Hill, Rolex Kentucky and Burghley (UK).

In 2003 Robert once again represented the USA, this time winning team gold at the Pan American Games aboard Leila’s UK beautiful grey import Dalliance. Robert and Dalliance went on to future successes at Fair Hill, Rolex and Burghley. Currently Robert is bringing along several lovely young horses for both competition and resale.

While still competing at the top end of the sport, Robert has turned his main focus toward growing his training, coaching and sales business, as well as expanding his clinic dates throughout the country each year. Robert is also heavily involved with the governance of the sport of eventing, most notably serving on the USEF Board of Directors and as Chairman of the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee. He also sits on the Advisory Committee for both the USEA Professional Horseman's Council and the Professional Riders Organization. Previously Robert served on the boards of the USEA, USET and acted as Chairman of the USEF Active Riders Committee from 2001-2008. In his free time Robert enjoys reading, playing the piano, tennis, skiing and traveling.