| | Saturday July 17, 2010
I’ve received several reminders to do another update, so here goes! Thank you for continuing to care; it means a lot to me.
So I was released to outpatient on June 25. I have remained at Kessler in NJ for occupational, speech, and physical therapies. At a separate location - IBRF (the International Brain Research Foundation) I am doing a lot of additional therapies so my days are very full.
I also have now ridden a horse in hippotherapy twice. The first time, I was more nervous than before I rode in the Olympic Games! They told me it was ok to cry (they were great), but once I was on it was like home. I didn’t know if I’d be able to do what I knew I must, but I did! I knew, for me, I had to separate the riding as a therapy, from the love of the horse. Even though I was working on very different things, it was still work. And once I was off, I let myself love him to pieces! He was great. His name is ‘Dude’ and he was great. I rode so ugly I thank God that it wasn’t on one of my horses… both for me, and for him! But you can’t take the trainer out of the girl. It was a very hot day, so Dude kept stopping by the door. Instinct took over, and by the third time I shocked everyone (including me!) by kicking poor Dude!! He, who is trained to ignore everything the person on his back may do, very obediently ignored my pathetic one-legged kick! I was mortified, but it caused a good laugh!
I’m still keeping the good attitude, even though the reality of the situation has really sunk in. It is what it is, and I don’t intend to let it take any of my joy away! I know I’m lucky in a lot of ways, and I am constantly aware of and thankful for those things! I have every intention to ride again, at the same level I did before!
We are also taking full advantage of our new-found freedom away from inpatient! I spent my first nights at home in months! We intend to go home any possible weekend. It’s not many, but it’s great!
I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to my husband. He has been unbelievably awesome. Also thank you to my family and friends for caring so much. Also thank you to all those people who are reaching out to me, sending me emails or notes, donations or other gifts. It means a great deal to me even if I don’t get to respond to them all because “Lefty” is so slow! So keep them coming!
I am often asked how I feel about the discussion on helmets. Although I don’t want helmets to be all my accident means, I believe any protection is good. I normally ride my young horses or horses I’m concerned about with a helmet, but being in a hurry, I didn’t get one, and here I am. Who knows if a helmet would have saved me; I couldn’t have made the horse not trip, but I KNOW any protection is good protection. We all know and accept that big animals are unpredictable. Let’s face it, s*#t happens. I happen to be an example of that, and all I can say is, WEAR A HELMET!
ckd
Sunday June 13, 2010
Hello all! I am doing well. I am almost 1\2 way through the emails (thanks DP for putting them together), and I can’t tell you how much they help me. Just knowing how many love and support me is huge!
I still don’t have proper use of my right side and speech is difficult, but I guarantee I am working hard on them! I am amazed how much the brain does. But I feel very lucky being like my normal self and having my memory; I see a lot who don’t have that luxury. I explain that my brain may be terribly screwed up, but my mind is good! I kick butt on anything mental they throw at me, so what if I can’t walk; I can think!
At first I didn’t think I would ride again partly because my neurologist said if I hurt my head again, it will not be 2 times as hard to come back but 5 times; and I can tell you, it’s not easy now! But the fact is (even though I have a good education) I can’t see myself doing anything else. I have been asked a lot if hippotherapy sounded good, and at first I thought “those horse are so far below my abilities!” But in reality, horses always make me feel better, so until my balance is better why not do it on horses who are used to it? I heard that Lendon visited me while I was in the coma with a rein, and it made a huge difference! Jason says he was not too impressed with it because he was still trying to get me to communicate, and here is Lendon reminding me how to ride! But it worked; it’s what my body knows. So thanks to Lendon for being such a big part of what’s going on!
Ok, that’s all for now. Lots of love,
ckd
Saturday May 29, 2010
Hello everyone!
It’s me again! Thank you for all the response emails and cards! Sorry I haven’t responded to them all, but “lefty” is pretty slow on the computer!
I am doing as well as can be expected; keeping a good attitude, and making improvement every day. In the morning first I do neuro-feedback on my computer, then I work on my right leg and walking (or whatever the Physical Therapists want to work on), then I take a nap (or take some tests), followed by speech therapy and then work on my right hand. They have plenty of nurses and aids, but I don’t know how someone does it without a Jason! I am very lucky to have Jason and wonderful family and friends. I am also very lucky to have a great team of people to oversee the care of and ride the horses while I am away. I am also very lucky to have family visits who will look after my dogs so we can keep a hotel room for them, and I keep trying to remind myself just how lucky I am despite these horrible circumstances!
Ckd
Thursday May 13, 2010
A Message from Courtney:
Hello everyone!
Thank you for your cards, goodies, flowers, and emails! I’m sorry I can’t respond to them all, but please know I am getting and appreciating all of them.
I am awake and tube free now! For those of you worried that I am becoming depressed, do not concern yourselves; I had to take a test on if the reason I giggled so much was a disorder! It is hard for me not to giggle when I’m struggling to do something that was once easy for me, like walking, talking, or eating!
It’s difficult not to be sad when I think of how much it sucks what happened to me, how much I am missing out on etc., but I have become aware that I am not only lucky to be alive, but to have all my memories (except the final few days) and senses in tact.
I am very lucky to have the constant support of family (including husband- thank you, thank you, thank you!) friends, and dressage enthusiasts.
Much love and appreciation to all.
Ckd,
Some information from Jason:
Cards can be sent directly to:
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Email messages of support can still be sent to comebackcourt@gmail.com
A Medical Trust fund has been established for people who wish to contribute, thank you to everyone who has reached out already, it is greatly appreciated. Any funds not used for Courtney's recovery will be donated as Courtney chooses.
'Courtney King Dye Trust'
Law Office of Elizabeth Clarke
Equine Business Institute
P.O. Box 286
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Courtney's Update - by Jason Dye
Wednesday May 5, 2010
Courtney's overall progress continues at a slow and steady pace. Brain injuries take a long time to heal and vary from person to person, her progress to date is very encouraging to her Doctors and Therapists and of course her family, friends and supporters.
Her speech is improving and getting stronger but still needs much work which she gets daily.
Courtney's memory is now back to almost 100% but was not so good when she was first emerging from her Coma. It started out spotty with the inability to recall random events, these have returned over the last few weeks.
Physically Courtney works hard every day with multiple sessions in the therapy gym to target specific weaknesses. The main focus right now is learning to walk and compensating for her weaker right side, she can walk assisted by therapists for limited distances, the time frame for when she will walk unassisted is dependent on her progress but she is determined to get there as soon as she can.
As I have said previously Courtney continues to amaze me with her strength of spirit and vigor in which she approaches anything that will improve her recovery. She has an attitude and outlook that makes it very easy to go through this with her.
I know you are all eagerly awaiting a post from Courtney and we are hoping that will be soon, the focus has been on therapy, rest and recovery and while Courtney has written a few brief emails in the last two weeks the concentration and effort to type with just her left pointer finger has been quite exhausting for her.
Thursday April 22, 2010
I told Courtney this morning that I would do an update on her website and she said to tell everyone she says "Hello!".
Courtney's days are constantly full with extensive therapy sessions, visits from family and close friends and the essential rest needed to recover and heal.
I have always limited the amount of detail I give in these updates to respect Courtney's privacy however this morning she said that she wanted you all to know how she was doing so here is a brief rundown:
Courtney requires a wheelchair to get around but can be transferred to a vehicle for limited vists away from Kessler which she enjoys immensely. When she first arrived she could not assist with the transfer, as she continues the Physical Therapy and developing muscle strength she is able to carry more and more weight in this process.
Her right side is weaker than her left with limited movement in her right hand and arm, she works hard on what she and her sister Greta call 'righty' daily and we see small improvements each week. However it is ultimately the re-connection between the brain and the body which needs to happen, this takes time and both Courtney and her Doctors have limited control over the final result. Throughout this process Courtney retains an incredibly positive attitude and willingness to try anything that will assist her recovery.
One of the best things that happened for Courtney this week was she passed her final 'Swallow Test' giving her the freedom to drink normal liquids rather than the thickened variety which she eloquently describes as 'Gross'. She can now also eat normal food and has frequented the local Steakhouse twice already.
The timeframe for when she will leave Kessler will be based on her progress and her needs, she is looking forward to getting home and her immediate goal is to be able to attend her brother's wedding in Michigan in August.
Courtney's family have been an incredible support group for both her an myself and are playing a huge roll in her recovery process - Thanks guys!
Wednesday April 7, 2010
Great news today! Courtney has been working with her speech therapist daily, she started today saying a vague 'Hi' and by the end of the day was saying 'Thank you for your hard work' to one of her Nurses. She still has a long journey ahead of her in the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy sessions. However Court continues to amaze me with her strength, determination and positive attitude in such a life changing situation, hopefully the next update will come from her!
Saturday April 3, 6:30pm
I am very pleased to report that Courtney is now far more alert and she can respond to yes or no question with body language. She is already showing her incredible strength and determination as she begins the long road of rehabilitation from this serious injury.
Monday March 29, 9:30pm
Courtney has had a busy week, on Thursday she made the trip by Air Ambulance from West Palm Beach, FL to Teterboro New Jersey. She handled the seemless transition well and is now settled at Kessler Rehabilitation Institute in West Orange, NJ -which is widely regarded as one of the top in the Nation.
While Courtney is no longer in a Coma she still needs more time to fully emerge. The Head of the Brain Injury Department has described her current phase as being at the higher end of a "Minimally Conscious State". She has some awareness of her surroundings and responds inconsistently to requests.
The recovery from a Brain Injury is much like training a Top Level Dressage Horse - both take patience, determination, a highly skilled team of people and time.
I would like to thank the Florida Emergency Response Teams and all the Staff at St Mary's for the great care they took of Courtney after her initial injury.
I am very pleased with the advanced rehabilitation program at Kessler along with the professionalism, competence and care the staff have exhibited. I truly believe Courtney can and will make strong gains in this environment.
Thanks again for all the emails being sent to comebackcourt@gmail.com and all the great cards received , I can't wait for the day Courtney can read them herself and feel the love and support the Dressage Community has showed.
Sunday March 21, 3:30pm
I wanted to share with you all the visual result of your support, this is the wall at the foot of Courtney's Hospital bed, and it has overflowed to the other walls, the Nurses have all said they have never seen anything like it! Thanks again for all your support.
Sunday March 21, 7am
Day 18 - Courtney continues to know the direction she needs to head and is making small steps in the right direction. She remains in a coma but is becoming more active with her eyes and body. We are now preparing for the next step which will be to move to a Rehabilitation Facility.
A huge thank you to everyone for your amazing support, I know she can feel it in her heart and it is helping her through this difficult time.
Thursday March 18, 7:30pm
Day 15 – While Courtney is still in a coma, I am pleased to report that she has been making some progress in the last few days. Today Courtney was moved to a ‘step-down’ Intensive Care Unit, which is the next stage of care in her journey.
The other piece of pleasing news to report is that Courtney has been able to open her eyes and follow objects (she particularly liked the picture of Viva - her dog!), even if only for a brief time. Although these are very small steps, they are minor breakthroughs, and give myself and her support team a lot to be positive about.
Below is a link to a video created by her friend Suzanne as a favor to Courtney. “Suddenly I see” seems so much more poignant now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ccUuVowyE
Courtney has now received well over 1,000 emails of support at comebackcourt@gmail.com and it really is overwhelming just how much people care. Thank you again for all these kind words. Please keep them coming in, they do make a difference.
Tuesday March 16, 2010 11pm
Courtney remains in her coma, her condition is stable and she has done great with breathing off the ventilator.
They will monitor her progress this week and make a decision when to move her to the step down unit which is the forward progression for patients who no longer need intensive care.
Thanks again for all the cards sent in and messages of support to comebackcourt@gmail.com we are nearing 1,000 which have all been printed and filed by our good friend Duane from New Zealand who hopped a flight North when he heard the news.
Keep sending healing energy Court's way.
Sunday March 14, 2010 11:40pm
As of 2:20 pm this afternoon Courtney entered day 12 of her Coma. She has made more progress with her breathing and has been off the ventilator and breathing on her own for over 36 hours.
Unfortunately there is not a lot more to report from a medical standpoint, but I can tell you that I get a deep sense when I am with her that she is fighting to come back, and I know when Courtney sets a goal......look out!
Thank you all for the wonderful messages of support, they are in the process of being read to her, keep them coming to: comebackcourt@gmail.com
Below is a photo I like of Court that let's you see her as the person I love.
Saturday March 13, 2010 8:20am:
Courtney remains stable and in a Coma, however she was able to take a small and positive step forward yesterday. The hospital staff were able to perform "Windsprints" where they take Courtney off the ventilator for set time periods to let her breathe on her own. She performed great as we all expect she would, they will continue this process until she can comfortably breathe on her own.
It made me happy knowing Courtney would want to be getting some exercise.
Her room is filling rapidly with all the cards and messages of support coming from all over the country and the world, the outpouring is truly impressive. Thank you for all the positive energy, prayers and thoughts flowing in Courtney's direction.
Courtney's Update - by Jason Dye
Wednesday March 10, 2010 8am:
Courtney continues to remain in a Coma and in stable condition, we still have no timeframe for recovery or indication of possible extent of damage, and will not until Courtney wakes from the Coma and takes the next step forward in this process, it is a serious injury and the brain needs time to heal.
The Doctors and Neurosurgeons monitor her progress constantly and have advised that they have seen very very small improvements from when she was admitted. Courtney knows the right direction to take and will fight to get there.
I want to thank you all for the wonderful emails of support to be read to Courtney, I have not been able to read them all to her and hopefully I won't have to, I know we would all be much happier if she were reading them herself. Please keep them coming so I can't catch up with them. Send them to:
comebackcourt@gmail.com
Her room is filling up with wonderful cards and photo's, and she has a beautiful canvas print hanging at the foot of her bed, it is of her and Mythilus at the 2008 Olympics with the rings and flame in the background. The nurses all admire it and are using it as inspiration to give her the best care possible, they want to be able to watch her at the 2012 games and point at the television and say that they knew her and cared for her!
Courtney’s Update – by Jason Dye
Monday March 8, 2010 6:20am:
As you probably already know Courtney suffered a serious head injury on Wednesday afternoon March 3 while schooling one of her horses in Loxahatchee, FL . She is currently in a Coma, her condition remains stable.
I apologize that I have not updated her website sooner but my focus has been on Courtney and her care and recovery, it will continue to remain so, she is too special to not get my undying attention and love.
There is no way of knowing the timeframe for recovery, however the Neurosurgeons, Doctors and Nurses all agree the greatest strength she has is her age and high level of fitness. What they don’t know and I do is the unbelievable drive and determination that Courtney has, she will fight and fight and fight, no question.
I know there has been an outpouring of support at all levels and want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for that, it would mean the world to Courtney and she is being reminded of it frequently in our talks. She has always loved the community aspect of the dressage world and would love to know that it is coming together for her.
She would also be happy to know that we have our bases covered and can draw strength from many places, the energy level in the world pulling for her full recovery is immense. There is the huge amount of love and support from her family and friends . She has Prayer’s being said constantly worldwide. She has Buddhist Monks performing healing services for her from Taiwan to the USA to India. Her 2nd family and friends in New Zealand (where I am from, and Courtney loves to visit) are sending all their love and healing energy from the Southern Hemisphere. Though I have not seen them all I understand there are many places online that are sending her huge messages of support and healing.
Thank you again to everyone for your support, she is amazing and deserves it.
If you have a message you want me to read to her please email to - comebackcourt@gmail.com
I am also filling her room with cards and photo’s so she wakes up to see the support first hand.
Latest News - January 22, 2010
Courtney and her team made the trip to Loxahatchee, FL in November and have spent the last two months going about the business of training and preparing the horses for the Florida Dressage show circuit.
Courtney's first show will be on January 30-31 and she will now be competing under her married name Courtney Dye.
Harmony's Mythilus - Rest in Peace - October 9, 2009
Early this morning, we lost our dear Mythilus. He began to colic yesterday afternoon, and he was taken to Fairfield Equine. Although he had some hopeful lulls of comfort, overall his pain became worse. At about 10:30 pm it was clear that surgery was inevitable. Dr. Rick Mitchell and his staff did everything they could, but they found an inoperable abnormality in Myth’s colon and were left with no choice but to euthanize him.
I feel blessed to have had Myth in my life. We went through many struggles and heartbreaks as well as many pinnacles and joyous times. I can’t believe I won’t be greeted by his incredibly enthusiastic, curious, and happy face each time I pass his stall. He was a treasure. Such a generous, courageous, kind, warm, and giving horse I never expect to see again. My heart is broken. We will bury him at home today in the beautiful fields of Bel Aire farm.
I want to thank everyone who was with me and Myth for our journey together for the support they gave us. To the people who made the partnership possible and gave their whole hearts to our cause, his owners John and Leslie Malone, and his original owner Rich Malloch. His grooms, Elias, Jen and Allana. Dr. Tim Ober and Rick Mitchell. Carl, Sharon and Brad, his farrier, masseuse, and chiropractor. I know that Myth could not have received better care or more love. His Purina Team, my Quest list and the many others. We are all suffering together. I believe that everyone who ever came into contact with Myth loved him. He left a mark on many people’s hearts and will be remembered always, not only for his competitive accolades but for being a beautiful and shining soul. He will be dearly missed.
Latest News: July 13, 2009
Courtney and Grandioso competed at the Collecting Gaits Farms USEF National Championships in June and finished in 5th place overall.
Grandioso competed at the Intermediare level for the first time in 2009 and Courtney was very pleased with both his qualification and final placing, she now looks forward to focusing on the Grand Prix movements with him.
Courtney King-Dye Responds to FEI Tribunal Decision in the Positive Medication Case with Her Olympic Games Mount Mythilus
Release Date: September 22, 2008
On August 19, the final day of competition in Hong Kong, Mythilus tested positive for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Felbinac, classified as a Medication A Prohibited Substances under the FEI Equine Prohibited List. A preliminary hearing was held on August 22 in Hong Kong, wherein King-Dye was placed on provisional suspension until the final decision. The case was heard before the FEI Tribunal on September 7 in Lausanne, Switzerland, with King-Dye and her attorney in attendance. The Tribunal's decision was announced on September 22, 2008.
King-Dye responded to the FEI Tribunal decision today, saying, "Although I was very aware that the Zero Tolerance Rule would make it nearly impossible for the FEI to clear my name from this illegal medications use charge, I was still somehow extremely disappointed when I received their ruling this morning. In the FEI press release, the Tribunal clearly acknowledges my innocence and lack of negligence in their ruling. But the fact is that they have to punish me according to the FEI rulebook because I cannot prove where the drug came from. I can't prove it because I don't know."
In the FEI press release issued on September 22 announcing the decision, the FEI Tribunal stated: "...the Tribunal found the evidence of the PR [Person Responsible - Courtney King-Dye] and the US Dressage Team Vet to be credible and believed that neither the PR nor anyone on her behalf or related to the USEF had knowingly administered the medication to the horse. The Tribunal further accepted the PR's and USEF's arguments that they have done almost everything in their power to ensure that no rule violation shall occur."
"I cannot place blame or resentment anywhere," King-Dye said. "My vet, my groom, my Federation and Team, and I did everything right, carefully and according to the rules. The FEI and the Tribunal handled the hearing professionally, proficiently, and well. I feel everyone involved did their best to follow the rules and to do the right thing in accordance with their jobs, and I am grateful that the Tribunal clearly acknowledges my innocence. They are bound by the wording of a rule, and it is their job to uphold the rules to the letter to the best of their ability. It is my hope that the wording of this rule will be re-evaluated. All people who use medications illegally should be punished, but the rules should also provide a way to vindicate a person who has demonstrated clear adherence to the rules and who is simply entangled in a strange situation."
King-Dye expanded on the 'strange situation' of this case explaining that Felbinac is a topical anti-inflammatory used mainly on humans. It is not approved, manufactured, or available in the U.S. It is mainly used as an over-the-counter ointment for humans in China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. It is also sometimes used as a coupling agent in ultrasound gels and lubricants in those countries.
"When we first learned about that use, we suspected that Myth might have been exposed to Felbinac during his treatment for his heart in the Hong Kong Jockey Club," King-Dye said. "However, after doing more research on the drug and having a bio-chemist analyze the data, we learned that the trace amount found in Myth's system could occur from something as distant and arbitrary as a person using Felbinac on their knee then using a broom, then someone else uses the broom and shakes my groom's hand, and then my groom touches my horse. In the sampling, 14 nanograms per milliliter were found. It takes 7,500 to 100,000 nanograms per milliliter to have an effect on a rat."
The FEI press release also noted that the Tribunal had taken into consideration " ... the excellent stable management practiced by the US team and measures placed to try and ensure no horse with prohibited substances participates at the Olympic Games, the efforts made by the PR and the USEF to determine the source of the positive finding, the impeccable record and reputation of the PR, the PR's cooperation in the investigation and the hardship already caused to the PR including the fact that the US Dressage Team has already lost its fourth place at the Olympic Games."
Commenting on the ordeal, King-Dye remains positive about the sport and is looking forward to the future. "Though I am left with the feeling that this was rotten for me to have to go through, a terrible shame that both I and the Olympic Team are stripped of our placings, and my name now has a tarnish on it - I'm over that," King-Dye said. "Everyone did everything right, and it's just one of those things you have to go through sometimes. The heavy feeling that remains is that this will happen again to someone some day, and I do hope that we will take some measures to avoid that."
BIG NEWS!! - Courtney qualifies for 2008 Olympics!!
At the completion of the 2008 Collecting Gaits Farm Olympic Selection Trials and National Championships in San Juan Capistrano, CA Courtney finished in 3rd position on Harmony's Mythilus and 4th in Idocus. This secures her a spot on the team for Hong Kong with Harmony's Mythilus, and Idocus will travel as a reserve horse to Germany. Exciting times ahead! Special thanks to the many people that have helped her along the journey.
Photo courtesy of Sara Leiser, The Chronicle of the Horse - Harmony's Mythilus owned by Harmony Amateur Sports Foundation.
Latest Update - Olympic Selection Trials - June 2008
Courtney has officially qualified two horses, Idocus - owned by Christine McCarthy, and Harmony's Mythilus - owned by Harmony Amateur Sports Foundation, for the Collecting Gaits Farm Olympic Selection Trials and National Championships in San Juan Capistrano, CA to be held over two weekends June 21-22 and 28-29.
Courtney, Idy and Myth are joined by her own Harmony's Wyoming and Grandioso III owned by Hampton Green Farm to train with Steffen Peters in San Diego in preparation for the trials, they all arrived healthy and happy on May 28.
Special thanks to all the people who have contributed to Courtney's Quest to assist in her journey. Your generosity has been incredible!
Below is a shot of Courtney and Mica on the two PRE Stallions, Grandioso III and Drago doing their Pas de Deux at the Send off Party on May 26.
Courtney King and Idocus Qualify at PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby for 2008 World Cup Dressage Final
Written by: Mary Hilton - Phelps Media Group. Photo Susan J. Stickle
WELLINGTON, FL – March 6, 2008 – Courtney King of New Milford, CT, with Idocus, an 18-year-old KWPN stallion owned by Christine McCarthy, entered the PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W ranked #1 in the FEI World Cup Standings for the North American League. After scoring 72.55% in the Grand Prix Freestyle, King and Idocus finished the competition maintaining their #1 rank in the league and will be one of two combinations to represent the United States at the FEI World Cup Final.
The North American League, comprised of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., is allotted two spots at the World Cup and the U.S. secured both spots. Jane Hannigan of Harvard, MA, with her own Maksymillian also qualified at the PhelpsSports Palm Beach Dressage Derby to represent the U.S. at the World Cup, ranked as the #2 American behind King. The World Cup Final will be held in s’Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, on March 27-30.
King and Idocus will be representing the United States at the World Cup for the second consecutive year. They were one of four American combinations that competed in the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas, NV, and finished in sixth place.
“It is an honor to be going to the World Cup for the second consecutive year,” said King. “Last year we were a real underdog to get a spot, and it was a thrill to get my feet wet in the international arena in Las Vegas! This year I feel that both ‘Idy’ and I are more solid. It's hard to believe that he is feeling better despite getting older!”
At the PhelpsSports Derby CDI-W, held February 29 through March 3, in Loxahatchee, FL, King competed Idocus in the Grand Prix de Dressage on Friday and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday. Up against a top field of 32 horses from four countries in the Grand Prix, King and Idocus finished in second place with a score of 72.00%.
In the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle sponsored by PhelpsSports.com, competing against a roster of 15 horses, King and Idocus performed the technically challenging kur to Broadway tunes that they used at the 2007 World Cup Final and notched third place with a score of 72.55%. King and Idocus will perform their freestyle to Broadway show tunes at s’Hertogenbosch.
The scores King and Idocus earned at the PhelpsSports Derby by King also secured their #1 position on the current USEF National Grand Prix Dressage and Selection Trial Ranking List. The USEF National Grand Prix Championship / Olympic Games Selection Trials will be held the last two weekends in June in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
“I was very pleased with Idy’s Grand Prix,” said King. “It was the best he felt in the piaffe in the ring to date! I was not happy with my freestyle – I think I simply need to practice it more. It is always so hard to practice freestyles, but before the last show I made myself keep practicing it. Then before this show I was too confident from the success of the previous show, so I only practiced it once and we had several mistakes. So now I know!”
King and Harmony’s Wyoming #1 in USEF National Developing Horse Standings
King also competed two horses, Timber and Harmony’s Wyoming, in five national open classes at the PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby and claimed four wins and one red ribbon.
King rode Timber, an eight-year-old-Friesian gelding owned by Constance Sisler, in three Third Level Tests. In Third-1 on Friday, King and Timber placed second in a field of 15 horses with a score of 69.231%. In Third-2 on Saturday, King and Timber won, topping a field of 14 entries with a score of 67.436%. Wrapping up with Third-3 on Sunday, King and Timber claimed victory again, besting the roster of 13 entries with 69.767%.
Aboard her own Harmony’s Wyoming, a seven-year-old, Hanoverian gelding, King competed in the USEF Developing Horse Test on Thursday and took first place over the field of seven horses with a score of 70.455%.
King and Harmony’s Wyoming are now ranked #1 in the USEF National Developing Horse Ranking List for the 2008 National Championship sponsored by the Dutta Corporation and PSI. The pair’s score at the PhelpsSports Derby was their first mark in the Developing Horse program, and proved to be the highest percentage earned to date on the roster of 28 horses.
On Friday, King and ‘Wyoming’ competed in their first Prix St. Georges and won again, topping the field of 10 horses with a score of 70.083%. Significantly, three ‘O’ judges were presiding over the class – Gary Rockwell, USA; Evi Eisenhardt, Germany; and Uwe Mechlem, Germany (retired).
“I could not have been happier with Harmony’s Wyoming!” beamed King. “He has come along so far in the past eight months. I think he is finally done growing! He made the transition from the six-year-old tests to the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges so smoothly, and right at the start of the season! Now he doesn't need to learn anything new for a while. He is just developing more strength and is easier to collect. It is very fun!”
Courtney King Claims Victory in Freestyle, and 2nd and 3rd in Grand Prix at Gold Coast Opener CDI-W/CDI-Y Presented by Collecting Gaits Farm
Written by: Mary Hilton
WELLINGTON, FL – January 30, 2008 – Courtney King rode three Grand Prix horses at the Gold Coast Opener Festival CDI-W/CDI-Y Presented by Collecting Gaits Farm on January 25-27 in West Palm Beach, FL, and collected top placings for each mount in this first qualifying competition on the 2008 Florida circuit for the USEF National Grand Prix Championship / Olympic Games Selection Trials.
King’s Grand Prix mounts were Idocus, an 18-year-old KWPN stallion owned by Christine McCarthy; Harmony’s Mythilus, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Harmony Sporthorses; and Rendezvous 3, a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood mare owned by Francine Walker.
With scores earned at the Gold Coast Opener, King and her three Grand Prix mounts are placed very well on the USEF National Grand Prix Dressage & Selection Trial Ranking List. King and Idocus are ranked #1. King and Harmony’s Mythilus are ranked #11. King and Rendezvous 3 are ranked #16.
“This show was a personal victory for me because with the three Grand Prix horses, there was not a single mistake in any of the six tests we competed in,” King said. “There were a few miscommunications, but no tempi change mistakes, no pirouette mistakes, and no zig-zag mistakes, so I was really happy.”
On opening day of the show, King rode all three horses in the FEI Grand Prix CDI, competing on a roster of 29 entries representing five countries. King claimed second place with Harmony’s Mythilus with a score of 71.125%. King and Idocus captured third place with 70.75%. King and Rendezvous 3 earned ninth place notching 65.208%.
“I was very, very happy with ‘Myth’,” King said. “I gave him some down time when he got back from Europe and only started building him back up again this week, so I didn’t expect him to be in top form, but he was really good. He put in a very clean test. I hadn’t been practicing too much piaffe because with him that’s something that’s always there, but he got a little nervous going into it in the show ring and got a little quick, so that actually wasn’t the best that he could do. Other than that, he really put in a solid test. He’s just getting better and better. I’m really excited about him, especially coming into this first qualifier.”
For Saturday’s competition, King rode Rendezvous 3 in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI. The duo earned 65.280% for sixth place. “I was really pleased with her in the Grand Prix and the Special,” King said. “It was only her third time competing in the Grand Prix and it was her very first Grand Prix Special. She’s not a naturally muscular horse so we are working on building up muscle. Being as green as she is at this level, she put in two very solid tests. I was really happy to get 65s in front of those judges. The judges’ comments were all really positive about her potential.”
On Sunday, King rode Idocus in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI and claimed victory over a field of eight international horses with a score of 76.30%.
“I was really happy with Idocus. He came out really into it, really up and light in the bridle,” King said. “It was nice in front of this panel of international top-level judges to be getting into those mid-70s again because the past couple of times I’ve ridden it I’ve had mistakes and been stuck around 72, so coming into World Cup and Olympics it’s nice to see those mid-70s again.” King noted, “I’m considering going for the World Cup with Idocus.”
King’s freestyle features a high degree of difficulty and a wonderful soundtrack created by Terri Gallo that includes “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and other Broadway show tunes. King and Idocus have performed this freestyle for victories in 2007 at the PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby, USEF National Grand Prix Championship, and Washington International Horse Show Dressage Invitational. It was also their kur for 2007 FEI Rolex Dressage World Cup Final where they finished sixth. King intends to keep this freestyle for the 2008 show season and for international competitions if she represents the U.S. at the World Cup Final and the Olympic Games. “I really love the music and I think it’s going to be as close to maximizing Idocus as we can get,” King said.
Also on Sunday, King rode Harmony’s Mythilus in the national segment of the show, competing the Grand Prix Special in the FEI Test of Choice Open class. King and Harmony’s Mythilus topped the field of 17 horses with a score of 69.80%.
King has only competed ‘Myth’ in the Special twice, so she entered him in the Test of Choice to practice in front of top judges Peter Engel (I) of Germany and Marian Ludwig (I) of the USA. Windy conditions put the powerful gelding on edge and caused him to spook at the beginning of the test. “But it ended up a positive result because in the beginning he was so ready to run away and then through the test I was able to get him back to me, which in the past I haven’t really been able to do,” King said, and added with a grin, “So it ended up being a positive schooling tool, but probably not worth all that energy – but you live and learn!”
King had a successful show despite being extremely ill during the entire competition. “If it were another show, I would have scratched, but this was a qualifier for the Olympic Selection Trials and it was really important. I had to do it,” King said. “I am so fortunate that I had a really good care team. Basically, all I had to do was get on my horse and ride. Once I get on a horse and start to work, I almost always start to feel better and can focus. I was so happy that I was able to do a decent job of it.”
King will compete next at the 2008 PhelpsSports.com Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/CDI-Y on February 29-March 2 in Loxahatchee, FL.
 Courtney and Mythilus - owned by Richard Malloch. Mythilus placed 1st in both the Grand Prix for the Special and the Grand Prix Special at Dressage at Devon. Photo: susanjstickle.com
Courtney King Claims Five FEI Victories at 2007 Dressage at Devon
Written by: Mary Hilton, Phelps Media Group, Inc.
Release Date: 2007-10-04
It's considered the most prestigious show on the East Coast, if not the entire U.S., and only the best of the best emerge as winners at the inimitable Dressage at Devon. Courtney King of New Milford, Connecticut, wrapped up her weekend with more wins than any other competitor showing in the Performance Division. With five world-class mounts under saddle, King came down the centerline 11 times and galloped the honor round of victory five times at the 33rd annual Dressage at Devon CDI-W/Y/J presented by WT/Direct, held September 27-30, in Devon, PA.
World-class judging comprised of three Olympic (O) rated judges and six International (I) rated judges provided strict and accurate scoring throughout the show. The elite panel included Barnabas Mandi, (O) Hungary; Francis Verbeek Von-Rooy, (O) Netherlands; Gotthilf Riexinger, (O) Germany; Trond Asmyr, (I) Norway; Hilda Gurney, (I) USA; Lorraine Stubbs (I) USA; Jacques Van Daele, (I) Belgium; Jane Weatherwax, (I) USA; and Lois Yukins, (I) USA.
Judge Mandi, president of the Ground Jury, commented on King after her spectacular ride aboard Idocus in the Grand Prix Freestyle, saying, "The rider is young and has a positive future. For me, it was interesting that a young person was so calm and concentrated, which shows a good quality for a sportsman for the future. The hands were not shaking under the pressure." Mandi is one of seven judges that will preside at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Mythilus Wins Two Grand Prix Classes in Devon Debut
Making his debut appearance at Dressage at Devon, Mythilus, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Richard Malloch, notched back-to-back victories. In the FEI Grand Prix B, Qualifier for the Grand Prix Special, 'Myth' topped a field of 14 horses with a score of 68.375%. In the FEI Grand Prix Special, Myth again bested a field of 14 horses, solidly claiming the win with a score of 71.00%. The powerful bay gelding by Ferro was the only horse to break the 70-percentile in the Grand Prix Special.
"I'm still just on a high and excited from the ride and how with me he felt and how exciting it is to pull that kind of a score with those judges," King enthused. "I feel like it's the beginning of the horse's career."
Idocus Notches First Scores Towards Olympic Selection Trials
As the returning champion of the FEI Grand Prix B, Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle, Idocus, a 17-year-old Dutch stallion owned by Christine McCarthy, showed he was still right on form, notching 71.042%. The elegant bay stallion was just barely edged into second place in a field of 17 topnotch horses by Canada's Ashley Holzer and Pop Art, who scored 71. 250%. In the electrifying FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, held as the featured event on Saturday night under lights in the Dixon Oval before a crowd of over 3,000 spectators, King and Idocus ("Idy") presented a flawless rendition of their kur to Broadway show tunes, which they performed at the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Final. The duo scored a whopping 73.00% and led the class of 15 entries until Denmark's Lars Petersen and Succes scored 73.40%, edging King and Idocus into second place by a mere 4/10th of a point.
Commenting on her Grand Prix ride, King said, "Idy felt a little bit tight in the warm up, but he was very honest in the test. His piaffe and passage were very rhythmical, and his extended canter was awesome. I wasn't able to get him set up really well before the pirouettes, so one of them was not very good, but without that he was definitely in the running. Honestly, I was pretty excited to be that close behind such a smashing combination as Ashley and 'Poppy'!"
King was enthusiastic about the freestyle competition as well, enthusing, "Wow, I was blown away by Lars's freestyle. Such amazing music - I was just giggling with pleasure watching it! And it was very technically difficult as well. It made me really want to make my freestyles better. I was shocked and thrilled to even be so close behind him." With a grin, King beamed, "It's pretty cool to be at Devon where you can really enjoy and admire the people who kick your butt!"
Rendezvous 3 Claims Double Victories in Small Tour
While Rendezvous 3 made her Grand Prix debut at Saugerties this summer, she only had the one qualifying score for Devon, so King showed her in the small tour for the last time in this talented mare's career. The 12-year-old Austrian-bred Warmblood mare owned by Francine Walker came down centerline three times, and cantered off with the blue ribbon twice. In the FEI Prix St. Georges, Rendezvous scored 67.25% for third place in a huge field of 45 horses. In the FEI Intermediaire I, Rendezvous returned to dominate the class of 41 entries, scoring 71.250%. The mare was the only horse on the roster to break the 70-percentile. Rendezvous wrapped up her weekend in an extraordinary way - she was the last horse in the last class at this year's Devon, and proved to be the last horse to gallop a victory lap at this year's show by winning the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle with a score of 71.20%. The mare performed technically challenging canter work and showcased her extended trots to theme music from the film "My Fair Lady." Again, the impressive Rendezvous was the only entry to score in the 70-percentile.
"Rendezvous' freestyle was a great way to end the show, the season, and the small tour on her!" King said. "Although we went through some ups and downs during the weekend, 'RV' is always a thrill to ride in the ring. She shows such quality, expression, and elasticity. It is a blast to ride!"
Jubilant Top Contender in FEI Prix St. Georges
King had an exciting weekend with the youngster Jubilant, an eight-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Anne Wood and Virginia Easley. Jubilant ("Eubie") led the class of 45 horses in the FEI Prix St. Georges for almost the entire class and then ended up tied for the win with Melissa Taylor and Dacardo. Both horses scored 68.667%. The tie was broken in Dacardo's favor based on the Collective Marks, putting Jubilant second. Jubilant also showed in USEF Fourth Level Test 3, scoring 68.659% for third and USEF Fourth Level Test 2, earning 67.50% for second place.
"I was so proud of Eubie! In a tough field of extremely seasoned small tour horses, he was on top with only one CDI under his belt. He was really awesome for the Prix St. Georges!" King related enthusiastically. "Then, my super laid back, frankly lazy little stallion could not contain himself for the Friday evening awards ceremony, so I had to actually gallop him around to tire him out enough so that he wouldn't buck me off! That was an extremely unusual circumstance, which unfortunately deflated his balloon for Saturday. Nevertheless, he is feeling like an upper level horse, completely capable of continuing to be competitive through the FEI levels. That's exciting!"
Harmony's Wyoming Wins FEI Dressage Test for Six Year Old Horses
King's own six-year-old Hanoverian gelding Harmony's Wyoming started off her weekend with her first win of this year's Devon, scoring 78.20% in the FEI Dressage Test for Six Year Olds, topping a competitive field of eight entries. Earlier this year, King withdrew 'Wyoming' from the Young Horse Championships in order to continue her training program with him aimed at Grand Prix, so the win in the class was especially gratifying.
"I was really, really pleased with my decision to take him out of the Young Horse Championships and develop him," King said. "The judges liked him very much so I felt good about this return to the show ring. I feel that he's on a good course for the future. It was especially nice that Leslie Malone of Harmony Sporthorses, who bought Wyoming for me, came to see him school over the weekend. She hadn't seen him in a while, so it was fun for her to see the difference in him - the horse with no trot!" King laughed, referring to the fact that previously the gait had been a low point but at Devon the judges gave Wyoming the top scores for his trot work and called it a 'highlight'.
2007 Dressage at Devon - Record Wins for King
Overall, with five horses and 11 classes to contest in four days - with some of them lasting late into the night - it was a non-stop, intensely competitive weekend for King. But with five important wins to her credit and the thrill of riding the honor rounds at Devon, it was also the most successful and exciting Dressage at Devon in the 29-year-old rider's career."Devon is my favorite place to show, and this year was no exception to that rule!" King beamed. "Being a pre-Olympic year we had the benefit of not only excellent judges, but also a very strong competitive field from all over the place. It made me work very hard! I had several very close second places, which make me strive even more. You can't let a single point slide at Devon or someone is right on your heels - that is very important for all of the riders to push themselves to be better, and it is inspiring to be competitive in that field!"
Courtney King and Idocus Impress Judges at Aachen CDIO*** Written by: Mary Hilton for Phelps Media Group, Inc.
July 14, 2007 – Courtney King riding Idocus made her debut at the Aachen CDIO***, held July 4-8, 2007, in Aachen, Germany, and competed against the top 32 riders in the world who represented 14 countries. Representing the U.S., King, 29, of New Milford, CT, and Idocus delivered performances that qualified them from the Grand Prix into the Grand Prix Special, and then into the Grand Prix Kur to Music, which permits only the top 15 competitors.
With three opportunities to impress the judges, King earned higher scores each time she cantered into the sold-out 8,000-seat stadium. On her first day in the ring for the Grand Prix-CDIO, King earned 66.875% for 19th place in the starting roster of 32 horses – a score high enough to qualify her to compete in the Special. In the Grand Prix Special-CDIO, King and Idocus earned 68.480% for 11th place in the field of 30 horses. In the Grand Prix Kur to Music, King and Idocus received a score of 71.300% to finish 11th in the elite field of 15.
All but one of the internationally acclaimed officials presiding at the dressage ring were judging King for the first time in her career and they were impressed with her riding abilities, rewarding her with scores of 8 out of a possible 10 on several occasions for Rider Position and Effectiveness. The judging panel was comprised of Leif Toernblad of Denmark; Dr. Evi Eisenhardt of Germany; Dr. Vincenzo Truppa of Italy; Wim Ernes of the Netherlands; and Beatrice Bürchler-Keller of Sweden. “Nice and correct way of riding!” complimented Judge Toernblad. “Very elegant rider with a good seat.”
King was encouraged to compete in Aachen by U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Klaus Balkenhol as a step towards gaining exposure to European judges and preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Selection Trials.
“Competing at Aachen was an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure,” King said. “I learned many things from my experience there that will help with my future career. The reason that Klaus felt that it was important for me to go to Aachen was to show in front of the European judges, and I did not appreciate the significance of that until I was there. I am accustomed to the U.S. where we have many European judges, but they are normally the same judges, so it was very different to be in front of a complete panel that didn’t know me. The biggest thing that I took away from Aachen was inspiration. What a great thing to compete in the same ring with the best in the world, to watch the preparation and be involved in the same sphere. I strive to excel as they do.”
Leading up to Aachen, King and Idocus, the 17-year-old Dutch stallion owned by Christine McCarthy, represented the U.S. at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas, NV, in April where they finished in 6th place. The duo qualified for the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Championship in Gladstone, NJ, in June where they earned the Reserve Champion title. King and Idocus were invited by the Aachen CDIO3* show management to represent the U.S. in July.
King commented on her rides at Aachen, saying, “I was actually the happiest with my Grand Prix. Idocus traveled extremely well and felt very fresh. Although the piaffe could have been more active and we had one small mistake, I thought the test flowed well and Idocus really enjoyed it. I think the judges were very happy to see Idocus showing well again.” Though King was new to the judging panel, Idocus had been shown previously in Europe and in Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games by Marlies van Baalen of the Netherlands, but has not competed overseas since being reunited with King in 2005.
While Idocus traveled well to Aachen, he never settled at the show and was extremely restless in his stall, King noted, which had an affect on his energy level in the ring. “He spent his nights pacing and spinning in the box, so by the end of the week he was very tired,” King said. “He was still very good and tried hard, but I knew that he had drained himself by never resting. However, our freestyle went nicely with the music and despite a couple of bobbles, it was well received by the crowd.”
King returned to the U.S. after the Aachen CDIO3*, but plans to resume her exposure abroad this fall when she will train and compete in Europe in November and December. King plans to travel to Florida in January for the 2008 winter show season and the USEF High Performance qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
“As far as the Olympics, I think any rider would say the same thing: ‘one day at a time’,” King said. “Idocus is wonderful and happy and fit, and if he stays inspired and amused by the work, then we will go through the selection trials. If he decides that it’s time for him to read and play golf, then I won’t push him. I also have a younger horse, Mythilus, who I will start in Grand Prix this month and who shows great promise. I’ve been striving all of my life for a chance to go to the Olympics, and I would say that next year I have a chance. It’s a slim chance, and I won’t push my younger horse beyond his comfort or my older horse beyond his happiness, but it’s pretty cool to have a chance. We’ll see what happens, but at the moment I’m counting my lucky stars to be in this position!”
Note: A very special thanks to Collecting Gaits Farm - Jeff and Shereen Fuqua - for their generous sponsorship to assist Courtney and Idocus to compete in Aachen!
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