New Website;

Please visit my new website for latest updates:

www.ckddressage.com

May 22, 2011

As I recover, I'm trying to be as productive as I can; teaching lessons, doing pottery, paintings, articles... One thing I've found that I think is great to be involved in and immensely productive, is the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program. I'd be honored to be part of this program even if I weren't injured. This country needs to help Americas future find it's way. Who better to be involved than those of us who have been there and done that? What I very much like about it is that it not only educates people in how to ride but overall horse care, how to be a total horse person. It's like Lendon's d4k show, only no competition, just education. I wish it were happening when I was under 21!

Here is the link where you can fnd information and an application:

http://www.dressage4kids.com/Emerging%20Dressage%20Athlete%20Program.htm

Dressage4kids, Inc is very proud to announce the creation of the "Emerging Dressage Athlete Program.” Lendon Gray developed the plan for the program two years ago after seeing the incredible success of the US Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athlete Program. She asked Robert Dover to join her in the endeavor but he felt he had to wait until he was no longer working as the Coach of the Canadian Dressage Team. As soon as this happened he asked Courtney Dye to join the effort. These three Olympians will combine their individual efforts to find, help to educate, and develop talented youth to become the international riders and trainers of the future. The program will start with clinics in various parts of the US and participants will be selected for national clinics.
 
The program will be for Dressage competitors under the age of 21. It will be a stepping-stone from participating at the grassroots level to climbing the long ladder on the way to representing the US in international competitions and/or becoming a successful professional. Through this program, dedicated, talented Dressage youth will be sought out in all parts of the US. The teacher(s) will ensure that the basics of their education as riders and horsemen are properly established and will give them a road map for their Dressage journey.
 
Section A regional clinics will be held in different areas of the US. Potential riders aged 11 - 21 may apply by filling out an application and sending in a shortvideo of themselves riding. A committee will select the riders to invite to the instructional sessions. They will be looking for riders with correct effective positions, correct timing of aids, a feel for rhythm, tempo, relaxation, and throughness of the horse. During the lesson sessions the instructors will evaluateand try to improve the riders’ position, use of aids, knowledge, and suitability for competitive Dressage. The riders will also receive written evaluations. From these clinics, riders will be ranked and the highest ranked riders will be invited to the Section B National Clinics.
 
Section B will be a 6 day instructional Session – one in November and one in April in Wellington, FL. At these sessions participants who cannot bring their own horses will be provided with horses to ride. There will be lessons in position, general schooling, using cavaletti, and test riding.
 
At all training sessions, instruction will also be provided in stable management, riding theory, fitness, and/or sports psychology, etc.
 
Lendon Gray will headline the regional clinics, although other international riders/trainers have already agreed to help so that many parts of the US will be covered. The national clinics will be headlined by Robert Dover and Courtney King Dye.  These three professionals competed in a total of 9 Olympics and 10 World Cups. They have also trained horses and coached riders not only for international competitions, but also National Championships at all levels as well as North American Young Rider Champions.
 
Dressage4Kids, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization incorporated for the express purpose of providing educational and competitive opportunities for youth riders.
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May 19, 2011

Today was the first time I felt not like the trainer teaching Jen and my horses, but like I was training the horses for me to ride. I am so lucky to have such an exceptional team. Jen has been with me for years and is a great trainer and a great student. Koryn, my working student, and my grooms are all so great and loyal through hard times. Not to mention my clients who have been fantastic!                       
I also rode Roxy for the first time up here. The lady who did hippo with me up here before came to check things out and said Roxy is ideal!
The owner of my barn, Clair, had this magnificent mounting block my walkers and I can stand on together! Such a lucky girl!
Good day, good day!
I've always been realistic about the possibilities of making it for major competitions, that the stars had to be in the right alignment and the possibility of not making it was there. I want to be as realistic about my recovery and its possibilities as I was about competitions. At first I didn't want to acknowledge full recovery may not happen, but I don't want to lead anyone on, not even myself.  I know I may not make a full recovery, and I know from my joy teaching Jen, that I'd be content if I didn't, but I will try as hard as I can to make it. I think I will, but I know if I don't I'll be happy doing what I can do. 

May 11, 2011

Sue Stickle was SO kind to offer to sell a photo of me riding Grandioso with 100% of the profits going to my medical fund! Thank you Sue!! I owe you an 80% GP ride to photograph!
The link is:

http://jonna.zenfolio.com/courtneykingdyefundraiserphoto

May 9, 2011

Adam, my PT up here in CT, has me go on the eliptical and keep my knees bent, try to keep my upper body as still as possible which engages hip swing. I've been practicing this when walking, and I call it my sexy walk. It's amazingly similar to my gangster walk. Only the expressions vary quite a bit. I look very menacing in my gangster walk and oh, so sultry in my sexy walk. The camo cane really pulls them both off!

May 5, 2011

I just went to the barn for the first time since arriving back up north. I went to see the graves of Myth and Rendezvous. I put an apple on each of them. Who'd have thought that 2.5 years after the Olympics, they'd both be dead and I'd have a brain injury. It made me extremely sad, but not so disablingly sad like it did last time.
So, I taught one of my clients who didn't go to Florida, and helped a couple of my horses who were doing their first day of light work. It was great, but the graves make me so sad again, I can't express that properly. Regardless, it's good to be home.

April 23, 2011

I put some art I did on my facebook page ... a clay cat for my sister and an old painting and a painting I just did. Art is good therapy, and fun!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1428895221

April 22, 2011

So now it's more like a real day, I rode 2 horses! First I went to Vinceremos and rode Tommy, then I went to my barn and rode Roxy! It was my final session on Tommy which was very sad. :( But I told him to watch out cuz next year he's gonna have to piaffe!
Roxy was very good. She's a good next step from Tommy because her movement is far bigger. On Tuesday I went to ride her, but I never got on. She was a little nervous because there were 3 of us on the mounting platform, so I told them to go around again. And again. And again. They took her around about 40 times, and when she was a little more settled I had Jen get on and flop around like me and make sure to kick her in the butt with her right leg. She was absolutely perfect once a rider was on. So I didn't get on, but it was good schooling. The girls worked on it every day since, so today I got on after only four times around. Again, once a rider was on, she was perfect.
She's also much more responsive than Tommy. Tommys very well trained to ignore me, but Roxy is kind of confused. One minute I demand she listen to me and I'm good, and the next minute I'm flopping around. I try to do leg yields on Tommy, and in about 100 meters forward, I'll get maybe 2 meters to the side. On Roxy, in like 2 meters forward she'll go 10 to the side. She's very confused whether to listen to me or not.
Roxy is a paint, so there's a lot of white. She was sparkly clean. Apparently my grooms had given her a bath in preparation for my ride. I said, "So are you gonna braid her tomorrow?" I had to tell them I was joking because, knowing them, they probably would!

April 17, 2011

Yesterday I taught on my horses for the first time since coming back from NZ. Man, it was great to see them. I think their training had, understandably, a bit of a lag during my annoying coma, but now, since my return, I have to say they're nearly training what they would have been if I were riding. Jen is doing a great job. We make a fantastic team, if I do say so myself!
I also rode Roxy, a horse in my barn, whose owner, Carol Cohen, generously said I could ride her any time! The Vinceremos people came and tested her while I was away, and she's about perfect, could be a therapy horse tomorrow! She's super quiet, but more sensitive (which is not very) than Tommy and a bigger mover, so she's a perfect next step for me. I'll still ride Tommy once a week, but I'll ride Roxy at my place twice a week as well. Morette, from Vinceremos, comes over and Arlene and Stacy still help, so it's pretty much the same, but this way my grooms, working students, and Roxy get accustomed to it to. And I do, too! I have to admit it made me a tiny bit nervous getting on a non therapy horse. I was especially concerned with her reaction to my floppy right leg having to be helped over and kicking her in the bum on it's way. But she was a gem, acted like shed been doing it all her life. What a star!

April 15, 2011

I rode Tommy today! He needed a little tune up, (just kidding - I have to say just kidding because it's come to my attention that not everyone gets my humor! :)) No, he was, as usual, a star. We went in a paddock today. I was loose, which is a big deal, and the 3 ladies who help me with hippo therapy stood in a triangle making the shape of a barrel racing coarse. I had to do the coarse at the walk, complete with extended walk at the end! Such fun!
I went in sort of upset about something, but as it always has, being on a horse made me feel much better... complete. Then we went to Costco, and I pushed the cart! It helps my balance at the walk anyway, so it's good therapy! Plus I put everything in the cart with Righty... well, except the wine and eggs!
I was very happy because I thought maybe I would have regressed during my vacation, but Stacy was amazed how much better I was, even my speaking! Yesterday I had my occupational therapist measure me for strength, flexibility and coordination, (which she does from time to time), and I was vastly improved in all 3! Yay! I should take a vacation more often, this same improvement happened after I went to WEG for a week! Work hard, play hard.... and often!

April 10, 2011

My vacation in NZ was great! Better than imaginable. I definitely could imagine living there if I didn't have to bring my horses... and leave my friends and family. I guess I'd gain some, too... hmmm, it's really just the riding!
I had lamb on a spit, ate interesting fruit, (I gained weight, but that's the least of my worries!) saw all sorts of family... my good friend, Buttcheeks, insisted I tell you I went fishing. I caught the most and the biggest! (not really, but I thought I should tell a fishing story.) And best of all, one of our best "mates", DP, organized for me to have a private meeting, including him playing a couple songs, with my all time favorite kiwi musician, Dave Dobbyn!!! Meet the brain damaged Olympian, yup the accident was definitely worth while! The helmets are important, but meeting Dave Dobbyn!!! (just kidding!)  No, it was so special. My next clay project is to make his guitar for him, it will be a challenge!
It was great, but now I'm ready to hippotherapy again! Well, maybe a few more days of vacation... ;) My mother-in-law, Cath, took me for for walks every day - I should say went for walks with me, not took me for walks... Feed me, take care of me, take me for walks... we discuss me like I'm an animal! Won't be long till I'm discussed like a human again! :)) - (bless her, it's slow going and she had to prevent me from falling several times), but I'm ready to get my nose back to the grindstone.

March 24, 2011

I went to the KWPN meeting tonight at DG Bar Ranch in California, they did a wonderful tribute to Idocus at which I spoke. I got to visit with him in the barn, and his rider Ashlyn de Groot did a beautiful musical freesyle on him.  I haven't seen him since 2009! He was perfectly happy and content... It made me so happy to see. I also got to see some great babies by him.
They also did an auction/fundraiser for my medical trust. I'm so thankful to all who bid. I was thankful for fundraisers before, but now I'm immensely grateful because my insurance ran out. With speech, physical, occupational, aqua, and all the other therapies I do, it's very expensive. I couldn't afford to do them all without the generous help of others. From the bottom of my heart, I'm thankful.
I'm off to New Zealand tomorrow!! Yay! This was a trip we had booked for March 2010, but it is difficult to travel when you are in a coma! I know I said about four entries ago that it may be my last entry before going, but I've had a lot to share!

March 22, 2011

I just had to share my latest clay creation. I made Betsy's dog, Betty, for my best friend Betsy ...... say that ten times fast, it's good speech therapy!

Special thanks to my good friend Jackie Harris for helping me with the pottery therapy!

March 18, 2011

I just rode Tommy! County, my saddle sponsor, was nice enough to come fit a saddle for him, so I got to ride in my own saddle! Comfy like home!

March 16, 2011

I just got finished riding Tommy! It's so much fun! I have to say, that group at Vinceremos is wonderful. So kind, caring, and competent... We have such a great team. I still have 3 people, one leading the horse and one on either side. For part of the session, though, I'm in control of the horse with them still beside me.
It works well because I'm not trying to do "dressage". I'm doing therapy and get the joy of a horse as a bonus.
This may be my last entry before my trip. I'm going to visit friends and family in New Zealand. We're stopping in California on the way. The KWPN is honoring Idy, so I'm going to speak at that. :) We're also going to meet  the consulting physician Jason worked with a lot during the first few months after my accident and who helped Jason a great deal. And I'm going to visit Steffen and Shannon Peters. I'm so looking forward to all of it! I'll miss therapy, but it's a good time to take a break!

March 11, 2011

I had a very interesting conversation with Sharon, my PT, yesterday. She was saying I'm unique in that I never get frustrated, always want to try. I said I kind of understand how people can not try. I used to totally not understand, thought it's only natural to want to do everything possible to get better. Then a few months ago, I went to visit Myth's and Rendezvous' graves. I got so sad, it was the only time I was sick of and didn't want to work on myself all the time. Then I completely understood. Some people are sad all the time, so they never want to work on themselves. I'm sad for them. I'm blessed with a positive disposition.
Then she told me it makes such a difference to have the friend and family support I have. She told me a story of a sixty plus year old woman who had a stroke and her whole right side was paralyzed. The doctors said she'd never get better and to put her in a nursing home. Her family didn't accept it. Each of her 3 kids got an education in speech, physical, and occupational therapy and built a space in their house. Even when she didn't want to, they made her do each therapy 5 days a week. A year and a bit later, she's back at work, walking with just a slight limp and writing with her right hand. Goes to show, even when you're told you won't be able to something, you might be able to if you try. And family pushing you to try when you don't want to is integral. Luckily I always want to, but I know if I ever don't want to, I can rely on my family and friends to push me.
I'm about to ride Tommy! Yay!

March 3, 2011

I can't believe it's been exactly a year since my accident. A year of my life is gone. Poof. I've come so far, but I have so far yet to go. Luckily my support group has been fantastic and, hence, made it relatively easy.
I'm having a little Celebrate Life get together with the people closest to me on Friday. As gifts for each of them I'm giving "WELcome Back Court" shirts, and on the sleeve it says, "...make lemonade." They are thinking we're celebrating MY life, but really we're celebrating all of our lives. I may have been the closest to death, but any of us could have died at any moment, so we all have to be grateful that we have each other.
I miss riding my horses, of course, but I'm thankful to be a part of their lives and training however I can.
The other thing I'm doing to commemorate one year is I'm speaking at the EAF fundraiser at the Palm Beach Derby, which is a great cause I'm all too familiar with now. I've been so lucky to have absorbed so much caring, but I know not everyone is  so lucky simply because not so many people know. If you'd like to donate but can't be there, see http://equestrianaidfoundation.org/ for instructions. It's very touching that the horse community supports each other in rough times. This is a way we can offer support even if we don't know someone.

When I first wrote on my website after the coma. I said I was all for wearing helmets, but I didn't want helmets to be all my accident means. Now I think it should be. What else could it mean? It's exactly that that helps save people from injury. It saved a few people we all know from having to go through what I went through.  Guenter Seidel, Liz Austen, Debbie McDonald. They're three great riders who have had recent falls and didn't always wear a helmet before my accident. I've said before that if my accident saves ONE person from going through what I went through, it's worth it. That's THREE that everyone knows... Definitely worth it.
I can tell myself that my accident is definitely beneficial because of that. Without it, like Lauren Sammis said, it's just a simple tragedy. This gives it meaning.

In rereading my website I thought it's time for a physical update. Like a broken record, I'll repeat the same thing again. Everything for sure is getting better, but I still have all the same struggles. A weaker right side, balance, and speech. Progress is slow but sure. I've learned not to wake up in the morning and test to see if there was some big improvement overnight. I used to do that every day, but after a year, I've learned it's not gonna happen. Like the tortoise I have to learn patience. It's against my nature, but it's a virtue I've had to learn.

February 28, 2011

I'm really having a lot to say on this website lately! But something I wanted to share came into my mind...

I'm amazed, yet again, at the things horses will do for us. I've always been amazed that they'll get on a trailer, this little black cave where they can't move, and let us do things like acupuncture where needles are stuck into them. They're so big, they could easily say no if they wanted. They CHOOSE to do want we want. That's why our goal has to be to make them WANT to work. The therapy horses make me appreciate their kindness even more.

I had another aha moment working on myself yesterday that's identical to riding. After my last note about the similarity between training horses and working on me, I got many notes of people thinking about it, and it helping, in other sports. I think this is also the same for all sports. I always tell students to EXAGGERATE the opposite of their problems. For instance, if their hands are constantly too high, I don't just tell them to put their hands where they belong, but to put them too low, so the right amount becomes easy. This is why Lendon and I got on so well together. If she told my leg was too far forward, I'd put it back to the saddle pad, so the next time she'd have to tell me it was too far back. It was, and is, my goal to have the instructor tell me the OPPOSITE thing the second time, not the same thing again. In other sports, for example golf, if you're consistently hitting the ball too far to the right, try to hit it too far to the left to make it go straight. Eventually hitting it straight will feel straight.

It struck me to try the same thing in my walking. I'm always struggling to not stick my butt out and to lead with my hips. So I tried on my treadmill to not just fix it so it was right but to lean too far back. It was awkward and hard, but we'll see in the next couple days if it makes the right way easier. I may be able to trick my brain into thinking it's leaning forward when it's perfectly straight!

February 27, 2010

Fun in therapy!!
I've been doing pottery once a week because I think it helps motor skills, and I made this for my sister! I'm so proud of him, he's adorable! Yay, I get an immediate reward from therapy!!

February 26, 2011

I've only cried five times since my accident. Two times were on the same day in inpatient at Kessler in two different therapies. First, I was walking on the treadmill and realized that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't walk better. That same day my therapist wanted to teach me how to get up if I fell, so she wanted to ease me onto a matt to teach me how to get up.  Instead I fell onto it and couldn't move. I couldn't even do that right. I felt helpless. The last day of inpatient speech therapy, I had the same realization that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't make my words sound any better. I'm used to seeing the result of hard work, and it had been months. I apologized to my speech therapist for the crying interference and the, more often, giggling interference. Then I cried when I saw Mythy's and Rendezvous graves. Then saying goodbye to Grandioso. So really I've cried over THINGS, things that would have made me sad anyway. I've never cried or gotten upset about my accident or my way of life now. Luckily the people around me make it easy. Like I've said before, this is just a hurdle I have to get over. I will, the question is when.

This a favorite photo of mine from the final Olympic selection trials in San Juan Capistrano, CA - 2008. Again, that top hat, but I guess it's a good example of what I wore against what happened.
It was the only time I ever did 2 thumbs up, and Mary Phelps captured it on film. She sent me a big print which we hung in the hospital at Kessler, so I'd gaze at it every day. We had (have) a little test for my right hand's improvement... how close I can get to 2 thumbs up! I'm doing better, but still working on it! I can almost flip Jason off, though! We'll both celebrate when I can!
Mary and I commiserated and supported each other when she had her 4 wheeler accident.
We've been wanting to do something together for the Equestrian Aid Foundation, so we thought it would be meaningful if I did a speech at their fundraiser next week at the Palm Beach Derby. It will be exactly one year since my accident. The EAF, the Equestrian Aid Foundation, is organized to help horse people who are hurt and their families. It could be a farrier who was kicked, a vet who was trampled or a rider who fell. It helps anyone with horse related injuries. I know there are many people who don't get the immense support I get simply because people don't know about them.  The EAF is a great way to support those who need it.

This is one of my favorites from the Olympics. I was stupid enough to wear a top hat in those days, but I love the picture, so I wanted to share it. Sue Stickle took it and has always been supportive before, during, and after the accident.

This is one of my favorite photos I have used a lot. It's of me and Grandioso at the Succeed fundraiser to benefit the USET Foundation, December 2009. Sharon Packer, who has been immensely supportive, like a mom, took this picture and was kind enough to give me use of it. I love it!

February 17, 2011

I know from facebook that some people still wonder if my positivity is a show for the public. The reason I keep this blog is that the amount of caring people showed meant so much to me, that I felt they deserved to accompany me on the whole trip if they wanted. That includes the ups AND downs. Sorry there aren't more downs (not really!) but I can't make them up. I'm so lucky to have a great husband, family, friends, distant supporters, clients, workers..... It sucks that it took my accident to enflame the attention to safety, but it showed people that the unexpected has to be expected. I saw the horses owner the other day, and there was nothing I could say to take away the guilt she was feeling. In retrospect, I say to her and everyone else, that horse did a favor for everyone. I may be slightly injured, but through that he's possibly saved many people from injury or death.  So we ought to be grateful.

February 16, 2011

This was published on Dressage Daily recently but the last line is so powerful, I wanted to display it again...

I know it's unfortunate that it took an international rider being hurt to ignite the discussion of safety, but in my view it makes my accident worthwhile. If it can save one life, it's worth it, and many people have emailed me saying they had bad accidents and were only wearing a helmet because of mine. I loved Lauren Sammis's quote from Nancy Jaffer's article that if we don't wear helmets, my accident was nothing but a tragedy.                             I hope it's more than a tragedy.

February 5, 2011

Another rider was in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. All the caring you showed me meant a great deal, and I'm sure it would mean a great deal to her, too. Her website is - www.alexandrasmithfoundation.org
If you want to send a note or make a donation I know it would mean a lot to her and her family.
I wish her well. It's a terrible thing to happen to anyone.

February 4, 2011

Tommy!

Today in hippo therapy I rode backwards! It was so weird and challenging! One PT told me to put my arms out to the side when I was forwards and pointed out that when I did that my arms swung just like they should when I walk, amazing! Last week after I got on, I felt unstable, like I might fall off for the first time. Then when I started to walk I realized that I felt hip swing. The instability was caused by increased flexibility and not being stiff as a board!
The past few days have shown dramatic improvement. I'm now walking on my own with a cane. Somebody guards me, but they don't touch me. My cane is camouflage, so no one can see it! (literally camo)
The only thing I did different, I don't know if it was the cause, but my speech therapist told me that if I practiced speech while I was on my stationary bike, it would work my cerebellum, which controls motor skills. Excersise plus speech. That, and a seizure does a body good!

January 31, 2011

It made me extremely happy to be at the show, it was easy to be thrilled for my girls. But in retrospect, I realize I know just what needs to be done.  I have to teach my body all over again. Nothing is fast, there's no miracle, I'm lucky improvement is steady, all be it slow. And I hoped I'd be ready to show at the end of Florida. That's just ridiculous. I still intend to find a horse to lease, but that will be dependent on my prgress. And I won't get on my horses for a while. My big hoora was yesterday I walked from my bathroom to the living room, which is pretty far away completely on my own! Yup, celebrate the little things! It was great to feel a little independent. Betsy was there to guard me in case I fell, but she never touched me! Small steps. I got a bottle of nonalcoholic champagne to celebrate Jens win on Romeo and Jen Baumerts 66% on Prince! Yay, I'm excited even now!

January 30, 2011

It struck me at the show, where many people showing FEI wore helmets, that top hats now kind of looked odd. Maybe because I'm sensitive now to worrying about heads, but soon we'll look like those outdated dressage pictures from the '50s if we're in a top hat!

January 29, 2011

My horses went to a show today, and I couldn't be happier!! Showing, my girls did great! In the 3.3, Koryn rode Mystras and Jen rode Romeo, a young horse, and Koryn got first with a 73% and Jen got second with a 72! I'm so proud I could burst!! Plus, Jen took Zygosch and Tomtom to school, and they were both amazingly good, acted like they'd been doing it all their lives! And the day was beautiful, everything was great! If only I didn't have this TBI, everything would be perfect!! :)

January 23, 2011

 Stacy, one of my PTs, explained to me that it's rare for a seizure to cause neurological damage. She was attempting to assuage my fear not to add to it. The good thing is that the seizure was likely caused by food poisoning. The vomiting and other flu like symptoms that accompanied it are not normal. So whereas pushing myself too hard certainly didn't help, it didn't cause the seizure. Yay! So in the future I just have to avoid bad food, which apparently I like, but it's not a hard thing to give up!
Not that I am thanking my lucky stars for my head injury, but I think I've come to a good place with it. I don't know if it's because the seizure took away some of the urgency to recover, but now I've come to feel ok with it. Dont get me wrong, I fully intend to get back to my previous level of riding! Work hard and continue the fight, nothing can beat nature away!
Thank you all for writing to me. I've realized I'm touching a lot of people, and I can think of this accident as helping others. I thank all of you for showing me this accident isn't simply something to get through, in a way it's a blessing because it's helping many.  I'm soooo lucky to have the support I have from my husband, family, friends, strangers, clients, horses, and the great staff I have. I have so much to be thankful for, it far outweighs one measly thing to be unthankful for!

On another note, I went to say goodbye to Grandioso, one of Hampton Green Farm's PRE stallions I rode, before he travels to Spain. Although I fully agree with sending him and think it's the right choice for him, nonetheless I was very sad to say goodbye. I love that horse. I can't wait to have him back.

January 19, 2011

I just got back from my daily walk, and an important thought struck me. Training a horse is very similar to retraining me. People have always said that, but now I understand certain specifics are similar.
I always told my students to pick one flaw and focus all your attention on that. When that becomes instinctual, focus on the next thing. You can make little corrections of the other flaws, but keep your focus on the one thing. Sometimes fixing the one flaw helps the others. Working on me appears to be similar. I've been told many things about my walking, but a couple weeks ago my PT down here, Sharon, said to think about leaving my toe on the ground so it can push off, which was new. So a few days ago I realized I was focused on leaving the the toe down on my right leg but not thinking about that on the left leg. Then I tried to leave the toe down on my right leg and realized my left leg was always in a hurry to step, to avoid taking weight on my right leg, and stepping with my right leg was always slow. So I started out my walk this morning thinking, "fast with the right, slow with the left," and I kept getting screwed up. So instead I just focussed on keeping the left leg slow, keeping the toe on the ground. Doing that made my right step quicker. That's when it struck me that horse training is the same way. Then I started to think about it and check other things. People had always told me to shift my weight, and, wouldn't you know it, slowing down my left step made me transfer weight. People always told me to take a longer step on the left because it was always shorter than the right. Fixed that, too, waiting allowed my left leg to move farther.
Another way they're similar is, as my other PT, Stacy says, it's quality not quantity I always told my students, you can do 20 shoulder ins, but if 17 of them are done incorrectly, that's what the horse learns. If you do 2, and both are done correctly, that's what the horse learns. I can walk 1000 steps, but if they're done incorrectly, that's what my muscles learn. I can do 10 steps, but if they're done correctly that's what my muscles learn.
I think it's worked out perfectly. Kessler was great to start out. Adam was great and demanded strength and control, which was right for the time. And Stacy and Sharon both focus on finesse, which is right for now.

January 17, 2011

I'm nearly back to where I was preseizure. Getting slowly but surely stronger every day. Stacy - one of my therapists - said I'm very lucky there's no neurological damage. Phew, I didn't know there could be! Who'd have thought I could get lucky in a seizure? I always joke, "My stupid brain!" and stuff, but really I think my brain is doing a brilliant job with everything thrown at it. Ya, the seizure was horrible, but a well needed wakeup call.
I miss seeing my horses every day, but in a way it's kind of a special treat when I get to work with them.
I've kind of realized what people meant that recovery would take a long time. I used to think a month was a long time. Now I know, relatively speaking, that's a short time. I was thinking I'd start showing at the end of this Florida season and maybe I'd go for the Panam Games. I'm not even ready to ride dressage, much less compete.
Speaking of riding, my therapy horse at Vinceremos's name is Tommy! He's my Dude here! Soooo kind.

January 12, 2011

I'm doing ok following the seizure. Weak and wobbly but thrilled to be home. I thought it was hard to walk before, but now it's really hard!! I've realized I need to do less, and I'm not willing to give up any therapy, so I have to teach on my horses a bit less. It's a sacrifice for me as I really enjoy being part of their training, but I'm very pleased with the job Jen is doing. Romeo, Zygosch, and Tomtom are all pretty good with their changes now, and training them was my main goal. If teaching less means getting better faster, it's totally worth it, to me, my owners, and my horses. So onwards and upwards.        Ckd

January 10, 2011

On Saturday morning at 4 am I had a brief seizure. I guess this was my body's way of saying "Slow the bleep Down!". EMT came and took me to the hospital. I was released about 7am, and the first thing I said was "We can still make it to the helmet symposium", which was at 9. Then I went home and proceeded to vomit. I guess my body was saying, "Slow the bleep down, you stupid bleep"
I'm kind of slow, but now I get it. I didnt respond to the gentle suggestions, so it had to go to the extreme. Slow down. I've been doing so much, trying so hard to get better, I never gave my body a break. So now I'll do less. It's hard for me, but my body showed me that it needs it. So I've spent the weekend in the hospital recuperating. So much I missed out on, but I guess it's what my body needed.
So unfortunately it may take longer, but if that's what it takes to eliminate seizures, it's worth it. I'm lucky all my clients are loyal and all my horses are young, so a little more time, it's hard, but it's not catastrophic.

January 7, 2011

So I'm in Florida now, yay! Walking is hard enough, but when I'm shaking and frigid with cold, it's almost impossible! One time coming from the car, Jason was cold, so he said as a joke, "Run!" My running technique is quite special... Unfortunately I actually go slower than when I walk! I used to not like Florida because it's so flat and the terrain is monotonous, no beauty of the changes of season. Now I wouldn't be anywhere else for the winter! Snow's beautiful for about 2 weeks, then it's just white coldness. Jason told me that my dog was playing in the snow, and all I could say was, "Better him than me!"
So we've got my physical and occupational therapy set up, plus riding at Vinceramos, and I'm doing Skype 3 times a week with my speech therapist up north, and I go for a walk every day, and then a great private PT does laser and works on me as well. Today I'm off to try a cranio sacral masseusse to see if that helps. I'm going to be riding again asap! I'm being pretty good about remembering that therapy comes before horses, but I still get out to teach on my horses every day they go. So my days are full. Jason tries to come down weekends, and I live with Jen Baumert, and luckily my wonderful friend Betsy made herself available to help all the time. So I'm a lucky girl.
This weekend Steffens going to ride my youngsters, so I'm very excited!

December 26, 2010

I'm just starting the long drive from Michigan where I had a great Christmas with my family to sunny Florida, yay!!
Many people have said they're excited to hear that I'm ready to ride again. I just want to clarify that other than riding for therapy, I'm not ready to ride. I'm doing everything, with the help of my clients and therapists, to be completely prepared when I AM ready. Which I hope will be soon, but I'm ready to wait if it's not.
So I think it's about time for an update on my physical state. I'm still progressing slowly but surely. Everything is better, but I still have the same problems, walking and talking. You know, the hard stuff! I still need a guard if not help walking, but my balance is much better. Everybody always says how much better I am after they haven't seen me in a while. I take it as a compliment, but then I think I must have been awful before if this is better!
Back to the ride... I think we're on this trip for oh, about 1,400 miles!

December 20, 2010

So I'm just back from my second weekend in Florida! I love it there! My horses all settled in well and are happy. Although of course I wish I could ride them, I thoroughly enjoy teaching Jen on them, and I'm thrilled at the job she's doing.
It's a bit hard in Wellington to not just do everything riding related. I constantly have to remind myself that therapy is my top priority. That's how I'm going to get better, not by sitting teaching or watching.
This past weekend Steffen was giving a clinic. I knew last minute about it, and one of my sponsors, Renee Isler, gave me a session in it! I had Jen take Romeo, and it was fantastic! I asked Steffen to ride Romeo a bit, and it was great for me to see what he's capable of, and for Jen to learn! It was perfect! The next time Steffen said he'd try to ride my other horses for me! Yay, can't wait! He and Ilsa Schwartz and Carol Cohen, the owner of the barn, have done an incredible amount for me. Of course they made helmets mandatory for the clinic!
I am getting situated with new therapists in Florida and also went to Vinceramos, a great Therapeutic Riding Center nearby. I have to say, even though I'm happy every time I get on a horse anyway, they were fantastic, very good at what they do. So after Christmas I'm ready to move! So excited!

December 7, 2010

So I didn't ride last week because I stayed home, which was great, because my speech therapists were away. So I may write again tomorrow! I also started a facebook page, and am trying to put small updates on that.
I'm writing a training column for Dressage Today, so if you have general ideas, I'm happy to hear them!
My horses are in Florida now! I am looking forward to going down and seeing them this weekend! For December, I will go down for long weekends, then move down after Christmas! So looking forward to being down there! Let me tell ya, cold is no good for my walking! And Viva, my mini dachshund will definitely be happy!
I spent a fabulous weekend at Riveredge last weekend! Debbie McDonald was giving a clinic, Tim Ober (my vet) was there with a bunch of vets, Leslie, who owns Riveredge and Zygosch, was there, and, of course, the Hasslers were running everything, so I got to see them all with one visit! It was so great to see them all!

December 1, 2010:

I have one stall left in Florida, and the owner of my farm has one, I also have one extra available from December 3 till sometime in January, for a discounted rate. You can contact me if you're interested in any or all of them.
I'm not going to be able to ride Timber (the horse simulator) again before Florida, but the trainer asked me to tell you all, because I've gotten so many questions, it will be available to the public in January. This one is in Roxbury, CT, and I think there are only 4 in the country. Contact Trish Helmer at 845-224-8524. Timber is great!

November 28, 2010:

I had a fabulous weekend with my sibs in Vermont. My brother Gib couldn't come unfortunately because he was busy taking care of his poor wife who had surgery and his dog who injured her leg. Poor Gib. But we all enjoyed our Turkey Coma, and got lots of good hikes in. Poor Gib! I was too slow for my dogs, so my sibs looped around us!
I have to say, I'm especially thankful for how great my sibs are. I know Jason's a king, and my friends are fantastic, but I got to pick them because I thought they were great. Don't get me wrong, I'm still floored by how great they are, but my siblings I had no choice in choosing. I can only be thankful to them for being so wonderful and to my parents for making them. Thanks, guys.
I got mad for the very first time the other day. Let me tell ya, Lefty was going off! But I had to bust out laughing because it sounded so hilarious when I shouted, "you're really pissing me off!" Just doesn't go with the way I talk!   Ckd

November 22, 2010:

So Saturday was my birthday, and Jason and one of my clients threw me a  surprise party! It was so amazing! So many people I loved, so much love filled the room. And then my family, who flew in, all stayed for the weekend! It was the best birthday ever! What better way to celebrate being alive??
I failed my first goal. It was to ride one of my horses by my birthday. But I'm not willing to take chances, I'll wait till I'm good and 100% ready. And plus my horses are being very well ridden, I don't want to mess that up. So, onto the next goal. The good thing is I'm now realistic about wanting to be safe. My sister was talking about inflatable vests and stuff yesterday, and she said I'm gonna look like the Michelin man when I get on! Jason said elegant won't be the word used to describe you any more, but I'm sure they'll find another word! I said, ya, big!

My sister gave me a perfect card for my birthday! It had a mouse in front of a mousetrap with a helmet on. Inside it said, Older but wiser!

November 19, 2010:

So a person emailed and asked me why I wasn't wearing a helmet on the simulator. Good question. I don't because it doesn't have legs to trip over, it won't buck, rear , spook, run away, or do the unexpected. The worst thing that could happen is the power goes out, and he stops. But I'm going pretty slowly anyway, so I don't think that would do much. I also have people guarding on both sides when he is moving in case I lose my balance. Thanks for asking! I think it was a good thing to explain to everyone!
Yesterday I rode Dude in hippo therapy! I frickin love that horse! I rode him in a very smooth bareback pad that really tested my balance. On top of that, Dudes movement made it tough! A good tough. I finally realized why they said Dude had big movement, to me it was always short and choppy. In dresssage, if a horse has a big overstep and long strides in the walk, we would say he has big movement in the walk. In hippo, if a horse has short strides, your hips really have to move to absorb the bounce. It's a totally different way of thinking of big movement.
We moved out of the hotel last week, and only go to Kessler in NJ one day. We stay in the hotel 2 nights to do IBRF as well as my extra walking with a therapist, hippo, and yoga, but we get to live at home and see my horses more! I think it was a perfect transition. Kessler was great for the beginning stages, but Adam at Summit is great at focusing on my specific needs, challenging me, exactly what I need. If it's possible I'm more inspired than ever to get better soon!

I did yoga for the second time today! Sara, who is the PT who does hippo therapy with me, comes to the hotel and helps me. She asked me in hippo one time if I did yoga, and I told her no, I hate it! When I tried it once before, and the guy told me to think about my breathing for 2 minutes, I thought there's so much else I could be doing with these two minutes! Like the laundry! Kind of defeats the purpose of achieving relaxation. I knew I was stiff, so I tried stretching, and my riding fell apart. I guess my body was used to being stiff, so changing messed it up. But now I think yoga helps me. I've seen a serious difference just practicing for a week! Anything that will help, I'll do and love!

Ckd

Florida Stalls/Training Available :

Stalls are currently available for the 2010-2011 season at Courtney's Florida Training Facility located at 2457 C Road, Loxahatchee, FL.

Featuring 12x12 stalls. Olympic Dressage ring with new footing and mirrors. Good turnout paddocks. Everything needed for top care of your horse.

Up to 4 spaces for horses to be in full board and training with Courtney's assistant trainer - Jennifer Marchand from early December until early April

Up to 5 dry stalls available now.

Boarding (full care - no training) option available.

Lessons with Courtney available on a limited basis. Courtney plans to be in Florida from January through March.

Please contact Courtney at courtneykingdye@gmail.com with any enquiries.

November 10, 2010

One of my clients has offered to lease a starter horse for me when I'm ready to train seriously. Grand Prix is ideal, but I1 is ok. It doesn't have to be fancy, just quiet and confirmed. A lease would be ideal because we don't know how long I'll need this horse, but they're willing to buy the perfect horse. I just thought I'd put this out there to see if anyone has any ideas, please contact me if you know of anything.

Jason and I were doing the stairs the other day, and I said, "I can't believe I thought I'd be driving by January." He said, "everyone told you it would be a long time to recover." I said, "a long time is relative." I know it takes years to train a horse, but this is me. It's not that I don't know, it's just my body doesn't listen to me.
I used to detest exercise for the sake of exercise. I used to walk the dog, or play tennis, something there was a point to. Now I can guarantee I am dedicated to real exercise. I may not love it, but I do it all the time!

I really appreciate my husband in a new way. Our relationship hasn't changed at all, and sometimes I don't realize how special that is. He encourages me to get better, and he has to take care of me all the time. Now that's a special man. What can I say? I chose well!
I just rode Catherine in a bareback pad to get more hip movement! Nothing else new to report except Catherine acted like she was starving and slobbered all over me when I gave her her apple! Yup, still made me happy.
I still do speech and neurofeedback at IBRF, but tomorrow they start lasering my head! I guess we laser the horses, so why not? I also did acupuncture for the first time. I've been getting massages once a week, but I hated them before my accident, so they were referred to as muscular therapy! I think they were helpful, and I liked what the acupuncturist had to say. I was like a pincushion , but hey!

Timber!!!

November 6, 2010

I've gotten many emails asking for info on the simulator and my hippo therapists. One of my hippo therapists, Sara Goodstone, is also a physical therapist and used to work at Kessler. The other one (they work together), Meredith Bazaar, is a speech therapist, so I get work on my speech and riding at the same time! The owner of the barn, Starlight Farm, Rie Longo, is a therapeutic riding instructor, so she gives her input too! Mostly they work with children with cerebral palsy or autism, but they also have some adult students with TBI and the like.  I didn't say their names before because I wanted to respect their privacy, but they said it's fine to share!
The horse simulator is at a different location, they call it Avatar, I call it Timber and it is owned by Janet and the trainer is Trish Helmer. It's in Roxbury, Ct.
I took Jen to ride it today, and it was great! I love that thing!

November 3, 2010

I just finished riding Catherine. My goodness, I do love to ride. We went on a trail ride today. So much fun.
Debbie McDonald is doing a clinic that is a benefit for therapeutic riding, and I wrote something for it. I'm waiting for permission to share it with you. It's great she's doing that.
Last weekend I went to visit Scott and Susanne Hassler at Riveredge. That is a beautiful place, but homey too. I love it. I love the Hasslers too. It was great to visit with them. I'll never forget when they visited me soon after the coma. One of my first memories is how much love Susanne showed. She's loving by nature, but this amount was seriously touching. I also taught my first lesson to a rider and horse I didn't know. I didn't know how it would go, but I was totally comfortable and able to say what I wanted at the right time. Scott and Sussane said it was a great lesson. I thought it was a success and the perfect place to try!
I've also been asked a lot about Timber. I do have photos from the first time, but we left them in Connecticut, so I'll put one up this weekend. I'll also ask the trainer if I can put up her contact. More information is coming!
The past couple weeks I've been getting tired of going to therapy. Then I realized I'm used to having fun whatever I do, but therapy is about getting better not fun! Well, I still have fun once I get there, but I haven't looked forward to it the same way. But changing my perspective totally changed that. I WANT to go because it helps me get better. Period.

October 30, 2010

So I just rode the simulator! Even though I call him Timber, his real name is Avatar. I took my working student this time to try it, and it was great for her too. We got to work on things she needs to on her riding. She can't think of everything at once, so doing a transition or half pass with her heels down is hard, so it was good practice. I also alway tell her her right shoulder is higher than her left, and Timber showed her weight was mostly to the left, so maybe her shoulder is down to the left because her weight is, so if she thinks of putting her weight to the right it fixes her shoulders. Her weight doesn't look uneven, so there's no other way to tell. Plus it's fun! I told my hippo therapists about it and the fact that it doesn't learn from bad riding, and they said, "If it doesn't learn, doesn't that make it hard because it doesn't guess?" yes, it's hard, but it knows everything, and if you ask right it does it, if you don't it doesn't! Lovely! Next time I'm gonna bring Jen! If there's time, hopefully I'll ride it again tomorrow!
I taught on my horses again this morning. They're damn good horses. And Jen is doing a great job. If I had to get injured, now's the time. It's great for Jen to have to learn to teach things, and I can help with this stuff from the ground, and then hopefully soon I'll be ready to ride! It's a win, win, win! Jen deserves the chance. She's great.
Thank you so much for all of your notes. No worries, now that I know it's of interest, I'll be sure to write! See, this week I couldn't help but write twice! There's a lot of time in the car that I can't do anything but think, so I write!

October 27, 2010

I just got back from riding Catherine. I wasn't as good as last week, but I sure had fun sucking! She was great. And definitely knows she's getting an apple at the end!
I was asked to tell about my physical side.
My right side is still notably weak. My walking is with minimal assistance. I hold somebodys hand for some support, or they hold my shoulders and let me walk on my own. When we go up or down stairs, which I'm pretty good at, my support person is always below me, I guess in case I fall they're my airbag!
My shoulder kept giving me pain, and the MRI indicated the possibility that it was out of socket momentarily, and I may have a torn tendon. So my OTs suggested I avoid anything that causes pain, which made sense because if there's a tear we don't want to tear it more. It got to hurting more, so I saw a specialist. He felt my shoulder and right away said I had a frozen shoulder, which is caused by lack of use. So avoiding things that hurt was wrong! Pain is my friend! It was great to be able to use it, and it's gotten better and better! When we were leaving, the specialist wanted to shake my right hand. He was very impressed with my grip, and I said, "it's not the holding on that's a problem, it's the letting go!" I couldn't let go! It was very funny seeing him use his other hand to unpry my fingers!
Physically, nothing is perfect, but everything is slowly getting better. For a while, a few minutes, I thought, the brain just has to reconnect. It takes time, so why bother trying so hard. But one, it makes me feel better to try, and two, I need to build muscle which can only be done through work. I'm gonna be buff by the time my brain fixes itself!
Last week I went for a hike with my brother in Burlington, Jason was helping me. It was pretty funny seeing me go over uneven ground! But I was walking up and down hills for 45 minutes, which is the most I've done!
My speech is definitely not stellar, but totally understandable. And getting louder.
There's no pain though, which is good.

October 23, 2010

Yesterday I rode the horse simulator! It was so much fun! And great exercise, too! It looked just like a Friesian, so even though his name was Avatar, I called him Timber! He's so cool. Moves like a horse and can do flying changes, pirouettes, piaffe. It measures your aids, so I thought it would be for healthy riders, but for therapy it's great because it moves like a horse but is safe, and doesn't learn from your mistakes! It was so much fun!
Thank you so much for sending emails. Even though I don't respond to many, Lefty is still so damn slow on the keyboard, I really appreciate them and check for them all the time. I'll write updates as long as I keep getting messages! No pressure, I know as much as anyone that life takes over, seriously, but as long as you're interested I'll write!

October 20, 2010

On Saturday I got sad because I realized I'm not going to meet my goal. I thought it was great to have a goal, but boy does it suck to realize you can't meet it. But then I realized I'm very lucky. I'm the only one who cares if I meet my goal. I'm so lucky, I know all my family and close friends don't care at all, but also I don't have to worry about my business. I have a great rider, and my clients continue to be incredibly supportive of my situation. I'm so, so lucky. I face no pressure other than my own, which is huge. Don't get me wrong, I'm still gonna work as hard as possible to get better as quickly as possible, doesn't change that!
I just went and rode Catherine. I told the hippotherapist that I couldn't care less about riding on my own. I'm here for therapy, and if it doesn't help my body, don't do it. She was very grateful I saw it that way, but still at the end, they removed the leadrope, and let me on my own! I also trotted. It was pretty funny! Catherine was such a good girl. I was in the western saddle again, and last time getting off, I got stuck, so this time we did a real western dismount, and kept the left foot in the stirrup! Just call me Cowgirl Courtney!
Also, I'm definitely getting a belly! Last time I was weighed in Kessler inpatient, I weighed 127. I'm 5'10, so that's ridiculously skinny. The other day at home we weighed me, and I was 141! My husband may not agree, but I think it's great!

October 13, 2010

I just got off Catherine! I rode on my own for the first time! Of course there were ground people, but I was in control! It was so good. Also for the first time I was in a western saddle! I think I liked it!
I have to write something that doesn't end with an exclamation point, but I'm just so excited!
I'm still working very hard to be able to ride "my" horses, but starting next week I will only do therapies 3-4 days a week instead of 5 so I can be at the stable more to teach. I think I can do everything I need to make up for the day or two, hippotherapy and walking at night with my walk therapist 2 nights during the week. I also have plenty of exercises I can do at home. And teaching is speech therapy anyway! It's great being more involved with managing the horses.
I forgot to say last week, after taking a week off to go to WEG, one of my therapists said, "You should take a week off more often!" I was a little better at everything!
Another thing I learned at WEG is top riders are role models. Everyone watches us show. So I changed my mind about helmets. There's a personal decision involved, yes, but if what you do affects someone else, then show them the right thing. If it's made a rule, everyone will show in one, and you'll look incomplete without one. Then the amateurs and kids will see the pros in them and think it's right. I have a lot more to say on that, but I won't. I want to preserve the happiness I got from riding!

October 7, 2010

See, I'm always in the mood to write on Wednesday, my riding day!
So I rode Catherine again today. Dude is fine, but apparently Catherine is better for me! She knows, or at least will do leg yields, shoulder ins, other stuff they have me do at the walk! My right side still doesn't work properly, but it tries! I always have a blast riding! Even if I suck, it makes me happy!
The other thing that happened today that touched me a lot... People often tell me I've made so much improvement, I'm so inspiring, stuff like that. But today this patient was saying it's impressive how hard I work, and I said something typical like, thanks, I try! And he said, "you're really an inspiration, to all of us." It made me feel so good. I may not be fully working, but the fact that I'm helping people is huge.
Just wanted to share that.
WEG was highly inspiring for me! I want to work even harder to be better even quicker! My husband told me not to share goals that might not be reached, but just know that I have one, I'll tell you when I achieve it!

October 2, 2010

I usually write to you on Wednesdays after I ride because that's when I always feel like updating, but I just can't wait to write about WEG! I LOVED being there! Steffen did great, didn't he? The fact that he wore his helmet for the awards and dedicated his freestyle to me was so touching. I also got to hug the Balkenhols and Laura Bechtolsheimer, who I'm friends with, and my hero, Isabell. It was nice that it didn't matter if the Brits beat us because they're hosting the Olympics, so even though my heart was with Steffen and the US, I could cheer on Laura too! I had a celebratory dinner with the team after they got fourth place. The WEG staff took such good care of me, gave me passes to everywhere. Let me tell you, being injured has its perks! I also met with Darren Chiacchia, and it was great talking to him. All brain injuries are different, but I learned a lot hearing about his experience.
I traveled there with my good friend, Betsy. She's not only a joy to be around, she's a natural caregiver. My friends Sandy and Suzanne also helped a great deal. Lendon ran a great interference in front of me when I was walking!
Ok, enough about them, let's talk about me! I'm doing fine. Wish I was able to ride my horses but know I can't. So instead I enjoy teaching on them. After WEG, I really hope I'll be able to ride top notch again. I'm afraid I might disappoint people, especially myself, but I am determined and confident I'll get there.
Personally I also notice some of my old traits coming back. For instance, I noticed I look down when people are coming at me. I used to always do that because, even though it was taken as snobbishness, I avoided looking people in the eye because I was too shy to initiate hellos. Weird, I know. But I think coming back to shows I notice my surroundings more. Also I used to always wish that people knew me better. It allows them to judge you for who you really are, not the he said she said. Through this accident people are getting to know me better. Maybe that's why it happened. Be careful what you wish for!

September 22, 2010

Wow do I have a lot to fill you in on! On Friday I went to see the WEG Team. I don't know who it was better to see, the horses or the riders! I love them all! Go WEG Team! They look great. They even said Katherine Bateson is doing better with her horse than at Gladstone! We might have a chance at a medal!
Then I went to Hampton Green Farm in Michigan. It was great to visit Grandioso and Cuatrero and all the upcoming PRE's, and also to hang out with Kim. At first I thought, if I lost anyone it would be Kim because she's in it for business. I really love GR, so it made me really sad. When I found out she'd keep him for me I was through the roof. Not only did I get to see GR and Cuatrero, I got to choose young horses I wanted to train! I agreed with Kim, the best place for them was Spain. If they were here and Jen were riding them, I'd be tempted to get on. This way I go once a year to see them and get to take another trip to Spain! Could be worse.
I also learned I could teach using a microphone. Not only is it great speech therapy, it's also good for my mind. It's muscle memory, I have to say what I see quickly, and it's no problem at all to say what I think. This week I will start teaching Jen on my horses! I'm so excited I can hardly wait!
Another exciting thing is that I have a belly! For anyone trying to lose weight, I strongly suggest a coma. Let me tell you, I was skin-ny! I think my belly is something to celebrate!?!
I have gotten several emails describing accidents that, because of my spill, they were saved by wearing a helmet. I wouldn't do it again (sorry), but it's so good to know my accident is helping people. I won't think less of people for not wearing one, but I love when people do. I think it's the smart decision.
I'm going to WEG next week, driving with my good friend, Betsy. Give Jason some time off! Looking so forward to seeing everyone!

September 16, 2010

I've been asked to post picture of Dude, so here he is!

My beloved Dude! Yesterday Dude was lame :( so I rode a horse named Catherine! Although I liked the horse very much, I told them there's nothing exciting about that name for a horse. Dude is lame, but after all he's 24! Shiloh is a spring chicken at only 14!
Many people have apologized for being one of the slew of unknown people writing to me, but please know I look forward to every single email and card. So please keep them coming!
Today I got Botox on Righty. It's supposed to help it gain mobility. I asked jokingly if they could just do my lips at the same time. They just laughed at me! Obviously I didn't know what Botox was for!
I was also thinking, maybe my being tired of all my therapies is a good thing. Maybe it means I'm ready to be fine again now. I've always been mentally ready, but maybe that's a sign that I'm physically ready now. Maybe not, but always looking for the positive!
I continue to do as many therapies as possible. As with lasering or anything with horses, who knows if it helps, but it sure makes me feel better trying! Also, if I don't get better as rapidly as I anticipate, at least I know it's not because of not doing something!
This weekend I'm going to Hampton Green Farm in Michigan! I'm so excited to see Grandioso, Cuatrero, and all the youngens! And tonight I'm going to have dinner with Steffen! A lot to look forward to!                   Yesterday was my 3rd year wedding anniversary! At first we planned to have a nice dinner out. But we ended up eating in and going to bed early! Oh, and I made him a card with Lefty. It was ugly, but it was all I could do! It was great!

September 9, 2010

I went to visit "my" horses for the first time Saturday! I waited till now to write because I also visited Myth's and Rendezvous graves, and I couldn't shake the sadness of that for a few days. It overshadowed the initial joy I felt at seeing the other horses. But now I can talk about it! It was simply wonderful to see my horses! Just made me so happy! I gave Jen a few pointers, through Lendon, but she's doing a great job! I'm so lucky to have her. Luckily I visited the graves afterwords, so my initial joy was absolute!
I just got back from "riding" Dude, and it's the first time I was REALLY excited to go! I always liked it, but it's the first time I was really excited. It must have had something to do with seeing my horses. I'm getting so much more involved with the care of my horses and everything to do with riding, too.
I for the first time am getting a little bit tired of all my therapies and always having to work on myself. I still happily go, but it's really just because it helps make me better. I'm happy, but having a brain injury is no fun. I wouldn't recommend it!

August 30, 2010

Hi! Sorry it's been so long. I was at my brother's wedding is all! It was a beautiful ceremony. And even though I should have helped more, I did what I could. Let me tell you, I skewered the begeezers out of those appetizers! I even was on my feet and danced! (with some help) shhhhh... don't tell my therapists!
I keep "riding" Dude once a week. Ok, a couple of times I have "ridden" Shilo, but Dude is just so much fun to say! They asked me to bring my saddle once, and the only one not being used was Mythy's. :( So Shilo got to go in a saddle that had been to the Olympics!
It's amazing to me how therapy horses are chosen by their gaits. Shilo has smoother gaits than Dude; Dude uses his hind end more; you have to move more on Dude, etc. All this just at the walk! Dude has come to turn toward me when I dismount in expectation of his apple. Yep, horses are all the same, they know when they deserve a treat!
Everyone is pretty friendly if you're in a wheelchair. When we were travelling to the wedding I found everyone kept saying hi to me at the airport. When Jason said with a smile, "gosh, a lot of people know you", I responded, "they must all be dressage riders!"
I have to say, I have an hour and a half with just my Internet in hyperbaric chamber each day, and I have used that to catch up on Facebook and the forums right after my accident. The amount of caring and the outpouring of support just boggles my mind. Ok, so mine is injured, but anybody's! I can't thank everyone enough for caring. I just hope I can live up to everyone's hopes.
 Hopefully more (and something miraculous) soon!

August 23, 2010

Sorry this is up a bit late! I wrote it and then forgot to put it up. Damn brain injury! At least it gives me an excuse for the bad memory I was born with!

So I went to Gladstone last weekend! I was prepared for everything, but it was simply great to just be there. Watching dressage was just a joy. Seeing Prince was also a joy. Who really knows if he knew me, but I like to think he did. I told Jen before the show that I'd love her even if she got a 40, but she did way better than that! It's miraculous she even got there on a horse she barely knew, so it's a great experience for her just to be there!
I was commended for my courage to be there so early in my recovery, mainly because it's so obvious what damage was done by looking at me. I knew it might be sad to see the horses, but this is how I am right now. There's no hiding it, so no embarrassment was involved. I was going to be there to support the GP riders going for WEG, but I wouldn't miss Jen doing her first big show! I wouldn't miss it for anything!
It is asked occasionally if I put on the positive show for the public. Trust me, the public is the last thing on my mind. The love shown means a great deal to me, but I'm far too busy getting better to think of what the public thinks of me! How I feel, for now, is this is just how my life is right now. I'm so thankful that I have my clients and workers and a rider that I believe will stay with me no matter how long it takes, so I'm pretty lucky I don't have to worry about the future. It may take more time than I foresee, but I know that's ok.
I'm still working hard, and it's good to know it's paying off. Not only do people I know who haven't seen me in a week or more say how much better I am, but last week several patients I didn't know came up and told me how much I had improved! I'm with me every day, so the improvement isn't as clear to me, so it's great to hear! The hard work is paying off! Glad its not for nothing! I do see some improvements. I'm definitely steadier on my feet, my right hand is much better, and my right leg feels stronger. But it's little by little, so it's clearer to other people.
I also do some things in the evenings to help me get better, so my days are pretty darn full! In saying that I will try to update as much as possible. It means so much to me that so many people cared about me, so it's the least I can do to try to keep you as much in the loop as possible!
I don't really know what jingles are, but I send some right back at you!

Thursday August 5, 2010

Firstly - Congratulations to my Wonderful Assistant Trainer - Jennifer Marchand and Don Principe owned by Maryanna Haymon! Jen and Prince will be competing in the Intermediaire National Championships this weekend at Gladstone!

Hello, everyone! I just have to say, I am SO touched by the amount of love and support shown me. Both near, with a wonderful husband, family, and friends, as well as far, those who don't even personally know me. I send out a thank you to all those who have written in messages of caring and support to Facebook, forums, magazines, etc. It means so much to me that so many care. Thank you.
I know it's a shame that it took a top rider being injured to make helmets the big topic, but personally I'm happy that my accident could help promote the subject of safety... If my accident saves ONE life, it makes it all seem worth while.
While I have many people to be thankful for, I know my husband is at the top of the list. I know his life is nearly as changed as my own, and still he encourages me to do everything I want to help my brain. Not only does he encourage it, he does research that I don't even consider, to make sure I'm getting the best care possible. Although I know it's a rather hard task, he also makes me laugh! For those who don't know my sense of humor, that was a joke!
I am also thankful for some things I was born with. For instance, it's very easy for me to laugh at myself when I do something wrong, which is quite often these days! Even if sometimes it screws up my therapy, I think it's a good quality! Also, both Jason and I are accustomed to changing our lives a lot, so we have been able to adapt to life in a hotel quite easily.
I have only cried in therapy three times, including inpatient. They were all for the same reason; no matter how much I try, I can't do it better. It took me a while, patience with myself has never been my forte, but I finally accepted that, in this race, I am the tortoise. It may be slow, but it's steady and it's progress, and I know that's huge. I WILL win this race! Lendon made a good comparison for me. She asked me to remember how many months of just the most rudimentary basics I did with Myth, and he ended up a star. Right now I have to relearn the basics, too. And rushing it never helps.
When asked if I am aware of how special I am in the way I'm handling this, the answer is easily "no"! I don't feel special at all!. I have a lot to be thankful for, but beyond that, this is simply what life is for me right now. I'm happy with what I have. I go with the attitude I have always had... It's not what life throws at you, it's only how you deal with it that you can control!  
So far I have ridden five times, and once a week is our plan. My days are pretty full with all my therapies at different places, but we are starting to get somewhat used to the new schedule. My dogs are allowed to live with me at the hotel! Yay! And I have Dude to give me that beloved horse scent! Yep, those therapy horses are true gems. We all have things we were meant to do.  Dressage horses are meant to move fancy, but these horses were meant to take care of people. They both need, and deserve, our love. I can kick them accidentally, wobble to and fro, bite their ear, whatever, and they very obediently ignore me! When I'm off, though, they demand their well earned loving! I'm sorry that this is more than a bit soppy, and not funny at all! It's just that I fully realize how bad my accident was, and now I KNOW, and am so struck by, how much love and support were shown. So that's that!

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!