Dressage fans across the nation have been distressed by the news of the terrible accident that severely injured Olympian Courtney King-Dye earlier this month.
The top level rider received a skull fracture while training a young dressage prospect; the horse reared and went over, landing atop King-Dye. She remains in a coma at Saint Mary’s Hospital in North Palm Beach as of this report; her condition is stable and she is breathing on her own, off the ventilator.
Since the tragic fall the equestrian community has put forth expressions of concern and, at the Top Shelf Dressage Under the Stars competition at the Player’s Club & Restaurant in Las Vegas, collected $17,000 for Courtney's treatment and rehabilitation.
Carol Cohen of Two Swans Farm expertly organized the riders throughout the charitable Dressage Under the Stars event. Lendon Grey, Courtney’s long-time trainer and mentor, judged the competition and kept press apprised of the famed rider's condition. Grey was joined on the judge's panel by Olympian Lisa Wilcox, Kat Wojtylak from Draper Equine Therapy and Bruce Ekstrom of Tuigpaarden Farm.
Betsy Rebar Sell, along with her experienced 22-year-old horse Wonderful Walden, took top honors and collected over $800 in prize money. Leah Wilson won the young rider's dressage competition and donated her winnings, $500 in cash, to King-Dye’s mounting medical expenses.
Many spectators purchased and wore the green ribbons that symbolize brain injury in Courtney's honor; all proceeds go to the King-Dye fund. Other significant contributions were made by The Wellington Institute, Jim Welsh of Elite Horse Transport, Purina Feed (King-Dye’s long-time sponsor) and friends and fans who have known Courtney for many years.
The events wrapped up today, March 17th. If you would like to find more information on Courtney King-Dye, as well as updates on her condition, please visit her website at www.courtneykingdressage.com.
We all keep Courtney in our prayers and hope for her swift and complete recovery.
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