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Categories: Horse News

American Dressage Star Courtney King-Dye Injured in Riding Accident

Courtney King-Dye and Harmony’s Mythilus at the 2008 Olympics. Photo: CLiX/Shawn Hamilton

Courtney King-Dye, one of America’s top dressage riders, is in the hospital undergoing treatment for a skull fracture. According to reports, Dye was knocked unconscious when a young horse she was schooling slipped, causing her to fall.



Dye’s training operation is based in Millbrook, New York, but like many riders spends the winter season in Florida. She is currently being treated in the intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in North Palm Beach where she is under sedation but said to be in stable condition. Dye’s longtime coach and friend, Lendon Gray, reports that her condition is improving.



The Palm Beach Dressage Derby has launched a Courtney King Dye Medical Assistance Fund to help offset some of the medical expenses, starting with a donation from the VIP International Club.

Dye suffered tremendous loss just a few months ago when her star Grand Prix mount and Olympic partner, Mythilus, was euthanized due to inoperable colic.

At age 32, Courtney King-Dye has already worked her way to the top of the dressage rankings. She has worked for and trained with other legends of the sport including Lendon Gray, Conrad Schumacher and her 2008 Olympic teammate, Steffen Peters. With Mythilus and her other Grand Prix star, Idocus, Dye made a name for herself in the top tier of dressage competition.

Fans can leave their well-wishes on Dye’s Facebook page.

UPDATE 3/9/10 9:00am EST

Anyone wishing to donate to the Medical Assistance Fund can make checks payable to:

Courtney King-Dye
c/o Lendon Gray
25 Lake Ave.
Bedford, NY 10506

In light of this accident, Grand Prix dressage rider Heather Blitz has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of helmet use for riders of all disciplines. Read more on Blitz’s website.

UPDATE 3/8/10 12:00pm EST

Dye’s husband, Jason, has posted contact information on Courtney’s website for anyone wishing to send cards or messages. At this time, she remains in a coma, but in stable condition.

Courtney Dye
2442 Muir Circle
Wellington, FL 33414

comebackcourt@gmail.com

Leslie Potter

Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky. Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.

View Comments

  • After the medical fund should come the helmet awareness fund.
    I wish Courtney a speedy recovery.

  • I'll certainly include Courtney in my prayers. This schooling accident certainly shows that EVERYONE should wear a helmet all the time (even in the show ring). The hats are elegant but they don't provide any protection.

  • It's sad. I bet she wasn't wearing a helmet. Let this be a lesson to us all! I will put Courtney in my prayers.

  • Best wishes for a complete recovery. I suffered a concussion with a helmet when a horse I was riding fell. It probably would have killed me without a helmet. They may not be elegant, but helmets are more attractive than a skull fracture.

  • Courtney you are admired by many including me whom you do not know. You are in my prayers and dailythoughts. May your strength pull you through and be welcomed back into your lvoed professional very soon.

  • There have been many head trauma accidents this week starting with Pine Top. Please remember that helmets are one impact, so replace your helmet with the manufacturer after a fall. It will save your life.
    Well wishes for Courtney. Heaven knows she's had it rough lately.

  • Oh, this is so sad. She has been through so much of late. I hope the surgery goes well and she recovers fully and quickly. Thank you for letting us know.

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