An Editorial View on Courtney's Lesson for Us All

Last year, we had the privilege of sitting down and interviewing Courtney King-Dye about her life with horses. We gathered together on a sunny but very windy day at the Wellington show grounds, cameras in hand and ready to go. Although she was gracious in accepting our request, there was a reticence and uncertainty on her part, and understandably so. The Olympic experience was still relatively fresh, and she was not really sure what we were going to ask. Our goal was not to discuss any of those events, as this was more of a human interest piece about the healing aspects of the horse and rider relationship, and about her thoughts on musical freestyles.

It took a while before Courtney relaxed and flashed her beautiful smile. My husband commented later that day that her smile completely changed her face; lighting up the show grounds and softening her demeanor. In the end, we were amazed at how bravely and candidly she shared her experiences - good and bad - and how deeply affected she was by the not-so-generous aspects of stardom. Despite all her trepidations, she showed her strength of character and gradually lowered the veneer of self-protection she had built to insulate her from the rigors of active competition. Unfortunately Courtney, by no means of her own, has once again become the center of controversy.

Helmets - yes, they should absolutely be worn. However, as with other life choices we make (overeating, smoking, drinking), there is a level of personal predilection coupled with a sense of responsibility that every rider makes when they get on a horse. For years, I have seen famous riders around the world school their horses without wearing helmets. Even at facilities where it is clearly indicated that client riders will be asked to leave the arena if they are not wearing their helmets, professionals or "advanced riders" have always been exempt. Despite the very practical argument of insurance and liability consequences, riding without a helmet has become an unspoken right of passage. Many leading figures in dressage whom we respect or admire are often seen riding without a helmet. I have seen professionals chided for their decision to wear helmets. The implied message is, "when one reaches a certain level of skill as a rider, there is no need for a helmet." I have also heard the argument from breeders and those selling horses, that buyers are less likely to breed to a stallion or even look at a horse if the rider in an image or video dons a helmet. They say that it sends a message that the horse is unsafe. Then there is also plain, old-fashion vanity and convenience. The rider's head gets hot and sweaty in a helmet, and not only is that uncomfortable, it is unattractive. There are any number of reasons that can be presented for this convoluted argument. However, as we have recently and unfortunately seen, life-altering accidents do happen. The calculated risk level of riding a 1000+ pound animal in an ever-changing environment increases the potential for a negative outcome. That's not an overly dramatic statement; it is a declaration of fact.

There is still that annoying issue of personal choice. We all have it, and we argue in favor of it whenever there exists the potential of an outside entity coming in and taking that privilege away. Some smokers hate non-smoking proponents; some drivers adamantly fight wearing seat belts - many of us rally against doing things we know are good for us because there is that pressure of perceived subjugation. We spend a great deal of time arguing on the rights of the individual. However, we are also a community. And, as we rise up within each community to a leadership level, we become beacons for others to follow. Sometimes when we get lost in the day-to-day struggles to achieve large goals, we become so self-focused that we forget that there is a larger community watching and participating along the way.

As we have recently seen, the outpouring of love and support for Courtney has been enormous. The world was watching and continues to do so with every passing moment. With that knowledge, we all have to take a step back and reflect on our community and how each of us impacts it with our actions. All riders look to their personal mentors - whether they be local trainers or international stars - as the shining beacons of who and what they aspire to be. That exposure raises the level of personal responsibility to a community awareness.

A choice is a choice, and perhaps this personal choice can now be made from a position of community caring and responsibility. Regardless of what your opinion may be, we must remember that this was a terrible and unfortunate accident. For the time being, while Courtney hangs in the balance of life and personal tragedy, few (if any) can say with utmost certainty that she would not have suffered the same injury had she been wearing a helmet. Accidents are just that - accidents. What is important to keep in mind is this: What you do on your own horse at your own farm does matter to everyone else. For my part and the countless other fans throughout the world, we cannot wait to see Courtney's smile again - and we know it will be soon.

For those interested in donating to the Courtney King-Dye Medical Assistance Fund, please make checks payable to Courtney and mail to:

Evelyn O'Sullivan, PBDD Manager

100 SW 7th Terrace

Baco, Raton, FL 33486

CeCe Maddlone

News Editor