Fundraising efforts to help with the medical expenses of injured dressage rider Courtney King-Dye have begun in earnest.
King-Dye, 32, remains in a coma at St Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach following a fall from a horse more than a week ago.
A fundraiser for the Olympian was held in Florida on Wednesday night, with Carol Cohen of Two Swans Farm and Jim Welsh of Elite Horse Transport kicking off the efforts with $3500 combined. Cohen also matched the $500 cheque given to the winner of the last Freestyle event at the Dressage Under the Stars Series.
The fundraiser was held at The Players Club in Wellington.
Cohen had green ribbons, the symbol for brain injury, to raise contributions. Morgan Heinrichs, Courtney's working student rode a freestyle in her honour.
Equestrian store The Gifted Pony, founded by Robin Morris, is also auctioning off several items for its "Support for Courtney King" drive, with "best offer" being accepted on all items. All profits will go to King-Dye.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby has established a fund to assist with King-Dye's medical and airlifting costs. Donations can be made to: The Courtney King-Dye Medical Assistance Fund
Evelyn O'Sullivan; 100 S.W. 7th Terrace, Boca Raton, FL 33486.
Fellow equestrian Robert Dover is also garnering support for King-Dye, with hundreds of well-wishers leaving comments on his blog.
Many riders at the Show Park CDI were wearing green ribbons and helmets in honour of Courtney. "We are all waiting, though it is hard to remain patient, for word of a miracle. I pray every day that she will wake up and be perfect," Dover said.
• Messages of support for Courtney can be sent to comebackcourt@gmail.com and cards can be sent to
Courtney Dye, 2442 Muir Circle, Wellington, FL 33414.
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