Born: November 20, 1977
Residence: New Milford, Connecticut
Horse: Idocus (17-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion; owned by Christine McCarthy)

There have been many grand prix wins in 2007 for 20-year-old Courtney King and her competition partner Idocus. In the past two years, the pair has racked up grand prix and freestyle titles at such shows as Devon, the Washington International Invitational, Cosequin Wellington and the Palm Beach Derby.

Most recently, King was the runner-up in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Freestyle and U.S. League Finals, which qualified her for the U.S. World Cup team. After the grand prix class, she sat in third place, and then climbed into the reserve spot after her freestyle. "[I was] shell shocked," said King after her finish. Her freestyle performance was set to the music from The Wizard of Oz, and she said that her goal was simply to make it to the League Finals, not even focusing on qualifying for the U.S. World Cup team. Of her 17-year-old mount, King said, "Every day [with an older horse] is emotional, and every show is a blessing. I am really thrilled."

Her dressage education has benefited from some of the top names in the sport. King cites Lendon Gray as the most influential. "She gave me so many opportunities and helped me to develop a good work ethic, solid values, a deep appreciation for all types of horses, and strength to deal with the emotional trials of the sport," she said. In 1997, it was under Gray that King began her competitive relationship with Idocus. A few years later, in 2000, King and Idocus competed at their first grand prix together.

Other influences include current USEF Freestyle and U.S. League Finals Champion Steffen Peters, USEF Dressage Chef d'Equipe Klaus Balkenhol and Scott Hassler.

After their successful debut season, King and Idocus were separated. However, they were reunited in 2005. "Idocus and I have an extremely special bond," said King. "We respect one another a great deal. He is a complex horse because he is extremely intelligent, sensitive and intuitive. He needs to be treated as an equal as much as is possible."

King became engaged to a New Zealand native (Jason Dye) in November 2006, and she enjoys spending time on the water (boating and skiing), plus she enjoys barbequing and cooking. She includes among her other hobbies traveling, dancing and golfing. She is a Gold, Silver and Bronze United States Dressage Federation (USDF) medalist and certified instructor through fourth level.

Bio courtesy of USEF