Advanced/FEI*** Event Rider - USPC Graduate "A" USPC National Examiner
Through pony club, Courtney was introduced to the Olympic sport of three-day eventing. In 2006, Courtney represented the prestigious Area II in the North American Young Riders Championships (recognized as the Junior Olympics) for the CCI* (now CCI**) long format. At the championships, Courtney and Willy gave a solid performance to earn a team silver medal. Courtney again qualified for the Junior Olympics at the CCI** (now CCI***) level in 2009, though an unfortunate injury to Willy forced them to withdraw right before the start of the competition.
Since graduating from Young Riders, Courtney has competed and placed through the FEI *** level, national advanced level, achieved her USPC "A" rating, and is now a certified USPC National Examiner for all rating levels. She has produced all of her upper level mounts, as well as starting and selling a variety of young horses. Currently Courtney has four very promising mares, who will be out competing in 2023 from the intermediate level to the BN level. DGE is a purposefully small operation, in order to provide our horses and riders with quality and individualized training.
Outside of the barn, Courtney holds a Masters in Education from Loyola University and teaches 7th and 8th grade social studies, in addition to running the farm with her husband Bret and canine sidekicks Leo and Lucas. With teaching being such an integral part of Courtney's life, she brings a unique approach towards educating her students not just in the biomechanics of riding, but horsemanship.
For her success both in and out of the competition arena, Courtney and her horses have been highlighted in magazines including Chronicle of the Horse , Maryland Equiery (cover), USEA, Eventing USA, American Connemara Pony Society newsletter and magazine, North Carolina Combined Training Association newsletter, North County News, United States Pony Club magazine, and Sidelines magazine.
