By Josie DeChaine
Five years ago, a young horse named Dark L’Amour G. – affectionately known as “Lammy” – arrived in the United States from Germany, at just five years old. What began as a hopeful investment in a promising young horse quickly revealed itself to be something far more meaningful.
While reviewing his import documents, Courtnie Graybill noticed an unexpected detail: Lammy’s birthday was listed as March 13, which was also her birthdate. It was a small coincidence, but one that felt deeply significant, as though this partnership had been quietly written long before they met.
At the time, Courtnie had limited experience with young horses, so, understandably, she approached the decision to purchase with caution. To ease her concerns, she asked for a video of Lammy being ridden by a child. What she saw erased any hesitation; despite still being a stallion, Lammy moved calmly and patiently beneath a small, unsteady rider, unfazed even as mares called out nearby. His quiet confidence, steadiness, and kind temperament spoke volumes. In that moment, the decision became clear: this was her horse.
Building the Foundation
When Lammy arrived in Massachusetts, he quickly became more than a prospect – he became a partner. Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a deeply connected relationship, progressing through Training Level and into First Level with growing confidence and mutual trust.
A Life-Altering Loss
On December 11, 2021, while traveling in Las Vegas, Courtnie received devastating news: her 21-year-old son, Gavin, had passed away following a mental health crisis. In an instant, her world shifted.
What followed was not about competition, scores, or progression. It was about survival.
In the weeks after Gavin’s passing, Lammy traveled to Florida for the 2022 Wellington winter season with Courtnie’s trainer. That season would not be defined by ribbons, but by resilience.
Living on the property with Lammy offered something words struggle to capture. In the quiet rhythm of early mornings and the simplicity of shared moments – grazing in stillness, walking side by side, simply existing – Courtnie began to find fragments of peace. Lammy’s gentle, steady presence became an anchor. When everything else felt uncertain, he remained constant.
Despite the immense emotional weight, the pair completed the season with strong First Level scores, a reflection not only of their training, but of the unspoken bond that had deepened between them.
A Season of Restoration
The following year became a time of intentional healing. Showing took a back seat as Courtnie focused on navigating life after loss. Through it all, Lammy remained a quiet, grounding presence for her.
In 2023, after 25 years in New England, Courtnie and her family relocated to Central Pennsylvania. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by growth, both personally and in the arena.
Developing the Team
In Pennsylvania, Courtnie began training with USDF Gold Medalist Ashley Minea. Under Ashley’s guidance, their partnership evolved, with a focus on building confidence in the ring and developing effective strategies for competition.
Their support system soon expanded to include Ashley’s mentors, Bill McMullin and Bill Warren, affectionately known as “The Bills.” Through a combination of in-person clinics and virtual instruction, the team worked collaboratively to refine technique, improve consistency, and strengthen the foundation already in place.
By the summer of 2024, Courtnie and Lammy successfully debuted at Second Level.
Refining Confidence and Performance
As with all dressage journeys, progress was not linear. Early 2025 brought more challenges, particularly in confidence and momentum. At a pivotal moment, Bill Warren became more directly involved, helping to re-energize and refocus the partnership.
With Ashley identifying key areas for improvement and Bill reinforcing those concepts through consistent training, the pieces began to fall back into place. Together, the team restored not only technical clarity, but belief in the partnership’s abilities – setting the stage for what was to come.
A Breakthrough Year
The 2026 Wellington winter season became a defining milestone for the pair.
Competing at White Fences Equestrian Center, Courtnie and Lammy earned the scores needed for her USDF Bronze Medal. In a moment that felt almost poetic, the achievement came during their shared birthday weekend – Courtnie turning 50, and Lammy celebrating his tenth year.
The following weekend at the Global Dressage Festival brought another highlight: an impressive 80% score toward Courtnie’s Dressage Seat Equitation Elite Level award, marking yet another step forward in their journey.
More Than a Horse
For Courtnie, Lammy has become far more than a competition partner.
He has been a source of peace in the midst of unimaginable grief. His steady presence, intuitive nature, and quiet willingness to meet her exactly where she is, emotionally and physically, have made him irreplaceable.
The joy of watching scores appear, celebrating quietly in the warmth of a horse trailer, capturing candid moments and genuine smiles, these are the memories that transcend ribbons and rankings.
Gratitude and the Dream Team
Courtnie credits her success not only to Lammy, but to the extraordinary team that has supported her along the way: Ashley Minea, Bill McMullin, and Bill Warren.
Together, they have built a program rooted in both technical excellence and genuine care, something Courtnie describes as a true “dream team.”
A Story Still Unfolding
This journey is one of partnership, perseverance, and purpose. It is a powerful reminder that dressage is not solely about precision and performance, but about connection, healing, and the relationships that shape us along the way.
For Courtnie Graybill and Dark L’Amour G., the story is far from over.
