Oct. 6, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – One of the fastest growing spectator sports in the country doesn’t involve any sort of ball or goal, however, it does include a horse.

The University of Findlay will be hosting a demonstration of dressage, a sport that has been described as “ballet on horseback,” on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the James L. Child, Jr. Equestrian Complex, 11178 County Rd. 201. The demonstration is part of the Family Equestrian Festival and the University’s Homecoming festivities.

Dressage means “training,” according the Janet Harms, UF’s head dressage instructor. “The horse and rider work together in harmony with each other as one unit,” she said. Dressage has been described as “dancing horses,” she explained, and can take as long as seven to 10 years of training to reach the upper skill levels.

The event will include riding, vaulting and jumping demonstrations, as well as pony rides and other entertainment for children.

UF’s major in English riding allows for an emphasis in either dressage or hunter-jumper. More than 40 students have selected the dressage emphasis, with 35 students participating on the dressage team, which is a club sport.

Findlay’s dressage team was the leading team in the region for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) in 2003-04 and was the reserve team in 2004-05.

In dressage competition, riders perform tests as individuals in front of judges. They are scored for each movement, and figures and placement of the movements must be accurate. Riders should be balanced and centered on the horse, and the horse needs to have equal muscle development and strength training on both sides. Much like the sports of figure skating and gymnastics, dressage requires lots of repetitive practice, Harms pointed out.

For more information on the festival or dressage call 419-434-6527.