The University of Findlay’s Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team competed in the IDA 2008 National Championships at Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts April 25-27. The team earned eighth place overall, and several students earned individual honors.

Dressage is defined as the execution by a horse of complex maneuvers in response to barely perceptible movements of a rider’s hands, legs and weight.

In the team competition, the following individuals contributed to the team standings by placing in their respective competition levels: Josh Czapiewski, fourth place; Kate Marsi, second place; Blake Gorinac, 10th place; and Ashley Parsons, 11th place.

Students also competed for individual honors. Five students placed in their respective competition levels: Blake Gorinac, 10th place; Audrey Busby, ninth place; Kate Marsi, eighth place; Ashley Parsons, fourth place; and Matt Piccolo, third place.

The University of Findlay has been chosen to host the IDA 2009 National Championship competition, which will be held April 18-19, 2009. UF will host approximately 100 riders from the United States, giving UF students the opportunity to take part in organizing a national horse show. Several UF students also will compete in the show.

Any business or individual wishing to be a sponsor should contact Janet Harms, head dressage instructor; Amanda Smith, riding instructor; or Betsy Martindale, administrative assistant, at the James L. Child Jr. English Equestrian Center at The University of Findlay at (419) 434-4859.