Expectations ran high, tension draping the crowd like a shroud. Teenage girls clutched at each other excitedly, the names of their favorite stars written in glitter on their cheeks or on their T-shirts. And as the lights in the stadium dimmed, the crowd started yelling and stamping their feet. No, this wasn't a rock concert, folks, this was the start to the FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Gothenburg, Sweden (p. 8).

Dressage really can be exciting when the stakes are high and the crowd is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic.