During the Texas Dressage Fall Classic I & II, event chair Debbie Labicki is combining her passion for horses and the equestrian sport of dressage with her love for helping others. The Fall Classic, benefitting the Azleway Boys’ Ranch and Children’s Services, will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26 at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler.

“Dressage is a sport of beauty and precision. Musical Freestyle is a form of dressage movement setting the horse’s ‘dance’ to music and is a mandatory component of the dressage competition at the Olympics,” Mrs. Labicki said. “The choreographed movements highlight the horse and rider combination, making this portion of the competition very entertaining and offering great audience appeal.”

The Texas Dressage Fall Classic I & II is proud to support Azleway’s efforts to provide homes, schools, and treatment opportunities to children and their families from a faith-based perspective, Mrs. Labicki said. The Musical Freestyle portion of the competition has been dedicated to Azleway, she added.

Mrs. Labicki is a member of the Tri-State Dressage Society, the United States Eventing Association, and the United States Dressage Federation. She is also a member of the Greater Tyler Board of Realtors. The Labickis have been a host family for exchange students through American Field Service Intercultural Programs. In addition, Mrs. Labicki currently serves as an exchange student liaison.

“Helping people one-on-one is my philosophy for volunteerism. I like to do it quietly while still making an impact,” Mrs. Labicki said.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Mrs. Labicki has lived in Tyler for 28 years. She and her husband, Richard, have been married 32 years and have one adult son, Jake. The family attends New Covenant Church.

“I love the people of East Texas. Their friendly personalities create a great atmosphere. The diverse and beautiful countryside of our community makes this a wonderful place to live,” Mrs. Labicki said.