Musical Freestyle Dressage

Guidelines

Music and Music Media Format (tape CD recordings) :

Any type of music may be selected. The format for the freestyle music should be tape or CD (preferably both for backup purposes). Final preparation of the music in a professional studio is recommended to ensure proper equalization, balance and decibel levels.

It is strongly recommended that music for a freestyle ride be of one genre, style, or theme. Mixing musical genres within one program is not recommended.

Strict tempo of music in relation to gaits is not required. However, for an effective freestyle, the rhythm of the music should suit the horse's gaits.

Music that can be interpreted choreographically and create highlights is encouraged.

The use of vocal selections shall not be penalized per se, although such music is controversial.

The music may begin before, while or after the horse and rider enter the arena. (It is advisable to arrange for entrance music as a check that the tape is working.)

A cohesive musical theme will be scored higher than a disjointed mish-mash of musical selections.

 

The music tape/CD should be cohesive. Editing should be fluid and smooth. Choppy or disruptive editing on the music tape/CD will detract from the overall artistic impression.

The music tape/CD should have only the freestyle ride on it. The tape/CD should be clearly labeled (on the music side of the tape) with the competitor's name, horse's name, and level of ride.

Always bring an extra copy of the music tape/CD to the competition. Mark it in the same way as the original, plus some additional notation indicating that it is a back up copy.

Written instructions should be submitted with the music tape/CD stating: competitor's name, horse's name and show number, class number, time of ride, level or ride, plus a brief, clear explanation of when to push the "play" button at the start of the ride.

Before giving the music tape/CD to the person who will run the sound equipment during the competition, cue it up so that the music is ready to play when the "play"button is pushed. (If help is needed, ask the advice of the sound technician.)

Consult the competition prize list for information about sound checks and to whom to give the tape/CD and instructions.

Each competitor should be permitted one representative in the sound system booth to supervise the handling of the tape. This person should not interfere with the show announcer or management in any way.

Evaluation of artistic merit should be based on these guidelines and on a broad artistic appreciation, not on mere personal preference ("i don't like Mozart" or "Only classical music is appropriate").

According to Section 115 of the Copyright Act, a mechanical license must be obtained for the re-recording of music in any format. For information on obtaining a mechanical license it is recommended that the rider contact the National Music publisher's Association, Inc. at http://www.nmpa.org.

Competitors must pick up their music tapes/CDs before leaving the show.

Choreography:

Each competitive level has specific compulsory elements that must be performed.

The horse should be shown to its best ability. Special strengths can be maximized while minimizing weaknesses. The design of the ride should be commensurate with the ability of the horse and rider.

Compulsory elements are those that are listed on the freestyle score sheets. At each level, certain movements must be shown on both reins; these are indicated on the score sheets by a dashed line in the "preliminary notes" column.

Competitors should be careful not to use movements that are clearly above the level being shown.

Permitted and compulsory elements may be shown in any pattern, placement, or order.

A composition that is creative will be scored higher than one that looks like a reworked dressage test set to music.

The beginning and end of the freestyle should be executed facing C by a halt and salute.

The freestyle choreography should utilize the entire arena, not just the rails and diagonals. Creativity in the use of figures and space is encouraged. Movements should be presented clearly enough to be easily identifiable by the judge.

While riders are encouraged to take chances and increase the degree of difficulty, care should be taken to present movements (in terms of choice and placement) that show off the horse's best technical ability.

The letters of the arena serve as markers only. Movements or figures need not to be executed at the letters.

To encourage the highest possible technical quality in freestyle performances, competitors are urged to perform freestyles at one level below the level at which they are schooling. Poor technical performances will impair the artistic harmony of the ride. However, technical proficiency cannot make up for artistic weakness.