Freestyle Dressage

Dressage freestyles combine the dressage moves with music. Movements and figures are conreographed to meet the requirements of the freestyle for that level. The music is chosen to enhance the horse and freestyle.

Freestyles can be done from First Level through Grand Prix. Freestyles are a creative expression for horse and rider. The freestle must include all of the movements on the score sheet. In order to do a freestyle horse and rider must receive a minimum of 58% on the highest test of that level.

Freestyles are scored on technical execution (execution of compulsory movements) and artistic impression (harmony, choreography, degree of difficulty, musicality). Technical execution is doing all of the required moves. It is performed in a standard dressage arena (20x60 meters). Artistic impression includes: Rhythym, Energy and Elasticity, Harmony between horse and rider, choreography (use of arena, inventiveness, design cohesiveness, balance, ingenuity and creativity), degree of difficulty, choice of music and interpretation of music. It is permissable to ride with the reins in one hand.

Dressage musical freestyle is an exciting combination of the techical and artistic aspects of classical dressage. To foster the highest possible techincal quality in freestyle performances, competitors are encouraged to attempt freestyle only at the level at which they have already demonstrated proficiency.

Musical Freestyle Rules