Dressage to music

[*carrie*]

Can anyone suggest any good songs that can be used for dressage to music? I have to make up a test and put music to it but have no idea where to start.

Any suggestions?

[cazrider]

The only time I've done it as a pair, we used "Bat out of Hell":eek: so probably not ideal if you want to look stately.;)

[palmerlover52]

Hmm, depends what type of song you would like...i know a upbeat dancy one that would be good, but not so great if your trying to look elegant and sedately???

[palmerlover52]

oooh a nice song would be I Believe, from the Honey Soundtrack...might be a bit slow though?

[Lgd]

Avoid vocals, go for non-vocal versions - have just done a long post about this - have a quick hunt to find it, as all the details are on there that you need

[katefarmer]

I'm not an expert, but have done a bit of this and as a general rule, I totally agree with no vocals - but instrumental versions of well known songs are fine and often a good choice. A lot depends on the level you're riding at, the type of horse, type of rider and impression you want to give. What suits a 40 year old rider on a 17hh warmblood could be totally inappropriate for the same test being done by a teenager on a 14hh pony, and vice versa The whole "feel" needs to match up, then the music will really enhance whatever you do with the horse. Also, make sure there is enough variety, and that you have some faster, some slower sections that you can match to the paces.

Be careful in choosing pop - and definitely avoid hip-hop etc - it may be something you like, but the judge might hate it! "Standards" are fairly safe, also classic rock-and-roll, etc. Classical music can come over rather pretentious unless you are at a pretty high level!

To be more technical - I'd go for pieces in a major key rather than a minor key - more "feel-good factor" and something with a good beat - put the judge in a good mood and make him/her more generous towards any little mistakes!

Good luck!

Kate
www.harmony-project.net

[star]

i used a Flintstones medley for my dresage to music. Won me an affiliated Novice qualifier on nearly 70% so must have been ok. Suited my 15.1h pally Welshie down to the ground!