Tuesday, May 2, 2006

2006 Kentucky Horse Park All-American Freestyle Symposium - "A How To" Guideline

Match the Beat to the Horse

Just as important is to match the beat of the music to that of your horse. If you pick music with a beat faster than that of your horse, then your horse’s effort to keep up with the music will make him look rushed and flat. Thanks to modern technology, the beat of music can be slowed down, but Steiner warned to be careful when doing this. If poorly done, or done with music that is widely known, judges – even the deaf ones – will notice it. If you do this, it’s best to use a professional with all the right technology.

When it comes to cohesiveness, judges are listening for freestyle music that has a theme or genre. Thus, don’t mix big band sounds with rock. Don’t use 90 percent guitar music and then throw in something completely different. If you begin with a Spanish-style music theme, stick with Spanish music throughout. As Dover put it, "let the music tell a story."

PhelpsPhoto®: Sue Kolstad rides to different music clips playd by Whitaker and Ciotti-Gallo