| Equestrian Freestyle Design Tips |
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| Equestrian Freestyle wants each of its clients to succeed. But first please read the information below to help you prepare yourself with the correct ammunition so that we can present to you a theme that works specifically for you. The following tips will help you get a running start toward securing your own freestyle music. | |
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| Your Particular Style, Rhythm & Tempo | |
| In a well-done freestyle (kür), you immediately see the relationship of movement to music. This relationship must give the judges and audience the impression that the horse/rider partnership is moving as one. How do you achieve this for your own performance? The first step is to match the tempo of the music to the tempo of the horse's gaits, whilst at the same time, ensuring that the music chosen suits your personality, style and mind set. The movement and personality of the horse and most importantly the look, feel and motion of the rider and the horse together as one, is the key to a successful freestyle equestrian programme. | |
| Use Video | |
| The most reliable way to determine your horse's tempos is to first video tape him or her, whilst performing your chosen programme....when your programme has been rehearsed and you feel you and your horse are moving as one unit in a relaxed manner. Next step is to purchase a digital metronome, found in a variety of types, in any store which sells musical instruments. The digital part is important because it will allow you to adjust the metronome up or down in single beat increments, which will ensure that you have greater accuracy when timing your programme and your horses gaits/movements within it. | |
| Trot Tempo | |
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| While watching the trot work on your video, set the metronome to 152 beats per minute (bpm), which will be close to the trot tempo of the average horse. Then the strike/foot falls of the front two legs. If they match the beating of the metronome, your job is done. If he seems to be moving more quickly than the metronome, adjust the metronome up until it is in time with the strike/footfalls. If he seems to be moving more slowly, adjust the metronome down until it is in time with the strike/footfalls. If you get close, but just can't seem to pin-down the exact tempo, find a spot where he is moving at his best (not extensions since they take up such little time in a freestyle) and keep replaying the video in that spot until you find the correct tempo. | |
| Canter, Passage and Walk Tempos | |
| The procedure you
used for trot is very similar to the one you will use for canter. First
set the metronome at 96 bpm and observe the
strike of the lead leg. If the metronome beat matches the footfall, your
horse is 96 bpm. If not, move the metronome up or down accordingly,
until the metronome and horse are in sync.
For passage and walk, we are back to watching the front two legs. For passage, begin the metronome at 112 bpm, and for walk begin around 108. While it is true that the rhythm of the walk is 1-2-3-4, it is not only easier to count just the front two legs, but the result will be in a more common musical tempo. Don't worry if your result is not close to the average. There is no right or wrong. Tempos come in a large range depending on the size of the horse, impulsion, degree of collection, amount of ground they cover, etc. You may have discovered a variety of methods to, as accurately as one can, find your horse's tempos. The above method is but one. However, we have found that the method as described above, will put you in good stead. |
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| Searching for Your Music | |
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We have all grown up with music all around us. Radios, records, tapes, CD's, film, television...even in a lift. We all have our individual taste for a particular type and sound. So, when you are searching for the music that best suits you, from that which is available commercially, you will no doubt find that your instincts will help you make the correct choice. You are the rider and you know your horse better than anybody else. Listen to as many different types of music and keep an open mind. Whether or not a particular musical piece appeals to you immediately, keep a record of it. It just might be what you may be looking for in the future. |
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| The Next Step | |
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Once you have compiled your music, from which your freestyle programme will be built, and you have made a record of your horses gaits and tempo's, you have made a video of your freestyle programme then it is time to speak with us. Freestyle Equestrian will edit your music into a complete and professional freestyle programme in line with your desired outcomes. On the other hand, if you have a general idea as to your musical needs, but can't seem to find the titles or tracks that suit your programme, and indeed your self and horse, let us do the research and secure the music for you. You may want your music to be composed specifically for you. We, at Equestrian Freestyle can do it for you. All we would need to hand is your video, gait tempo's and of course a discussion with you as to your personal musical ideas, we will only be too pleased to ensure you have a successful programme completed because that is what we do. Which ever way you wish to proceed please make contact with us first for an initial chat about your needs..
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Copyright (c) 2005-2006 Melbourne Equestrian Pty Ltd |
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