Where to Find Music for Your Dressage Musical Freestyle
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Searching for freestyle music is usually the part of the freestyle process that everyone seems to enjoy. However, it can be overwhelming if you don't know where to begin.
Before you search for your freestyle music you will need to figure out your horse's BPMs so you can narrow down your choices and save time.
Save a Playlist
I like to search and save freestyle music on my Spotify app so that I can listen to it while I am riding. You can create one playlist for your horse and extra playlists for each gait or different themes if you are still choosing one.
Don’t have Spotify? You can also use iMusic if you have an Apple computer, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, and other music apps depending on your preference. Just search ‘music’ in your App Store.
Use an App to Check Song BPM
As you are saving music, it is helpful to use a smartphone app to check a song’s BPM on the fly. I play the song in Spotify and then open my BPM app to tap the screen. When you listen to the song begin to tap your foot to the beat and that is usually your BPM. Do a Google search of the song if you aren’t sure. Sometimes a song will sound like the canter when you are in your car but when you actually check the BPM it may not match your horse.
Pick a Theme
I find it easier to start with a theme or genre to help me narrow down music choices. Don’t worry if you change your mind as you go…just use a theme as a starting point so you feel that you have a sense of direction.
Some theme ideas:
Mary-Jo uses her smartphone to check her freestyle music. Photo Credit: Kimberly Chason
Movie soundtracks like Zorro, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Spirit
TV Soundtracks like Outlander and Game of Thrones
Favorite Bands or Songs on the Radio (not sure about the lyrics? Keep reading down below)
Time Period like music from the Medieval, Renaissance, or Victorian era
Musical Genres like Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop, and Folk Music
Broadway Musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, and West Side Story
More theme ideas:
Horse Breed ex; a Mustang rides to Spirit or an Andalusian rides to Flamenco
Horse coat color ex; Black horse rides to Black Horse and a Cherry Tree or Zorro soundtrack
Age of Horse & Rider ex; a young rider would look cute to something like the Minions soundtrack or Peanuts
Size of Horse ex; a very large draft horse lends itself to something powerful and dramatic (think Gettysburg soundtrack) as opposed to a pony that needs something cute and light (think Disney themes)
Too Many Lyrics?
Is there a particular song on the radio that you just love? Lyrics are discouraged in the show arena (unless they lend a special quality to the performance) but you can typically find a variety of cover songs and remakes online.
Search the song name in your music app and add keywords ‘instrumental’ or ‘cover’ to help narrow your search. Some of my favorite bands that create instrumental cover songs are Vitamin String Quartet, Eklipse, and The Piano Guys.
When you think of your favorite style of music keep in mind how it makes you feel. Gravitate towards music that gives you confidence and keeps you focused, some music can create a lot of excitement that might translate into tension at a horse show.
If you haven't started already, I hope this article inspires you to begin your music search. Putting together your own musical freestyle is a challenge but well worth it in the end.
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