Designing the freestyle
Step 1.
The first step in the creation of your freestyle process involves me viewing your horse, either in person or by video. If I am designing your choreography, I will have you ride it through and check for rideability and to make sure it is within the time limits. Once we are both satisfied with these elements it can then be filmed and sent to me.
However, if you have choreographed your own test, you can send me a video of you riding the completed test on a full-sized arena. You will need to make sure it is within the time limits for your particular level before filming as this will save a lot of time and frustration for you, your horse and the person filming.
The video recording will need to be of a high enough standard, so that I can see all of the horse’s movements clearly. The device you use will need to have the ability to zoom, and if using a camera should be mounted onto a tripod when filming. In order to accurately match the tempo of your horse’s paces, I will also need to see your horse working with contrasting wraps on the front legs. Filming the entry and 1 halt are also critical.
Step 2.
After observing your paces, we can then decide on a theme. I will start compiling selections of Walk, Trot, Canter, and Passage and Piaffe music for you. I will then provide you with different selections for each pace. If you have the ability to ride to the selected pieces it is a great help in determining which music best compliments your horse’s persona and which of the pieces of music you like to ride to. It also gives your horse a chance to be exposed to the music which is important because some horses are quite reactive to certain instrumentation and genre.
Step 3.
When you have decided which pieces you would like for each of your horses paces, I will then edit of your music. By now I will have matched your horse’s paces exactly to the music and accurately timed each section of your test. The final editing ensures that your music is recorded at an appropriate volume and well blended for fluency. Once the final version of your music is recorded, I will send it to you as an MP3. CD’s can be provided on request.
A digital master copy of your music is archived at Fortissimo Freestyles in case you require any changes to be made in the future, or if your copies are lost or damaged and need to be replaced. Once you have received your final edited version of the music, watch the video so you can see how it all fits together before you ride it. Then it’s just a matter of practice and listening to your music on repeat so you learn where your cues are. Your horse will memorise the test 10 times faster then we do so be careful not to over practice!
Begin the Journey
Your horse
Your music
Your moment
