[QUOTE=exploding pony;7533098]
First, work with someone who knows how to do this
You get your horse going really well in a lesson and have someone video. All three gaits, both directions.
Calculate your bpm. Start with one gait (I generally do canter, but certainly trot would work). Watch video while playing music that has the correct bpm. Get like 5 options and ride to it with your trainer.
Once you pick that music, you match the next gait and find complimentary music. Then do the walk.
Compose the music then choreograph to the music.
Important note - it’s more important that you pick music that compliments your horse than music that is your personal favorite. At the lower levels you want music that is “friendly”, not overly serious.[/QUOTE]
I’ve been wondering about this as I think about doing a freestyle at some point next season.
I’ve found a lot of music that fits my horse’s gaits very well, but the music doesn’t necessarily fit his personality. For example, several of Enrique Iglesias’ songs fit footfalls of his trot and canter very well, but the beat is a bit too heavy for the way my horse moves. If I had a different horse, perhaps a PRE, that had a more spanish feel then I might use it.
I’ve also found some Sousa marches and Joplin rags that also match the footfalls well, but as much as I like the music for listening, I don’t think I would want to ride to it. I think a lot of different pieces in either category would have to be pieced together to make things work and provide some interest.
Most of the music that I like, that also has some dynamics and phrasing in it, but is way too fast, as in 115-120 bpm and just won’t work.
Then there are some music soundtracks that I like, and I think have an appropriate bpm for different gaits and a beat that isn’t too heavy or too light, but I don’t know if using movie music is a good thing or a bad thing - as in too corny.
Anyone been through a quandary like this? If so, what did you do about it?