Imagine choreographing your own dance routine to your favourite music, but you’re dancing with your horse! That’s Dressage Freestyle!
What IS Dressage Freestyle?
Dressage Freestyle (also called ‘Musical Kur’ from the German word kür meaning ‘freestyle’) takes everything you love about regular dressage and adds music! Instead of riding a set test that everyone does the same way, YOU get to create your own routine, choose your own music, and show off what makes your horse special.
Think of it as the difference between doing compulsory school figures in ice skating versus performing your own choreographed routine to music. It’s creative, it’s fun, and it’s a chance to really showcase your partnership with your horse!
How is it different from regular dressage?
In regular dressage, everyone at your level rides the exact same test in the same order. In Freestyle:
- YOU choose your music – anything from classical to pop to movie soundtracks!
- YOU design the choreography – deciding where to do each movement and in what order.
- YOU match your routine to your horse – highlighting what they do best.
- You still need to include all the required movements for your level, but you get to be creative about how and when you do them!
How does scoring work?
Freestyle scoring is split into two main sections:
- Technical execution (50% of your score)
This is about how well you and your horse perform the movements. Just like in regular dressage, judges look at how correctly you execute each required movement – your circles, transitions, lateral work, etc. You must include all the compulsory movements for your level, and they need to be done properly!
- Artistic presentation (50% of your score)
This is where the magic happens! Judges score five things:
- Rhythm, energy and elasticity: Does your horse move with a steady, bouncy rhythm? Do they look energetic and elastic in their movement?
- Harmony between horse and rider: Do you and your horse look like one team? Is your horse relaxed and listening to you? Is your position correct?
- Choreography: How creative and interesting is your routine? Does it flow well? Is it surprising and fun to watch without being chaotic?
- Degree of difficulty: Are you showing off more advanced movements? (But remember – it should still look easy!)
- Choice and interpretation of music: Does the music suit your horse? Do the movements match the music? Are you changing gaits with the music changes?
Creating your routine
Choosing your music
Your music is super important! Here’s what to think about:
- Match your horse’s personality: Got a sparkly, fancy pony? Maybe choose something upbeat and fun! Riding a calm, elegant horse? Classical music might be perfect.
- Match the tempo: The music’s beat should match your horse’s natural rhythm. Count your horse’s stride and find music that matches!
- Keep it consistent: Try to use the same genre throughout – mixing classical with heavy rock might be too jarring!
- Popular choices include: Classical music, movie soundtracks (Disney is popular!), orchestral versions of pop songs, show tunes, and instrumental contemporary music
Planning your choreography
This is where you get to be really creative! Here are some tips:
- Start with the requirements: Make a list of all the movements you MUST include for your level.
- Plan your route: Sketch out where you’ll ride in the arena – try to use the whole space!
- Match movements to music: When the music changes, that’s a good time to change gaits or do something different.
- Think about flow: Your routine should feel smooth, not choppy. Try to balance movements on both sides of the arena.
- Add some surprise: Judges like to see creative movements they don’t see in regular tests at that level, but don’t make it too complicated!
- Finish strong: Your final halt should happen right as the music ends – that timing is impressive!
SANESA Freestyle levels
Good news! In SANESA, you can compete in Freestyle at a different level from your regular dressage. So if you’re riding Level 2 Dressage but feel ready for Level 3 Freestyle, you can do that!
Note: Freestyle isn’t offered at Level 0 or Level 1 Primary School; it starts at Level 2 Primary and Level 1 High School.
Primary School:
- Level 2: Training Level Freestyle (40m x 20m arena)
- Level 3: First Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 5: Second Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 7: Third Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
High School:
- Level 1: Training Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 2: First Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 3: Second Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 5: Third Level Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
- Level 7: Advanced & Prix St Georges Freestyle (60m x 20m arena)
What do you wear and need?
Great news – the dress code and tack requirements are exactly the same as regular dressage! So everything from the main dressage article applies here too:
- Same smart dress code (dark jacket or school blazer, white jodhpurs, black boots).
- Same tack rules (dressage saddle, proper bit for your level).
- Your horse should be beautifully plaited and clean.
- Maximum of two classes per day for your horse.
Top tips for Freestyle success
- Practice with your music: Ride your routine to your music over and over until it feels natural.
- Time it right: Your routine should be the right length for your level – not too short, not too long.
- Test your music: Make sure it plays properly at the show – bring it on a CD or USB as required.
- Get help: Your instructor can help you plan a routine that shows off your horse’s strengths.
- Know your requirements: Make absolutely sure you include all the compulsory movements for your level!
- Watch others: Watching freestyle competitions (even online) can give you great ideas.
- Keep it achievable: It’s better to ride a simpler routine really well than a super hard one with mistakes.
- Have fun with it: Freestyle is about creativity and joy – let your personality shine through!
Why try Freestyle?
Freestyle is amazing if you:
- Love music and want to combine it with riding.
- Enjoy being creative and planning routines.
- Want to showcase what makes YOUR horse special.
- Like the idea of being a bit different from everyone else.
- Want to add some extra excitement to your dressage training.
- Love performing and entertaining an audience.
The best part? Freestyle is FUN to watch! Your friends and family will love seeing you perform, and there’s something magical about riding in harmony with music. It takes all the skill of regular dressage and adds artistry, creativity, and your own personal flair.
Ready to dance?
If you’re already riding dressage at Level 2 or above (Primary) or Level 1 or above (High School), why not give Freestyle a try? Start by choosing a piece of music you love, check your horse’s rhythm, and see if they match. Then grab a piece of paper and start sketching out ideas for your routine!
Talk to your instructor about it; they might even help you put together your first freestyle routine. Who knows? You might discover that you and your horse are natural performers!
Remember: The best freestyles are the ones where you can see how much fun the rider and horse are having. So choose music you love, create movements that make you smile, and enjoy every moment of your performance!
For more information about SANESA Dressage Freestyle, including technical requirements for each level, visit www.sanesa.co.za
