Tempo Matching

Drawing on over 20 years of musical knowledge, expertise and the latest editing technology, Fortissimo Freestyles will exactly match the music to your horse’s different gaits. This is especially important, as judges have been instructed to watch the footfalls of the horse’s front legs to see how they correspond to the music. This is one of the most significant factors that you will be assessed on, but how often do we see walk music that doesn’t fit? 
 

  

The Music

If you have a particular preference for a certain style of music you should advise me of your preference, and I will accommodate you as best I can. I have an extensive library of music and I also have access to an unlimited database of music. I will consult closely with you to make sure your music reflects your horse’s personality. Please keep an open mind for your selection. The choice of music is only limited by the imagination. The more variety you are open to, the more dynamic and original your performance will be.
 

Editing

Editing is done using the latest computer technology, so your freestyle will be seamless and fluid. If you have a particular piece of music that you just “have to have” that doesn’t quite fit your horse, the tempo can be adjusted to match perfectly, provided it is not too different, otherwise it will distort the timbre of the instruments. Some pieces of music may need to be made louder or softer and fade-in’s and fade-out’s are also necessary to allow for smooth transitions. Existing recordings are used for superior clarity of sound. None of the music used is computer generated.
 

Choreography

For Dressage specifically, there are certain rules that must be followed.

  • You have 60 seconds from the time the bell rings until your music starts. You must be in the arena within 20 seconds after your music starts otherwise you will be eliminated.

  •  

  • For FEI you must show a minimum of 20 meters of continuous collected walk and 20 meters of continuous extended walk.

  •  

  • You must also have three straight canter strides before and after your pirouettes to receive credit for technical performance.

  • For FEI, your music must end on the final salute (no fadeouts). The penalty for violating this rule is elimination.
 
Clinics & Musical Ride Days
  • Two day Freestyle Clinics and Musical Ride Days [click here]  are available by request and are specifically tailored to meet your groups requirements. Form more information on this service  [click here]
We will be able to advise you regarding the compulsory movements required for your level, so that you avoid including movements from a higher level that could cause elimination. If you are doing your own choreography, you need to make sure you stay within the limitations of compulsory movements. Fortissimo Freestyle will be responsible for making sure your freestyle is within the minimum and maximum time frame requirements.  
.....

It is important to recognize your horses strengths and weakness relating to paces and movement, when creating a pattern for your freestyle. You also have a certain amount of freedom when designing a pattern, as long as the compulsory movements for that level are adhered to, so why not take advantage of this flexibility to create a performance that is exciting, has pizzazz and shows your horse to it’s best advantage!

Clever use of the arena will also impress the judges, as will ease of transitions from one movement to the next.

Fortissimo Clinics  -  Musical Ride Days  -  Contact Melissa  -  Links -  Testimonials

Photography by Sally Alden 

©2005 copyright  Fortissimo Freestyles – Design © 2005 Sandy Morphett ~ Eques