Choreography Basics
Choreography requires as much creative
thinking as does your music choices. This
part can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy
drawing floorplans and piecing together
puzzles. If you start to get overwhelmed at
the thought of creating a routine, there are
a few ways to make the process a lot easier.
Routine First
I recommend that riders new to Freestyle
design creang a roune first, and then
add the music to it. This allows you to
concentrate on the roune without get-
ng overwhelmed. Starng with choreography
helps you focus on your horse’s
strengths such as gaits, straightness,
ride-ability, etc. Use the movements to
prepare your horse for success and give
you confidence as a rider.
Put Your Best
Foot Forward
When you plan your opening centerline,
begin by entering the arena from
your horse’s “beer side.” Most
horses have a shoulder they tend to
lean toward, and they may dri that
way on the centerline. Pracce entering
the ring from both direcons, and choose the direcon
that is easier for you to maintain balance and straightness.
You have a choice to enter the arena at the walk or trot/jog through
Third Level and Level 3. When you reach Fourth Level or Level 4 you
may also choose to canter/lope up the centerline. Most riders choose
to trot/jog to begin with energy and to help the horse focus. However,
you can also choose the walk if that would help your horse stay relaxed
and balanced. A walk entrance can be dramac if it matches the music.
I somemes include transions on my centerline, for example, by starting
at the walk to the music and then trong when the music changes.
A transion can help the horse sele and balance.
Make a Good First Impression
When you begin your choreography, you can choose to mix up the
order of the gaits to beer suit your horse. I recommend starng and
ending your Freestyle with a movement of strength for a good first
and last impression. Try to sandwich your horse’s weaker movements
in the middle of the test so that you can leave the judge with a good
feeling. For example, if your horse has a strong trot/jog, begin your
Freestyle with a movement like the lengthened trot/jog and immediately
transion to the canter/lope. Ride the rest of your trot work at
the end so that is what the judge remembers. This also bodes well for
your Choreography score, since it does not follow the same trot, walk,
canter sequence as a test.
General Tips for Choreography:
• Enter the arena from your good side or your best lead (when entering
at the canter/lope is allowed).
• Highlight your best movements at the beginning and the end for a
strong first and last impression.
• Showcase your most difficult transions and movements closer to
the judge to demonstrate confidence.
• Choose whether you want to begin your canter/lope work on your
horse’s good lead to gain confidence or start with the more difficult
lead to get it over with!
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