Choose a test with requirements that suit you and your horse’s level of training (these are available to Recreational riders on request. Graded riders can download directly from DSA)
Design a floor plan and then video yourself riding your test.
Work out the tempo for each gait using a metronome (can be downloaded as an app on your phone). (Measure on the downbeat of each foreleg in walk and trot, and just leading front leg in canter. The average bmp for a 16hh horse in walk is 92, trot 150 and canter 104).
Find suitable music for your type of horse and its personality and paces, ie. Bold music for a big horse, dainty music for a small horse or pony, and preferably music with minimal lyrics as this can distract the judge).
Keep the music in the same genre for all the gaits.
Work out if there are changes in the music for each gait that will suit certain moments in your test, i.e. Extended trot has dramatic music.
Use a music programme or grab a music buddy who can splice music together in a way that doesn’t create a choppy sounding collection. Ideally you want your music to sound like a medley of songs that blend smoothly into each other. If possible, have music that finishes on a climax for your final halt.
Check your time limit for the level you are riding at. Your test is timed from your first halt to your last, but your music can start a bit before to allow for your entry.
Try and ride your test to music at a different venue before your show, as show day nerves can affect the speed and execution of your test, so a test run will highlight any challenges.
You can create your test in any order of gait, and use your own lines in your freestyle, as long as the judge can make out the specific requirements.
Save your music onto a music device like your cell phone or another device that can be plugged into a sound system via an auxiliary plug. If needs be the music can be sent through to the show coordinators before the show, and sound tests can be done on their equipment. Make sure to always have copies of your music.
Lastly – go and have fun to your favourite music with your four-legged dancing partner!
