Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Pablo Álvarez on February 2, 2010 at 11:19am

i don´t know what other people think, but personally I don´t like to train with music or other noise that not let me be focused on my mare, and my mare on me, jejeje.

Permalink Reply by Ward Edwards on February 2, 2010 at 11:31am

There is a metronome app available from equiapps.com that looks useful. I haven't used it (don't have an ipod) but have used an electronic metronome before and found it useful to keep rhythm.

Permalink Reply by Ellin McGinley Daum on February 2, 2010 at 11:52am

That is a challenge at any level because horses vary so much. Usually I ride with music playing in the arena on a CD player with speakers so that the horse can hear the music, but with their excellent hearing I would be willing to bet they are able to hear the "leakage" from your ear pods. They really get into the beat when we ride and it is a lot of fun.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on February 2, 2010 at 12:25pm

Once you know what your horse's working rhythm is, you are the one who will set the rhythm Although I am sure your horse would appreciate hearing it too. If you have ever conducted a drill team you can see how this works. In that case you come up with a median for all the horses involved and it is amazing that the smaller horses develop a longer stride to keep up because the rider is following the beat ant the larger ones become more collected for the same reason.

Permalink Reply by Mary McGuire Smith on February 2, 2010 at 12:25pm

I agree with Pablo (for myself). That said, I have seen music work indredibly well for other people. Ruth Hogan Paulson, who is a member of this site, is incredibly knowedgeable about riding with music, and has a subscription site dedicated to riding to music (it is her profession!). If you go to her member page, there is a link there.

Permalink Reply by Renee Miller on February 2, 2010 at 12:31pm

I have found that when you begin to post to the tempo, your horse ultimately will begin to follow your rhythm..This is important for you horse to learn as well. I WANT my horse to learn to follow my tempo as opposed to me attempting to ride to his.....

Just a thought.

Rennee

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on February 3, 2010 at 10:10am

Years ago before there was a USDF there was an organization called the American Dressage Institute founded by Migi Serrell. For a month each summer she had two sessions in Saratoga Springts, NY with instructors all connected to the Spanish Riding School. Hans Mueller was the Director. During the week we had lectures and discussions every afternoon often with guest instructors. One I remember particularly was Gen. Hans Handler, the last riding Director of the Spanish Riding School. Among other topics "correct" Rhythm came up. Basically he said that every horse has a rhythm at each gait that is the one where he is best able to balance and carry himself and it is up to the rider to find that rhythm and not impose your own on the horse. I might add that it was Mrs. Serrell who first pushed to have musical kurs included in Dressage Shows, all be it at the upper levels.