Dressage Divas

Freestyle Dressage to Music (also known as freestyle Kur) was first hosted at international level at Goodwood in 1979.

In 1986 dressage to music really took off when the World Cup for Dressage was established. The competition was split into 2 parts, with 50:50 weighting between a standard Grand Prix test and a freestyle Kur test.

Since then the popularity of this sport has gone from strength to strength, being introduced into the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.

When performing Dressage to Music the horse and rider should appear as if they are dancing to the music. It's important therefore to choose music that suits both you and your horse. You will need to take into account your horse's personality, type, movement and also your own personal preferences. There is no set rules on the style of music you can choose and pieces from classical through to rock have been used effectively. However chopping and changing between different genres will detract from the flow of the piece.

When choosing your music you need to consider pieces that will enhance your horse's movement and match his way of going. Also consider how you can use the music creatively to show off your horse's strengths - for example a crescendo within a piece of music would suit extended trot or canter.

Changes in music should be accompanied by changes in gait and each transition from one piece of music to the next should be smooth and flowing. The choreography should interpret the music and be designed to show your horse off to his best.

Creating dressage to music routines used to be quite challenging and would put off all but the most dedicated Dressage Diva! But now this beautiful sport has been brought to the everyday rider and made simple through this interactive PC CD-ROM.

"Dressage Divas" from Equitech is the first and only completely interactive guide to riding to music. Whether you want to spice up your schooling plans or compete in affiliated competitions, this software is a 'must'.

You can plan your routine, print diagrams of your test, then add in your favourite music.

Dressage Divas uses a powerful shrink and stretch music editor to allow you get the perfect fit of music to your horses paces. No matter where you are in the World this is compatible with systems and tests in ALL countries.