Yes, you read our latest schedule right. We are offering Freestyle Tests in our upcoming Dressage Festival in June. And what's even better, is that we're opening it to ALL levels from Preliminary and up! Have you always wanted to give one a go, but never been able to reach a high enough level of competition? Well, now is your chance.
Make your own dressage freestyle to music
how to
But wait!
How do you even create a Freestyle?
Don't worry, we've got you covered there too. Here we've compiled some handy links and tips that will set you up just right to choreograph your test and set it to some banging tunes!
download pdf
Download our free tips to making your freestyle:
There's no better way of learning than by getting out there and seeing what other people do. Find some people who have done tests at the same level as you are doing. Take note of the movements they do and in what order. Observe how the music suits the horse, not just the beats of the music, but it's overall story and tone. There's plenty of tests you can find on Youtube, so make a cuppa, get out a notebook and spend time watching some sand dancing with horses!
Check out some videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
& Common Myths
watch 'editing' how to
WATCH 'HOW TO WORK OUT TEMPO'
Check out the many free videos available on Youtube:
DNSW Closed Unrestricted Preliminary Freestyle:
Equestrian Australia Novice-Advanced Freestyle tests:
FEI and Para equestrian freestyle tests:
fei & para freestyles
ea nov-adv freestyle
CUR PRELIM FREESTYLE
There are some combinations of movements which may not appear in the standard tests, but are permitted in a freestyle at that level. To play it safe, you can simply avoid movements which are introduced in the level above. To know the ins and outs, the National Dressage rule book is very useful and includes a table of movements which are required, vs optional vs not permitted at each level. Head to: Freestyles Section 8, Pages 85-96, have a read through to get some ideas!
read the ea rules
Degree of difficulty is marked on "well-calculated" risks. You can find out about what inclusions you can add to your freestyle to show off your skills. There are "Directives for assessing the degree of difficulty in Freestyle tests" in the EA Dressage Rules, Annex J, page 135, and while tailored at FEI, have elements which clearly apply to all levels. For example, repeating movements with a co-efficient, working away from the wall (e.g on the centreline or quarterline) or even performing movements with one hand.
read the ea rules
Once you know what songs you want to use (see our Freestyle Tips Download for some tips in selecting music), you'll need to purchase them. This could be purchasing a physical CD, or the track online through iTunes, Amazon Music, Bandcamp, 7Digital, or HDTracks.
If you want to use versions of your favourite songs without lyrics, search google, Youtube and Spotify for "your song name +" "instrumental" or "orchestral" versions. Try to choose tracks where the melody (what would normally be the lyrics) is replaced by an instrument, as this keeps the song from sounding too repetitive (i.e. like karaoke tracks).
False! Provided you can perform the required movements on your test paper, there is no reason not to do a freestyle.
Freestyles are a chance to create your perfect test. Maybe your horse does their best lateral movements after a 10m circle? Maybe their trot work is better after their canter work? In a freestyle, you can design your floor plan to suit your strengths and support your weaknesses. Your degree of difficulty mark could be a little less, but a well executed simple freestyle can perform just as well as a complicated one with risks if mistakes are made!
Not true! You can put some music together yourself with our freestyle tip sheet.
FREESTYLE TIPS DOWNLOAD
However, if you are looking for paid assistance, there are a number of options in Australia and New Zealand, including:
- Musical Freestyles by Lucy (HDC members will enjoy a 10% discount on freestyles for the 2024 Festival when arranged prior to April 30th)
- Sand Dancer Freestyles
- Fortissimo Freestyles
- Radford Dressage Music
- Sweney Productions
Not true! Our judges of the Preliminary to Elementary Freestyles in 2023 told us it was the most fun they'd ever had judging!
enter now
You won't want to leave this one off the calendar.
Freestyle Friday
Friday 21st June 2024
FREESTYLE FRIDAY
21st June 2024
PRELIMINARY FREESTYLE
See some of our past competitors' freestyles on our Youtube Channel for inspiration:
CUR PRELIM FREESTYLE test
novice FREESTYLE
ea nov-adv freestyle tests
elementary FREESTYLE
ea nov-adv freestyle tests
medium FREESTYLE
advanced
FREESTYLE
ea nov-adv freestyle tests
intermediate FREESTYLE
fei & para freestyles
ea nov-adv freestyle tests
medium tour FREESTYLE
grand prix
FREESTYLE
para equestrian
FREESTYLE
fei & para freestyles
fei & para freestyles
fei & para freestyles
What's on offer:
Our sponsors have allowed us to produce some gorgeous rugs, ribbons and rosettes. With such tempting prizes, what choice do you have?
You've gotta be in it to win it! Note that not all classes are Championship classes - please refer to the schedule.
Sydney International Equestrian Centre is full of superb arenas, but it's pride and joy is the glorious Indoor Arena. It offers a world-class Otto-ArenaTex  surface. Not to mention a huge grand stand for all your adoring fans! This year, HDC is proud to offer a arena familiarisation with booked time slots. Competitors can book in with their entry, or non-competitors can book via the week below.
Every rider that has entered in our Dressage Festival can get an awesome goodie bag filled with gifts and special treats and offers from all of our wonderful, generous sponsors. We only have a limited number though, so don't forget to drop by the Event Office to pick up yours before they all disappear!
CHAMPION RUGS AND ROSETTES
indoor arena familiarisation
rider bags & lucky door prizes
see previous winners
register on nominate
see our sponsors
Freestyle Friday is BACK! We're incredibly excited to be hosting a Freestyle event on the Friday night. So come and have fun with Freestyles of all levels. Not only that, there'll be entertainment, trade stalls, and even some delicious treats about! It's TGIFF (Thank God it's Freestyle Friday) and we can't wait!
Not sure how to create one?
This festival isn't just about the championship competitions. There's going to be plenty to do through the week with fascinating seminars and social events. Why not pick up some cool new tips and tricks for your next competition while you're here? And what better way to end the day than kicking up your heels, letting down your hair and having fun with a great bunch of people!
We all love a little celebratory spending spree! There's nothing like coming home with a whole swag of new toys after a great week of competitions.
(Don't worry, we can give you a fake 'Congratulations, you won...' certificate to show your significant other if you need it!)
