Creative Choreography for your First Level Dressage Musical Freestyle

Douwe competing a First level Freestyle. photo credit: spotted vision photography

Are you putting together a First Level dressage freestyle? Congratulations! In this article I will share choreography tips specifically meant for First Level. I have broken them down by each required movement.

This is a sampling of what is included in my First Level Choreography E-Book and my book FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music.

Overall Tips to Keep in Mind

• In regards to degree of difficulty, keep in mind that you want your freestyle routine to be easy for the judge to follow along. Don’t make it so complicated that the judge is confused or they cannot tell what movement you are riding.
  

• Choose variations of each movement so that your horse can perform to the best of their ability. Do not overface your horse and lose technical points.

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Trot Lengthening

At First Level you are required to show one trot lengthening on a straight line. Typically riders will include more than one.

• Use your quarterlines and centerline to highlight your horse’s straightness and balance.
  

• Angle your lengthening on a diagonal line from the centerline to the rail so that your diagonal line is less test-like. (shown in diagram)
  

• Incorporate walk or canter transitions close to your trot lenghthening to demonstrate ride-ability.

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10 meter Trot Circles

At First Level you are required to show a 10 meter trot circle in both directions.

• Approach your circles from the quarterline, centerline, or parallel to the short sides so that it is placed differently than a dressage test.

• Ride your circle immediately before/after other movements like leg-yield and lengthened trot to showcase ride-ability.

• Ride a figure-eight with your two trot circles to demonstrate suppleness.

• Place your circle before/after a canter transition to showcase your horse’s ability to maintain his/her balance.

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Medium & Free Walk

At First Level you are required to show a minimum of 20 meters of medium walk and free walk. You are allowed to ride them on curved lines.

• Going from the the trot directly into the free walk is more difficult than using the medium walk for the transition.

• Highlight an amazing walk by using diagonal lines, half circles, or bending lines where the judge can clearly see the overstep and rhythm.

• If your horse has poor rhythm you can showcase straightness by riding your medium or free walk on the centerline/quarterline or suppleness with a unique bending line to challenge your horse’s ability to relax and focus.

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Trot Leg-Yield

At First Level you are required to show a leg-yield in both directions with a minimum of 12 meters.

• Incorporate a leg-yield zig-zag if your horse can stay straight and steady. Keep in mind that you want to choose movements that your horse can perform well consistently.
  

• Ride canter transitions or lengthened trot before/after leg-yield to showcase ride-ability.

• Place your trot circles before/after to help setup the bend and balance your horse.

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15 meter Canter Circles

At First Level you are required to show a 15 meter canter circle in both directions.

• Use your quarterlines to begin your circle, this helps with your accuracy and improves degree of difficulty riding off the track.
  

• Place your lengthened canter directly before/after your circle to highlight good impulsion.

• Include counter canter before/after your circles to showcase balance and obedience.

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Changes of Lead Through Trot

At First Level you are required to show a change of lead through trot (canter - trot - canter) in both directions.

• Use your centerline and quarterlines to demonstrate straightness and ride-ability. This can also save on time and help you flow into your next movement.
  

• Incorporate counter canter before/after if your horse has reliable changes of lead.
  

• Include additional changes of lead in case you mess up on one of them. You will typically see riders include two in each directions.

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Canter Lengthening

At First Level you are required to show one canter lengthening on a straight line. Typically, riders will include at two canter lengthenings.

• Use your centerlines and quarterlines if you horse is well balanced and straight.
  
  

• Include counter canter before/after your lengthening to showcase balance and obedience.

• Angle your lengthening on a diagonal line from the centerline to the rail so that you can stay on the same lead. (shown in diagram)

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I hope this article helps you with some ideas for your First Level freestyle! Click here if you want to take a closer look at my choreography e-books where these particular diagrams come from. If you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to leave one down below or send me an email at beginthedance@gmail.com.

Download My Free Resources

Stay organized with my Musical Freestyle Checklist and begin sketching choreography with my Blank Arena Diagram Page.

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Browse my Freestyle Book Store

Learn how to create a musical freestyle from start to finish or choose an e-Book with choreography ideas just for your level.
Click here to view all Freestyle Books & e-Books.

FIRST LEVEL Choreography Ebook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

SECOND LEVEL Choreography eBook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music - Signed by Author

$34.95

Related Articles

Dressage Musical Freestyle Rule Changes for 2023

Every four years the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) reviews their dressage tests and makes improvements/changes. This year there were a few notable changes in the freestyle tests that you should keep in mind when preparing to show.

The following changes will be active on December 1, 2022 and count until November 30, 2026.

Choreography Changes by Level

Training Level:

Sandra and Douwe compete in a First level musical freestyle. photo credit spotted vision photography.

• The trot serpentine now specifies TWO or MORE changes of direction with loops no smaller then 15 meters.

• The stretch trot circle in Training level now specifies that it must be ridden in a RISING trot.

First Level:

• The Turn on the Forehand in the Additionally Allowed section has been removed and is no longer permissable.

Second & Third Level:

• No changes to choreography requirements.

Fourth Level:

• They have added Flying Changes of Lead every 4th Stride with a minimum of 3 Changes.

Scoring Changes by Level

Training Level:

• The Medium Walk now has a double co-efficient.

First Level:

• The Leg-Yields (left and right) and the Changes of Lead through Trot now have a double co-efficient.

Second Level:

• New technical scores added for the transitions in and out of medium trot AND the transitions in and out of medium canter.

• New double co-efficients for Medium Walk and the Simple Change of Lead (left and right).

Third Level:

• The Medium Walk, Trot Halfpasses (left and right), Canter Halfpasses (left and right), and the Extended Canter now have double co-efficients.

Fourth Level:

• The Collected Walk, Flying Changes of Lead every 3rd Stride, and the Canter Working Half-Pirouette (left and right) now have double co-efficients.

Make sure you are familiar with the dressage musical freestyle rule changes before you compete in 2023. Dressage rider Ashley Bizelli. Photo Credit: Kimberly Chason

Artistic Scoring Changes

• The Rhythm, Energy, and Elasticity score has been moved from the Technical Marks and added to the Artistic Marks with a co-efficient of 4.

• Harmony co-efficienthas increased to a 4 in Collective Marks (previously a 3).

• Music and Interpretation co-efficients have decreased to a 2 in Collective Marks (previously a 3).

• Degree of Difficulty score has been adjusted depending on the level.

  • First Level co-efficient is a 2

  • Second Level co-efficient is a 3

  • Third/Fourth Level co-efficient is now a 4

Feeling good after our freestyle ride. Photo credit: Spotted Vision Photography

Let’s Review

Overall I like these changes because they place more emphasis on the Harmony and Rhythm, Energy, and Elasticity marks. That should help improve the quality of the freestyle and reward riders that implement classical methods that pay attention to the welfare of the horse.

Click here to view the new USDF freestyle tests.

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About the Author

Hello! My name is Sandra Beaulieu, author of FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music and it is my goal to provide DIY tools and resources to help you create the musical freestyle of your dreams.

I am a USDF Freestyle Bronze Bar recipient and many of my clients/customers have earned their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Bars in addition to year end awards and championship placings.

As a USDF “L” Graduate I can offer an inside perspective from the judge’s booth, giving you an added advantage in the show arena.

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Download Free Resources

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Freestyle Book Store

Learn how to create a musical freestyle from start to finish or choose an e-Book with choreography ideas just for your level.
Click here to view all Freestyle Books and e-Books.

The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music - Signed by Author

$34.95

FIRST LEVEL Choreography Ebook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

SECOND LEVEL Choreography eBook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

How to Create a Musical Freestyle - Learn the Seven Phases of Freestyle Creation

Watch our "Outlander" inspired first level freestyle...photo credit: spotted vision photography

Imagine riding up the centerline to the music of your very own musical freestyle! If you are reading this article you are thinking of, or have decided to, design a musical freestyle. How exciting!

Just think how much fun you and your horse will have dancing to music. I know that my horses enjoy their music and they will start to learn their transitions and follow along. 

This video will give you an overview of what's in store for you in the months ahead. I have broken down the process into Seven Phases to help you keep track of your progress and avoid overwhelm. 

You can just watch the video or scroll down to read a description of each phase. I have also included links to articles and resources to help you along the way.

#1: Plan & Prepare

You are currently in this stage right now, planning ahead for your freestyle. If this is your first time I recommend giving yourself ample time to work on it. There will be a learning curve with the music software and how to choreograph your routine so be careful not to rush yourself.

The best time to start working on a musical freestyle is in your "off" season. If you compete in the summer months try to begin in the winter, right after the holidays is usually a good time to get focused. Download my free Musical Freestyle Checklist to help you stay on track (scroll to the bottom of this article).

#2: Rules & Requirements

You will need to learn the rules that pertain to freestyles at a competition, especially if you want to show at a USDF recognized event. It would be a shame to enter your first show and realize you are missing a movement or get disqualified because your entrance music is too long. There is a handy resource on the USDF website that summarizes the freestyle requirements...click here.

Download the USDF TestPro US Dressage Federation App so that you will have quick access to your freestyle test sheets if you aren't sure about a movement...click here.

#3: Gather Info

In this phase you will be gathering information that will help you find your music and create your choreography. You will need to figure out the beats per minute for your horse's gaits so that you are prepared to select music. Learn how to determine your horse's beats per minute in this article...click here. 

There are many smartphone apps available that will also help you with the BPM's, choreography, and music. Click here to see which apps I use and where to get them. 

#4: Discover your Music

It is a lot easier to find music with the availability of online search. Platforms such as ITunes, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube will help you find music to match your horse. Don't forget to look in your old CD collection as well, there may be some gems that you forgot about. Click here for some ideas...

If you feel overwhelmed about selecting music, there are some options online for pre-made music such as Marvin's Music and MusiKur.

#5: Choreography

It is a fun challenge to work with a horse and rider to showcase their strengths and downplay their weaknesses. Try to "marry" the music and the choreography together, doing your best to follow the natural progression of the music. Avoid movements that will add stress for you and your horse, your test should HELP you, not hinder your horse's ability. My blank arena diagram sheet is very helpful during the process. Scroll down for your free copy.

If the idea of creating choreography overwhelms you, I have pre-designed routines in my Freestyle Choreography e-books. If you don't see the level you want just sent me an email (beginthedance@gmail.com) and I will let you know when it is available.

#6: Edit, Edit, Edit

This is perhaps going to be the longest, most frustrating stage of the game. Keep faith! You are so close to the end it should help you gain momentum to push through. If you are not very "techy" this part of the process can be outsourced to a friend or a professional. I have gathered together some popular music software and extra options in this article...click here.

If you get stressed out, take a break and try one of the four ways I stay motivated. Read the article here.

#7: Go to a Show

Time to take your freestyle for a trial run! Keep in mind that the first show is a learning experience. You will become familiar with the process, how to submit your music to show staff, the sound check, how to deal with different sound systems, and most importantly...how does your horse do with the freestyle at a show. 

You may discover that your horse's tempo is a lot faster than normal or he/she spooks at the speakers set too close to the arena. After you receive feedback from your judge you can go back to the drawing board, adjusting choreography and music based on their scores. 

Here's some advice, do not drastically change your freestyle based on ONE judge's opinion! The artistic scores can vary widely from judge to judge. For example: One of my clients rode her new First Level freestyle at a schooling show and received a score in the low 60's, the artistic scores ranged from a 6 to a 6.5. She rode the EXACT same freestyle at a USDF Recognized show for an "S" judge and received a 76%! All 8's in the artistic scores.

Artistic value is in the eye of the beholder, don't lose faith if one judge does not resonate with your music. 

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Download my Free Resources

Stay organized with my Musical Freestyle Checklist and begin sketching choreography with my Blank Arena Diagram Page.

Browse my Freestyle E-Book Store

Learn how to create a musical freestyle from start to finish or choose an e-Book with choreography ideas just for your level.
Click here to view all Freestyle e-Books.

Related Freestyle Articles

Sandra Beaulieu & Friesian Douwe - "Outlander"-Inspired First Level Musical Freestyle

We dance for laughter,
we dance for tears,
we dance for madness,
we dance for fears,
we dance for hopes,
we dance for screams,
we are the dancers,
we create the dreams.
                  -Albert Einstein

After a long hiatus from the dressage competition arena, I decided it would be fun to work on my USDF Freestyle Bronze Bar with Douwe and Rovandio. To earn this award, the rider needs two freestyle scores (above 65%) at First level, two scores at Second level, and two scores at Third level from recognized shows. Douwe earned both of our First Level scores and Rovandio earned both of our Second Level scores in one weekend! I am so proud of them, they seemed to enjoy themselves and I did too! If you watch the TV series Outlander you will recognize the music, the tempo and drama of the music really go with Douwe's stride. Enjoy!

Are you inspired to start working on your First Level musical freestyle?

FIRST LEVEL Choreography Ebook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

My "how-to" e-book will take you through the creation process of your very own freestyle. 

• 10 Fully Choreographed Test Patterns! Just Add Music!

• 37 pages of choreography!  

• 7 Online Resources to help you find freestyle music.

• Creative freestyle questionnaire to help get your creative juices flowing!

• Freestyle checklist to help you stay on track.

• Blank arena diagram pages for you to take notes and draw your own choreography.

• Rules to remember, arena & sound requirements, copyright laws and more!

I also offer CUSTOM FREESTYLE design and FREESTYLE WORKSHOPS. Click here to learn more. 

Looking for music for your dressage freestyle? Check out AudioJungle!

I have spent quite a few hours browsing through Audio Jungle's library. I LOVE IT! It is easy to use and the quality of the audio files is top notch.

PROS:

• The music is copyright free so you can also use it for YouTube videos without having ads displayed.
• You can search by your horse's Beats Per Minute [To learn how to find your horse' BPM, CLICK HERE].
• They have a huge collection of songs (over 150,000) to choose from!
• They have an amazing list of categories and search options. My personal favorites are Cinematic and Folk/Acoustic, but they also have Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz and Country.
• They have special sound effects (horse sounds, fairytale effects, horns)  if you want to get creative with your freestyle, such as emphasizing your halt/salute.
• Most songs are 2-3 minutes long, which is just about the right amount of time to match a particular gait in your freestyle.
• You can save songs that you like in a folder. You just click on the little heart underneath the audio file image. That way, you don't have to worry about writing down all the different songs you liked.
• Reasonable prices! Some of my favorites range anywhere between $6-$18 per audio file. Sound effects are $1-$4. 

Click here to visit the AudioJungle website and start browsing their music library!

If you have any questions about AudioJungle or creating a musical freestyle please leave a comment below or email me at beginthedance@gmail.com.

Want to take all of the guess work out of creating your own freestyle? CLICK HERE.

Musical Freestyles

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle from USDF Medalist Sandra Beaulieu. She has created blog posts, e-books, and a guide book to help you through the process.

FIRST LEVEL Choreography Ebook for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$29.00

TRAINING LEVEL Choreography E-Book for Dressage Musical Freestyle

$24.00