The musical freestyle and lyrics

My absolute favorite aspect of dressage is the musical freestyle. I love it so much because I feel that it truly has the potential to blur the line between art and sport. It is probably the major reason I choose pure dressage over all other equestrian disciplines. Currently, using music with lyrics, while not prohibited, is strongly discouraged because it is "distracting."

Often times popular songs are redone on synthesizer to create lyric-free versions that sound like circus music at best, and elevator music at worst. How is that not distracting? Other riders opt for classical pieces , which can be very beautiful, but can also come across dated. I mean, it is the 21st century!

Aside from the cheesey sound the is often the product of eliminating lyrics from a song, the sound of a singer's voice, the words they say, and the intention with which they say them can make what was just a pretty melody into an emotionally moving song. Add the brilliant performance of a beautiful horse, and there you have it. Art!

Opinions?

The Handmade Horse

Blogging has been a bit slow for me while the whole thesis writing thing is happening, but I promise I will be better as soon as I am done. If you're in need of a blogtastic horsey fix in the mean time, a friend is diving into the world of sewing her own riding clothes and sharing her experience with all of the blogosphere. My friend will be sharing her sewing shenanigans on The Handmade Horse, so be sure to check it out. She is one funny girl, and her blog is bound to be both instructive and hilarious.