When we were riding at Hyde Park on our first riding lesson, I clearly remember how difficult it was for me to get accustomed to the rhythm of the 'trot'. As a drummer, I thought I had a good sense of rhythm and beat, but as I soon realized, playing an instrument is very different from riding a horse! You can only do so much to control the horse and get what you want from it. There has to be an equal amount of leading and guiding from both rider and horse. But for the most of my ride, it felt like my horse Shame Us was 'playing' me!
I soon encountered a very interesting article about music and horse-riding by Larrisa, a riding coach who runs a school in Vancouver, Canada (www.larissacoxtraining.com). In her article, she writes about how listening to music or a metronome while riding can actually improve your sense of rhythm and beat. What an interesting concept! For more details on how to use music to improve your riding, check out her blog http://tackandtalk.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/311/.
Larrisa has also created a poll entitled "What music do you like to listen to while you ride?". If you'd like to participate, you can go to http://twtpoll.com/bqrfdj and submit your answer.
As a music lover myself, the idea of riding with music is a fantastic idea. I can't wait to make a music play list for my next ride!
Hi Paulino!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear your perspective of riding to music, especially since you are accustomed to rhythm with being a drummer. Rhythm is such a foundational concept for riding, yet I believe it is one of the hardest things to come by because of the cooperation that is needed between horse and rider. Rhythm for the gaits is established from a rider's body movements, and I think this can be greatly helped with following the beat of the music. I look forward to reading more blog posts on your progress with riding, and riding to music :)
If you do make a playlist for riding, I would love to hear it :)
Hi great idea..trying singing while riding too! It helps with focusing on being in the moment and creates a nice tune for you and your equine friend. My horse loves when I sing on top his back! He totally mellows out!
ReplyDeleteHmm sounds a good idea. Riding with the sound of music. Music makes you feel good while doing some ride.
ReplyDelete