Freestyle Tests
The relevant Dressage Ireland rules for freestyle to music are:
6b) Freestyle and Freestyle to Music tests
Only British Dressage test Sheets for Freestyle Tests at Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, Prix St Georges and Grand Prix levels are used. These tests may be ridden either with or without music. No grading points are given for any freestyle competition, whether with or without music. In all other respects they are run in accordance with graded classes of the comparative level.
Tests will be timed from the move off after the first halt until the halt before the final salute. Halts must be shown at the beginning and the end of all freestyle tests, and these must be on the centre line facing the judge.
Tests should be timed to run approximately 15 seconds under the specified time to allow for a slight variation in the running speed of cassette / CD players. Two penalty points will be deducted from the final total if a test exceeds the time allowed or is more than 30 seconds shorter than the stated time. The music may start either before the entry at 'A' or after the first halt and salute. No more that 20 seconds of introductory music may be played before the entry at 'A'. Any faults in the reproduction of the music at a competition should be taken into account by the judge. Judges have the authority to re-start a competitor should the music fail for any reason.
Test sheets are available at all levels, and each includes a list of compulsory movements and a list of optional movements. If included, movements of a higher standard will be penalised by the deduction of two points each time they are performed.
8) Points System
Freestyle tests and classes restricted to Pony, Junior and Young Riders [or otherwise restricted] do not qualify for grading points or qualification for championships, i.e. National winter finals and National championships.
87) The Position and Aids of the Rider
3) Riding with both hands is obligatory in tests at all National and International Dressage events. However, when leaving the arena at a long rein, after having finished the performance, the rider may at his own discretion, ride with only one hand. Riding with reins in one hand is however permitted in the Freestyle Tests.
92) Judging Restrictions
The following restrictions for affiliated dressage competitions should be observed. - .....
e) No judge should judge a musical freestyle if they have participated in the making of a musical tape used by a competitor in this class.
Music Licences
While care needs to be taken regarding the copyright associated with freestyle to music CD's in England, to ensure you get the correct music licences, in Ireland, Dressage Ireland applies for a music licence, so the onus is not on competitors to worry about it. The same should apply for the FEI.
Help
'If anyone needs help designing a freestyle test, or help with composing the music for it, there are plenty of profesional companies, especially in England, who would be suitable. A quick internet search will bring up many possibilities, or you can have a go yourself! The necessary movements for the levels can be found on the test sheets. If anyone has questions or needs advice, get in touch & we'll do our best to help you!'