Jump to: Bear Spot Foundation • Dr. Jane Karol
History of the Dressage Freestyle
Freestyle Dressage to Music was first introduced at the international level in 1979 at Goodwood in England.
In 1986 the Dressage Freestyle skyrocketed with the establishment of World Cup Dressage. The Freestyle enjoyed an international stage and became an integral part of dressage competition. Introduced into the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta the Dressage Freestyle (or Musical Kur) has grown to be the most popular class at any dressage show.
When performing dressage to music, the horse and rider should appear as if they are dancing. It is important to choose music that suits the horse’s and rider’s personality. Judges take into account the horse’s type and movement as well as the flow of the test and technical proficiency. There are no set rules on the style of music. One can choose pieces from classical to funk to rock to techno. All have been used with great effect.
When a rider chooses their music, they consider pieces that will enhance their horse’s movement and match his way of going. They think about how to use the music creatively to show off their horse’s strengths.
Changes in music should be accompanied by changes in gait and each transition from one piece of music to the next should be smooth and flowing. The choreography should interpret the music and be designed to show the horse off to his best advantage.
The Bear Spot Foundation
The Bear Spot Foundation to Benefit Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (the Foundation) was established in 2004 to provide therapeutic services for children, adolescents and their families.
The Foundation’s programs address the needs of clients with affective disorders (like depression), ADD/ADHD, anorexia, bulimia and concerns related to low self-esteem, separation and loss and anxiety and phobias. The Foundation offers a unique combination of traditional psychotherapy with dressage riding and horse care.
About Dr. Karol
Jane Karol, Psy.D. is the Foundation’s executive and program director. She is a psychotherapist with extensive experience treating children and adolescents. She is also an accomplished dressage rider, trainer, instructor and competitor.
The Foundation combines Dr. Karol’s professional training and interests in a way that is distinct from other programs in the field.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
A powerful and effective therapeutic approach, equine assisted psychotherapy harnesses the horse’s ability to be both loving friend and patient teacher. Equine assisted psychotherapy is traditional treatment in an untraditional setting.
Practitioners like Dr. Karol have been able to use horses as co-therapists, and have found them to be powerful catalysts for emotional and psychological growth, development and change.
Learn More!
Please visit the Bear Spot Freestyle YouTube channel, and also the Bear Spot CADI YouTube channel...Now featuring all 2009 participants rides!
