Rider, competitor, author, teacher, trainer, freestyle composer,
I am amazed at how perfect music can improve and enhance a horse's movement and the rider's rhythm! When music fits the horse and rider, both the quality of the gaits and movements improve. The music enhances both the artistic aspect and the technical side of the ride. Because rhythm is maintained!
After years of studying the effects of music I learned a few things.
Studies show that music affects our physiology. Slow music slows the heartbeat and the breathing rate as well as brings down blood pressure. Faster music speeds up these same functions.
Listening to your favorite music is good for your cardiovascular system. Researchers have shown that joyful music has a healthy effect on blood vessel function.
Riding to music increases your endurance and feelings of well-being. Studies show that exercising to music improves endurance by 15% and improve the "feeling states" so, people derive much greater pleasure from exercise. (Those cool endorphins!!)
Many hospitals use music to treat patients with stress-related illnesses to stimulate the brain and relax the body.
Music affects both sides of your brain, so whether you are a left-brain logical thinker or a right-brain artistic thinker, music helps you ride better.
Even animals react differently to various types of music. Given a choice, rats will choose calm classical music over hard rock every time.
Music can also influence brainwaves. Faster beats make you more alert and slower beats help you relax.
Music creates a long-lasting change in brainwave activity. That means that music can bring lasting benefits to your state of mind, even after you've stopped listening.
Music filters out background noises so that you and your horse can concentrate better.
Music acts as an INTERNAL metronome to help you maintain a regular rhythm.
Music puts you in a more positive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay.
The bottom line is... it's fun to ride to music!
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