Youth Nationals III: The Pattern Song

Through many years of showing equitation at Youth Nationals, I fully grasp the gravity of choosing the perfect pattern song. Though you may not realize just how much influence the song has on you, your horse, and the judges, the right song has the potential to be that extra something for you. And you never know, it could be the thing that pushes you that much closer to the coveted rose garland. But, with so many songs to choose from, how could anyone possibly know where to begin? Well, problem solved equitation riders! Although there are many factors one needs to consider in pattern song selection, I can help you narrow the field to find surefire song that you'll love. The main points you need to consider are:

1. Finding the right tempo for your horses motion. Does your horse have a quick marchy trot or a long-strided lofty trot? Find a song with a comparable tempo that will match your horse's natural gait.

2. Make sure the song doesn't have any surprising sounds to throw your horse off. A startling sound from your own song is the last thing you want your horse to spook at in the ring.

3. Now think of yourself. The song needs to mean something to you. Whether you get nervous or need to focus before your pattern, when you hear your song start, it should calm you and get you in the pattern mindset. The song should make you feel at ease, confident, and proud.

4. You must also consider the judges in your selection. Think of it this way. The judges are usually older than your parents, meaning that their musical tastes are much more "mature" than yours. Finding something that the judges won't be appalled by is incredibly important. And even better, choosing an old popular song that they know could make them associate a happy memory with your pattern.

Here are a few song options to get the search started:

My songs in the past:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Forrest Gump Suite- Alan Silvestri

Oldies:
Singing in the Rain- Frank Sinatra
Puttin' on the Ritz- Ella Fitzgerald
My Girl- The Temptations
Stand By Me- Ben E. King & The Drifters
Why Can't We Be Friends- War
Tuesday's Gone- Lynyrd Skynyrd

Modern:
Drive- Ziggy Marley
Fire It Up- Modest Mouse
Hero- Regina Spektor
Tighten Up- The Black Keys
1901- Phoenix


I think that the best genres to consider are classic oldies (Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Nat King Cole, The Chordettes), rock oldies (Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, CCR, Aerosmith), modern rock (Muse, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys), feel good types (311, Bob Marley, Slightly Stoopid), and okay,  guilty pleasure too (Beach Boys, Hall & Oates, Michael Jackson).

Music is one of the most powerful memory triggers. You should think about making your pattern song choice not only important for you, but for the judge to associate you with. It is beyond our control, but subconsciously, they will form an association with the song you choose. If your song is ill-suited to you and your horse, you are undoubtedly worse off. Find a song that is the complete package for everyone, but most importantly, one that will fill you with confidence and joy. And when you find it, I promise you that whenever you hear "your pattern song" outside the show ring, you will be instantly transported back to that moment when you were performing your pattern. Youth Nationals is about creating lasting memories showing your horses, and the music you associate with them will only make the memories stronger and more meaningful.

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