Musical Freestyles

As a professional violinist and experienced freestyle competitor, I bring a unique blend of musical expertise and dressage knowledge to craft spellbinding musical freestyles that showcases the artistry of horse and rider. I work with all levels, young riders and adults, and will ensure you receive my full attention to create a freestyle that scores well. Through carefully choreographed movements and perfectly matched music, we’ll create a performance that captures the hearts of audiences and judges alike. I can work with you either in person or via online communications.

 

Services Offered

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Signature Full Freestyle Package

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Professional Music Editing

Testimonials

Until last year, I had never even considered doing a Musical Freestyle. Sally made it look like fun, so I decided to give it a try. Working with Sally, she made the process easy! We talked about music genres suitable to my horse, and I had the idea of wanting to dance to Singing in the Rain. Rather than stick with just the classic, Sally incorporated that with a newer mashup version which made it so much more interesting and current. She had creative ideas for the choreography, and the overall freestyle came together in just weeks. My horse and I performed a solid Second Level MF and it was a blast. Since then, Sally helped me develop a Third Level freestyle test with another horse, and my scores on Music were mostly 7.5’s. I never would have attempted this without Sally, but now I’m hooked!

Jana Ward

Adult Amateur Dressage Rider

Sally helped one of my students create a wonderful First Level Freestyle! She helped us every step of the way, from helping us create a cohesive pattern for my rider & her horse to editing final details of the music! I look forward to having Sally help us put another freestyle together in the future!

Gabrielle Hibbert

Professional Dressage Trainer
Wind Dance Equestrian Center in Loveland Colorado

Sally was wonderful to work with and has been very supportive. Competing the freestyle only twice, my horse and I qualified for Championships. We received many compliments that the music and choreography suited us very well. We look forward to continuing our freestyle journey with Sally.

Dressage Mastery Workbook

This Dressage Goals Framework provides essential strategic planning tools and evidence-based success frameworks, along with a robust support system, empowering you to assess your riding skills and establish the most effective goals for your dressage journey.
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Strategic Planning Tools

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Proven Success Frameworks

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Comprehensive Support System

Speaking Engagements

Dressage Goals Workshops

I offer engaging Zoom workshops designed for your group of friends, club, barn, chapter, or GMO, focusing on how to create a plan that enables riders to see real progress in their riding. This interactive session lasts about an hour, depending on our conversations. I discuss the essentials of effective goal setting, help riders discover their true aspirations, provide an assessment of their current journey using my Dressage Goals Framework, which highlights ten key factors influencing progress, offer a variety of useful downloads, explain how to set objectives and action steps to achieve these goals, share methods to track and measure progress, and explore ways to celebrate achievements that keep riders inspired and motivated.

3 Point Dressage Journal

It’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. I will help you to unlock your potential and experience the thrill of making definitive progress!

From the Blog

Your Dance Floor: The Regulation Arena

Your Dance Floor: The Regulation Arena

Before you record your freestyle, make sure your arena is set up to regulation size — it’s more important than you might think. A properly measured dressage arena ensures your choreography, music timing, and technical execution all align exactly as designed. Learn how to measure and mark your arena correctly so your freestyle performance reflects your true preparation, precision, and artistry.

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Freestyle Reference Materials

This resource post gathers essential tools and inspiration for riders preparing their own dressage freestyles. You’ll find official USDF links, helpful checklists, and examples to guide you through music selection, choreography, and show preparation. Explore tutorials on song structure, browse music genres suited for each gait, and listen to curated playlists for trot, walk, and canter. Whether you’re creating your first freestyle or refining an advanced routine, these materials offer everything you need to plan, practice, and perform with confidence.

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10 Reasons To Ride a Freestyle

10 Reasons To Ride a Freestyle

Ever dreamed of dancing with your horse? A dressage freestyle transforms your ride into a performance — blending precision, artistry, and partnership. Whether you’re chasing a championship or simply want to celebrate your connection, riding to music builds rhythm, boosts confidence, and creates memories that last. Discover ten inspiring reasons to create your own freestyle and take your dressage journey to the next level.

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Goal Setting Workshop Feb 22nd, 2025

Passage to Success—A Goal Setting Soiree Fundraiser for Boulder Valley Dressage—Happy hour with food, drinks, and friends. Sat, Feb 22nd 5 to 7 pm 8687 Spring Creek Trail, Niwot BVD Members $25, Nonmembers $35 pay at https://www.bouldervalleydressage.org/payments...

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And the Survey Says…

Unlocking Progress in Dressage: A Data-Driven Approach to Rider Development By Sally O'Dwyer, Chief Statistician Illustrations by Susan Difelice Many riders believe their success hinges on external factors—such as buying an expensive European warmblood or working with...

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What’s Too Old?????????

What’s Too Old?????????

What’s Too old? Thoughts for my fellow silver saddle riders. By Sally O’Dwyer Can you feel me? I am a 65-year-old, and sometimes I worry that the time is approaching when I will no longer be able to ride. I can go into a panic looking at the dressage training pyramid...

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Progress Is Possible

It's not just about working harder; it's about working smarter. I will help you to unlock your potential and experience the thrill of making definitive progress!