Abi was born in Somerset in 1965. Her best Christmas ever was when she was given her first violin. Thanks to much encouragement (especially when Abi would rather be out riding her pony!) she went on to study violin with Bridgid Kirkland-Wilson and Itzhach Rashkovsky at the Royal College of Music. Since then her enthusiasm for all types of music has been focussed on teaching.

In 2004, another delightful gift (an electric violin) led Abi in a new direction. She saw the possibilities of using effects such as ‘overdrive’ and ‘echo’ and she embraced the chance to learn more about music technology. She now has a recording studio where she produces her own versions of a range of musical styles. She is exploring the world of traditional music from gypsy and klezmer to music from North and South America, Britain and Ireland as well as rearranging music from the classical and popular world.

Her music goes ‘from baroque to rock.’

Horses have three basic paces, walk trot and canter. These paces are usually executed with the emphasis on economy and energy conservation. Horses can turn these basic paces into spectacular movements full of energy, drama and grace.

It is all to do with communication. Using these dramatic paces tells potential predators that the horse is a highly agile and powerful creature that should be avoided, and they tell rivals that this horse is greater than them and should be admired. Watching a horse display this magnificent power has a deep emotional effect on many of us and for centuries man has trained and ridden horses in a way that enhances this power and grace.

This has developed into discipline known as dressage. A top rider on an advanced horse can make one think of a ballet dancer. This is how dressage to music probably evolved. Adding music to such a breathtaking spectacle makes a magic combination. This crowd-pleasing form of dressage is now the deciding test for the individual medals at the Olympics, World and European Championships.

For the less advanced, music can help both horse and rider produce the movements that can touch us in an extraordinary way.

The Process Involved in Producing Music for Dressage
Abi's aim is to produce the music that suits your horse in every way possible. In order to do this, she will visit your horse and plas a range of pitches, sounds and rhythms. This is what she calsl “Tonal Testing”. The horse’s reaction will help her to choose the right music and the right instrumentation (alternatively, Abi can supply a C.D. for you to test on the horse). Ideally, Abi will observe your horse ridden at walk, trot and canter to note the tempo of each pace. (Or again, you can send her a video of your horse ridden).

Abi can then prepare samples of trot and canter music, usually 5 of each, in your horse’s chosen key using suitable instruments at the correct tempo. You can make suggestions if you have something in mind or she can supply a range of traditional or classical music from around the world for you to choose.

Each piece of music is then copied onto a sample CD for you to try. (Please allow up to 28 working days for delivery). Upon receipt of the sample CD, and once you have chosen your favourite trot and canter music, work can begin on the music to fit your individual dressage test, i.e. approximately 3 mins. trot, 20 secs. walk, and 2 mins. canter. Alternatively, Abi can arrange the music to fit your specific choreography pace for pace. The result will be a complete composition that suits your horse in every respect.

To find out more, please contact Abigail Todd to discuss your individual requirements.

Equ8 has produced a CD of ten soothing tracks designed to make your horse feel at ease.Whether your horse needs to be calmed during transit or needs a tranquil treat in his stable. Why not try some specially composed horse music?

A resting horse has a heartbeat of 25 to 30 beats per minute. So relaxing music for horses needs to be much slower than normal music. Sounds need to be softer and soothing. Many people use a radio to keep horses amused whilst stabled and horses do seem to appreciate the sounds.

The music we listen to and enjoy has a fast beat(120 beats per minute is common in popular music). This can make us feel energised, up beat and ready to roll! When we want to chill out we might listen to something slower(60 beats per minute) to help us wind down. It is no coincidence that these beats are within the range of our own heart beats. Perhaps this music could have a similar effect on a sensitive creature like the horse?

For more details contact Abigail Todd.

This can still be tailored to your horse's rhythm and paces. For a basic dressage test sounds and training C.D. please send a video of your horse ridden.

For more details contact Abigail Todd.