10/31/2026
Nikki Dorenzo
Ideas to save and share!
I absolutely love using music in my lessons, it adds a lively atmosphere that can boost everyone's mood and energy! Plus it doesn’t require an extensive ring setup, all you need is a speaker! So here are some halloween song ideas and how I like to use them in my lessons.
But first, just a few reasons why songs are great for lessons:
1. Enhances Focus - Music can help block out distractions, allowing riders to concentrate better on their tasks and instructions.
2. Boosts Mood - Upbeat music can elevate mood and motivation, creating a positive learning environment that encourages engagement.
3. Improves Rhythm and Coordination - Listening to music with a strong beat helps riders develop a sense of rhythm, which is crucial component of riding.
4. Reduces Anxiety - Familiar and enjoyable music can lower anxiety levels, helping both riders feel more relaxed and open to learning.
5. Stimulates Memory - Music can enhance memory retention, making it easier for riders to remember techniques, patterns, or commands associated with specific songs.
6. Encourages Movement - Upbeat tunes can inspire physical movement and activity, making it easier for riders to get into the flow of practice.
Here are some Halloween songs you can use in your lessons:
🎵 “The Skeleton Dance” by Super Simple Songs
How to Use It: Great for beginners working to understand and isolate parts of their body. I often use it in warm-ups later calling out the isolated parts as part of the “how” for the riding skill.
🎵 "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
How to Use It: I like this one to get our trot going, it's fun, with a great rhythm with an energetic vibe. Have riders focus on their tempo and pace.
🎵 "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.
How to Use It: Use this upbeat classic that is great for transitions. Everytime they say “Goast Busters” you do a transitions. It’s such a fun way to practice transitions
🎵 "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett
How to Use It: A classic that I love to do with my “littles” to exaggerate fun arm dancing and stretching.
🎵 "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell
How to Use It: This song can be great to prepare for shows. In this you would do your best to highlight the fact everyone is watching - try to emulate practicing under pressure.
OR you could take a more horse centered approach to this song and use to to focus on the horse by having your rider watch their horses ears and pay super close attention to what their horse is thinking, noticing etc.
🎵 "Disturbia" by Rihanna
How to Use It: This is another upbeat temp song that is more appropriate for teens and adults. You can use this in trot or canter work. The driving rhythm can motivate riders to maintain a steady pace.
As long as your horses are ok with the noise, let’s embrace the Halloween spirit with some fun music in our lessons!
If you have other favorite, share them with the group or how you incorporate music into your rides below.
Happy Halloween riding!
