August 8, 2016 
Lately I, like much of the rest of the world, am a bit distracted from my regular pursuits by the massive world event known as the Rio 2016 Olympics. I’m repeatedly struck not only by the unbelievable sportsmanship, but also by the multimedia blitz that surrounds the event. There is merchandise, targeted commercials, and even an official them song!
I would love to transfer at least a piece of that energy specifically to the equestrian disciplines that on display. Naturally, I say, “Start with music!” So many iconic arena anthems could draw attention to eventing, dressage, and jumping alike.
For example, a theme song from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which also took place in Brazil, fits perfectly with horseback riding pursuits. Aloe Blacc, who previously performed at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, along with Brazilian-American David Correy, appear on one of the most popular tracks from the World Cup album, “The World Is Ours.”
That’s just the start! Plenty of songs already exist from artists of equestrian nations the world over to fill out a Rio 2016 Official Album for equestrian events. In addition to the World Cup favorite, which brings in artists from two great equestrian nations, the USA and host country Brazil, I add another United States native, Glenn Frey, and his classic “The Heat Is On,” which is surely is in Rio!
Representing the mighty British are DJ, singer-songwriter, and producer Calvin Harris who urges “Let’s Go” in his track with American, Ne-Yo; the electronic music duo, The Chemical Brothers, with their aptly titled track, “Horse Power;” as well as current favorites Bastille and Noisettes, who each contribute a track championing the rhythm that is always present in competitive equestrian events.
The equestrian giant that is Germany contributes a track also dedicated to rhythm by the Eurodance project, SNAP! You may remember “Rhythm Is A Dancer” from sports albums of the ‘90s. The Netherlands is not overlooked thanks to a track from Van Halen. This band may seem as American as apple pie, but actually brothers and band founders Eddie and Alex Van Halen were born and spent their early years in the Netherlands.
The inclusion of Gotye and MIKA’s joyous tracks brings a host of additional equestrian nations into the mix. Gotye was born in one great horse nation, Belgium, than moved to another, Australia. MIKA was born in the Middle East, which is perhaps the fastest growing contributor to equestrian sport, then moved to impressive equestrian nation France with his family, before ultimately settling in Great Britain. Phew – that is a lot of horsing nations!
And of course, the French would not be adequately represented with out the hugely successful electronic duo Daft Punk. For this playlist, I’m going with their first hit, “Around The World” to honor the truly global event that is the World Equestrian Games.
So get ready to find your rhythm, jump for joy, and celebrate equestrian events at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with this playlist!
1. THE WORLD IS OURS by Aloe Blacc X David Correy from the album The 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album: One Love, One Rhythm
2. LET’S GO by Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo from the album 18 Months
3. RHYTHM IS A DANCER by SNAP! from the album The Madman’s Return
4. HORSE POWER by The Chemical Brothers from the album Further
5. OF THE NIGHT by Bastille from the album All This Bad Blood
6. THE HEAT IS ON by Glenn Frey from the album Solo Collection
7. IN YOUR LIGHT by Goyte from the album Making Mirrors
8. AROUND THE WORLD by Daft Punk
9. DON’T UPSET THE RHYTHM (GO BABY GO) by Noisettes from the album Wild Young Hearts
10. JUMP by Van Halen from the album 1984
11. CELEBRATE by MIKA and Pharrell Williams from the album The Origins Of Love
Get the full playlist on Spotify here: Music For The Rio 2016 Olympics
About the Author
Marjorie Wilkinson is the co-founder and co-editor of Counter-Canter Culture—a revolutionary online publication intended to unite the equestrians and equestrian-enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to kick up the dust that has settled on the conventional equine lifestyle. She is also a real-life Hollywood music supervisor and the official curator of Counter-Canter Culture’s musical column, 100% Sound.
