Welcome to the Contributor [C] series on Life Equestrian. I love collaborating with other writers and influencers and started this series to curate a source of helpful tips from our equestrian community. Thank you Laura Rhodes, United Kingdom.
Despite how effortless horse riding looks, BBC's guide to equestrian sports notes how physically taxing this activity can actually be. Between developing a relationship with your horse and maximizing your own strength, horse riding is much like any other sport—requiring practice, technique, and discipline. So, you'll need to have every advantage at your disposal to help you get the most out of training. One way you can do this is through technology. Nowadays, there are many apps like Hylofit that provide you with data after every training session, allowing you to improve your performance as an equestrian—but that's not your only option. In fact, one of the most helpful tech tools is one you might already have: a camera. Recording your training sessions can help you capture your performance and correct mistakes that you may not notice while you're riding—be it your form, cues, or overall improvement. Whether you're using your own phone or looking to invest in some gear, we've put together a list of things you'll need to successfully film yourself riding. Action Camera Action cameras might just be the most common type of camera when it comes to sports. When scouting for the best device, most experts recommend going for action cameras that are lightweight, portable, and durable—especially as sports such as horse riding means that it may be prone to falling or excessive movement. GoPros remain one of the best options on the market, with their Hero8 Black model boasting a wide, panoramic view and their signature fish-eye distortion, which you can adjust or remove according to your preference. Depending on what camera you go with, it's best to either mount the camera on your helmet or your chest. Tripod or Video Stabilizer As we've mentioned, shooting horse riding involves a lot of movement, so you'll want accessories that can prevent shaky footage. Adorama has a wide selection of video accessories, stabilizers, and other support gear that are ideal for adventure videos. Even if you're simply working with your own phone, their gimbals from Sirui optimize anti-disturbance performance and stabilize your device for steadier footage. Meanwhile, those working with DSLRs or other mirrorless cameras can opt for DJI stabilizers, which allow you to capture fast-moving scenes seamlessly. Of course, you can also go for a normal tripod, but they may have less customizability. Motion-Tracking Camera Motion-tracking cameras can be pricey, but they are worth the investment when used correctly. While a camera that's mounted on a tripod is fixed to one initial position, a motion-tracking camera can follow you as you go about your training session. The Soloshot3 Optic tops Life Falcon's list of best motion-tracking cameras for sports, as it enables you to capture photos and videos from up to 2,000 feet away. This can give you a better and more comprehensive view of your training sessions. Granted, the same effect can arguably be achieved by using multiple fixed cameras, but having one motion-tracking camera may be a more practical option. One of the best features of the Soloshot3 Optic is the Soloshot edit, which automatically pulls highlights from your clips, saving you hours of going through your footage.