If you’ve been missing the excitement of riding lessons and horse shows, try these online versions as a temporary substitute.
Horse Shows
While nothing takes the place of hauling your horse to a show, meeting up with friends and the rush of adrenaline from riding in an unfamiliar environment, virtual shows offer an alternative to no competition at all.
Around the world, organizers are putting together digital events in variety of formats and sizes. Dressage Show Online is one such company. They offer Training through Third Level classes judged by USDF L Graduates and other guest judges. An upcoming show in June benefits the Equestrian AID Foundation.
Not everyone is a fan of these virtual events. The FEI made a statement last week prohibiting FEI judges from serving on a panel of any online shows. They also reminded online show managers that FEI tests are the property of the FEI and cannot be used without paying the appropriate fees.
The California Dressage Society (CDS) took a different spin on virtual shows with the Ultimate Ride Off Tournament. Visitors to the CDS Instagram and CDS Members Facebook page will vote on Grand Prix competitors through photographs from past shows. Vote for riders like Nick Wagman and Charlotte Jorst in photos provided by Terri Miller. Learn more on the CDS Instagram.
Virtual Keuring
Under saddle horses aren’t the only ones with virtual showcases. In the Netherlands, the media site Horses.NL has developed a virtual foal keuring for several types of youngsters, including dressage foal, Friesian foal and more. Breeders can submit their videos now through April 30. These videos will be evaluated by a professional jury. At the end of the virtual keuring season, the final Foal of the Year will be decided by visitors to the website.
Riding Lessons
Some instructors have offered online lessons for years, and many more have recently added virtual options as a way of keeping their businesses afloat and their clients progressing during this strange time. Technology varies, so chat with your trainer to see what his/her options are. Now may also be the time to up your skill set with a lesson from a big-name coach. International Grand Prix riders like Catherine Haddad are using the Pixio camera and various web technologies to give top-level instruction. Check out social media and individual websites for these exciting opportunities.
Online Event Coverage
While recordings cannot replace the thrill of being at a big equestrian event, the next best thing is available from the comfort of your couch. The USEF Network is showcasing 20 years of content from the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. The coverage begins on Thursday, April 23, and is available to USEF members, as well as those who sign up for a free fan membership using promo code LRK3DE20.
The FEI is also offering international competition recordings via FEI.TV. This is normally a paid service, but will be free of charge through the end of June.
Another option is Horse & Country TV, which features documentaries and recorded competitions in both free and paid formats. Highlights include the 2019 Show Jumping World Cup Final and the 2019 Eventing Nation’s Cup Series.
While we all continue to stay close to home, we can use this time to sample the digital equestrian landscape in new ways.
