Covid-19 brought life as we know it to an abrupt halt in March last year and all competition plans and goals disappeared overnight. As restrictions continue into 2021, entering a virtual competition is a great way to add new purpose to your riding.
Having something to aim for is motivating, a great way to monitor you and your horse’s progress, and best of all — fun! Virtual competitions are also brilliant if you’re lacking confidence, don’t have transport or want to be judged on a horse you’re still getting to know.
Some virtual competitions require you to submit an image of your horse (in showing, for example), while others require a video (such as riding a dressage test). To increase your chances of bagging a rosette, here are our top tips for competing online and doing it well.
1. Read the rules before entering
What you and your horse have to wear will vary depending on who you are competing with.
2. Consider how you and your horse are turned out
For example, your horse might not be required to be plaited, but a well-groomed and smartly turned out horse and rider are always more pleasing to the judge’s eye.
3. Avoid a last-minute rush
Practise beforehand but keep an eye on when the closing date for entries is. You usually have a whole month to sort your entry so don’t leave filming or photo taking until the last minute.
4. Best standing position
If you’re having a dressage test recorded, ask whoever is filming to stand behind C.
5. Best filming position
Filming on a mobile phone is fine, but make sure whoever is filming you holds the phone in landscape position.
6. Where’s the sun?
Ideally, whoever is filming you needs to stand with the sun behind them so that the video is clear for the judge to watch.
7. Zoom in when necessary
Ask them to zoom in a little for movements at the A end of the arena so the judge can see what you’re doing.
8. Be quiet!
Make sure the sound is turned on. It’s okay to have a test caller, but as with a live competition, outside assistance is not allowed.
9. Hit record early
Have the recording start a few seconds before you enter at A and finish a few seconds after your final salute. This will make sure the very start and very end of your test is not accidentally chopped off.
10. No editing
Don’t cut or edit your video in any way. Send your video in full and in its raw (just taken) form.
11. Remember to smile
Relax, take a deep breath and enjoy yourself. At the end of the day, you’re doing this to have fun.
12. Check the background
If your entry is a photo, think about what’s in the background of your photo before you take it. It should be clear of any distractions and only your horse should be in the frame.
Your Horse (Virtually) Live showing winner
13. How’s your horse standing?
Consider how your horse is standing. To show him off to his best, you’ll need to take the photo side on, with him standing up with all four legs on show. Head up with ears forward, looking alert.
The horse pictured on the right, for example, was crowned SEIB Search for a Star Diamond Pony winner at Your Horse (Virtually) Live and the judges said he was “beautifully posed and standing very well”. Position really does count for a lot!
14. No moving!
Make sure your horse is standing still in the photo.
15. Consider the ground your horse is standing on.
If it’s unlevel, you’ll want your horse’s head to be looking uphill, for example.
Looking for an online competition for your horse? Here are some useful contacts:
