Hello everyone! I apologize for your Tuesdays being even more depressing due to my lack of WordPress skills, but better late than never I say! I hope the week after Millbrook finds you well. I myself have no idea where the weekend went, as I was too busy refreshing the live scores for Millbrook and Catalpa Corner. What did we do before iPhones?
I was able to get back out on a cross country course this week for the first time in over a year, and it felt good to knock some rust off! There is still a whole lot of rust on these wheels, but I came back motivated to get stronger and go back again. I took along my trusty GoPro, as I have been anxious to use it ever since I bought it for my boyfriend for Christmas last year. I’ve come to realize that these little cameras are an absolute must have for eventers and really all action athletes. I then progressed to thinking about all of the various avenues of communication that are readily available to us now and how these technological advances have helped (or hurt?) our sport. So, without further ado, I present the top 10 list of the ways technology has changed the face of eventing.
1. Helmet cams
Unless you’ve been living under a large rock for the past few years, you are more than familiar with Peter Atkins and his lovable Henny. I can honestly say that Peter’s helmet cams were the first time I’d ever really seen firsthand how handy the cameras are. I remember watching his video from WEG and being hooked on the concept from that point forward. I couldn’t tell you half of the movements in a 4* dressage test, but I sure can recite the cross country course on command! It’s a great opportunity to live vicariously through these brave souls as they master the fabled courses at Rolex and Badminton. Now, my next proposal is to get Michael Jung to wear one once Sam is back in action. Maybe then he will let us in on his secrets!
2. Video apps and cameras
I am not going to bore you with the helmet cam video from yesterday, however suffice to say that many mistakes were made and I am very thankful that I have this video to watch. Similar to a baseball player reviewing game tape after a game, I find that video is the best way to really review your technique and find out what mistakes you made. Even for my GoPro being a POV camera, it is easy to see where I needed more pace or when I was going to miss a distance (or the jump completely) because of said lack of pace. Over the winter, we read about David O’Connor’s affinity for the iPad app Dartfish. This handy little app can be used in conjunction with the video camera on the iPad to record and analyze movement. I have not had the opportunity to play around with it a lot, but I can definitely see the merits of using such a technical program when you are trying to really get a good look at what opportunities for improvement you have.
3. Live scoring
One aspect of eventing that I absolutely love is the availability of scores. While I can usually find at least a time table and order of go for a jumper show, it’s really difficult to keep up with scores as they come in. Live scoring is such a great tool for us spectators because it really lends itself well to the stalking habits those like myself employ. I can be stuck here in Missouri and be tracking live scores on the East or West Coast and feel like I am there! Well, almost. Either way, I wish that more disciplines would adopt this system. It’s simple and efficient and keeps everyone happy.
4. Course walk apps
There are a few of these floating around now. CourseWalk, CrossCountry App and MyCourseWalk are all options for the savvy eventer, depending on your whereabouts. These are a great tool to have when approaching an unfamiliar course or an especially technical one. Also, if you are anything like me and have difficulty remembering your name sometimes, let alone a whole course, it’s a great way to memorize without having to walk the darn thing 20 times. In the words of Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
5. SmartPak free shipping
Everyone knows that online shopping is probably the best idea ever. I don’t know how I ever shopped without being able to do it in my PJs from the comfort of my own bed. Add in the fact that SmartPak offers free shipping on orders over $75 and, well, you’ve got yourself a deal! Between all of the great SmartPak brand items — Breeches, anyone? Yes I am obsessed with them — and the quality tack and supplements available, it’s a wonder they don’t offer a credit card yet. Wait, that is the most terrible idea ever, so let’s not go there.
6. Eventer watches
You know you’re ready for cross country when you affix the giant monstrosity of a watch to your wrist, complete with your permanent marker chicken scratch of halfway points, optimum times, pep talks and prayers. Personally, I wear mine out when I go out on the town; I feel it adds a certain touch of glam to my outfits. Plus, I can perfectly time my Power Hours, and that is quite a handy skill!
7. Air vests
After watching videos of eventing before safety equipment was used and when a crash on cross country did not disqualify you, I breathe sighs of relief that so many safety options are available now. Even while I compete at the lower levels, I still believe in the benefits of having an air vest. You never know when an emergency dismount situation may occur, and the air vest can help reduce damage done during a fall. Plus, the entertainment factor when you forget to detach your cord prior to dismounting is just priceless. Everyone needs a laugh now and then.
8. Live streaming
Similar to live scoring, live streaming is also a wonderful invention. Thanks to some great companies such as USEF Network and FEI TV, we are able to watch events from all over the world as they happen. My personal favorite, though, is Burghley TV, as it is sortable by rider and by horse and is therefore extremely easy to navigate. Now, if we can just work on getting cameras into William Fox-Pitt’s yard so we can get some daily glimpses of Chilli Morning …
9. Training headsets
These handy little devices allow your coach to yell speak directly into your ear instead of having to strain their voice or use a megaphone across the arena or field. This also comes in handy in a busy warm-up arena when there are a lot of other voices to tune out. I would, however, like to petition Silva Martin to stop using a headset when she is coaching riders pre-Rolex dressage. How am I supposed to hear what she is saying when she is talking so quietly into her headset?
10. CANTER
I know it’s saved to your bookmark list too! I am not quite sure what I did with my spare time before CANTER came around, but it sure is a great way to spend a day now. All jokes aside, CANTER and other similar Thoroughbred placement programs are fantastic avenues for finding racehorses new homes. These horses deserve a chance at a more fulfilling life, and we all know how successful they can be in the event world. I’ve said it before, but if I could I’d have a whole string of OTTBs in my barn and would still be perusing CANTER for the next one!
So, there you have it! Technology has really changed the sport, and I can’t help but think that it’s been an overall good thing. While some of us wince at the mention of a smartphone, it seems that we are becoming more and more reliant on them. My outlook is just to embrace technology for the benefits it provides. How about you? What gadgets do you swear by as an eventer?
