If you’ve ever been handed a phone at a horse show and asked to video a run, congratulations—you’ve just been given an important job.
Recording a horse show ride might look simple, but filming a horse show pattern the right way ensures the rider can actually review their run later.
1. Start Filming Early
Start recording when the horse enters the arena or begins walking to the start marker. Riders want to see the setup before the pattern just as much as the pattern itself.
2. Film Horizontally
Hold the phone sideways unless you’ve been specifically told to hold it vertically (likely for social media use.) Horizontal footage captures more of the arena and makes the run easier to review later.
The best video settings for iPhones:
– Change camera from HD to 4K
– 24 or 30 fps
3. Keep the Whole Horse in Frame—and Follow the Pattern
Resist the urge to zoom in tight on the rider or horse, and keep the entire horse and rider visible throughout the run. If you’re filming a pattern class, try to anticipate where the horse will go next so you can smoothly follow the movement across the arena.
4. Even if Something Goes Wrong, Keep Filming
If the horse misses a lead change, hits an obstacle, or the run just goes sideways, don’t stop recording. Those moments can be the most valuable ones for riders to review later.
5. Don’t Stop Recording When the Pattern Ends
Once the last maneuver is finished, keep filming for a few extra seconds. Riders often want to see the exit, and sometimes scores or times are announced right after the run.