In the traditional world of equestrian sports, technology is playing a more significant role in enhancing the experience for riders, trainers, spectators, and event organizers. We’ve seen your social posts and demands for change. It’s one of the many reasons we started Horse Spot—but you can read more about that in another post. The truth is, we know that good things don’t happen alone [insert our advocate community]. We believe in the power of people. We believe in your ideas, and we want to see them come to fruition in Horse Spot.

If you're passionate about horse shows and eager to be part of this transformation, joining our advocate program for changing horse show technology is a fantastic opportunity.

We could tell you a million reasons why we think you should get involved, but instead, we are going to share our community’s aspirations and requirements for what they want to see in horse show tech. If you have ideas too, you can email them to us. Ready? Let’s dig in here.

‍

Exhibitor in Chicago, IL

“I’d love to see digital ribbons. For someone that attends a lot of shows, I’d love a way to display my wins on a digital ribbon rack.” 

What Horse Spot is doing:

This is a case where we put design first by producing a ribbon keepsake that users will want to hold on to, save as their lock screen image, or even print out and frame at home. Our digital ribbon template is currently in development. In the near future, exhibitors will be able to download ribbons from any class at any show—personalized just for them! In the meantime, you can send us a message, and we’ll custom-make a ribbon for you from any show that Horse Spot has supported! We’ve built the technology to automate how data is used in all types of templates, and we can’t wait for you to test it out with digital ribbons.

This aesthetically pleasing image will also be available for users to share directly on social media without needing to crop or format an image on Instagram. We’re making it easier than ever to commemorate and share your horse show wins.

Exhibitor in Charleston, SC

“I’d love a way to view my course on an app so I don’t have to find it at my show ring”

What Horse Spot is doing:

We can all relate to having hundreds of course map images saved on our phones. When we’re at a show, we know what it’s like to have to go back to the barn and continue memorizing your track and plan. Horse Spot currently supports the ability for show managers to add prize list PDFs to their show domains. Expect more PDF links soon. We’re also working on supporting the ability for managers to upload PDFs of course designs.

‍

Exhibitor in St.Louis, MO

“I’d like to be able to pay my bill on the go, without having to close out on  Sunday’s in the office.”

What Horse Spot is doing:

Horse Spot is creating remote mobile payment links via Stripe. This means show managers and secretaries will soon be able to text or email payment links directly to anyone. Exhibitors (or any payee) can easily review their invoice from anywhere and pay on the go—they don’t even need to log into an account! We’re also designing enhancements to exhibitor dashboards that will allow you to review your bill and take advantage of mobile checkout options directly from your account.

‍

Exhibitor in Chicago, IL

“I’d like to easily copy my entries for a future horse show”

What Horse Spot is doing:

Horse Spot allows exhibitors to log in and quickly sign up for shows using their saved data—never having to start from scratch. Trainers will love being able to easily save their students' information and utilize our autofill feature when creating new entries. We’re excited about the idea of allowing users to copy their entry information to seamlessly sign up for the next show or even multiple shows at once! Stay tuned for updates on these functions.

Exhibitor in Chicago, IL

"I'd like to manage my classes on my own. I managed to screw up my entry and was told we'll fix my classes when I check in at the show, which terrifies me!"

What Horse Spot is doing:

Horse Spot allows users to customize their classes when they sign up for a show. An entry summary is then emailed to users to keep for their records and acts as a hold. Users will then receive an official confirmation email once the show manager accepts their entry. Currently, users can email, text, or call Horse Spot to make changes to their schedule—think of us as your horse show concierge!

By the end of the year, Horse Spot will be releasing personalized exhibitor dashboards, enabling users to edit their show reservations on the fly—allowing them to cancel a show, add more shows, and edit their schedule. Users will be able to add or scratch classes leading up to the show or as the show unfolds without needing to visit the show office.

Exhibitor in Wellington, FL

“I’d love quicker results. Sometimes I don’t get to see the official results until hours (or days) after the class has closed.”

What Horse Spot is doing:

Horse Spot operates on any device—anywhere, anytime. This allows any horse show staff (not just the office secretary) to easily input data in real-time on their computers and mobile devices. This reduces bottlenecks and gets results out faster! Horse Spot is also working on a live results integration using technology that will provide real-time updates from the show ring. You’ll be able to follow who is currently on course, who’s on deck, current standings, and other important stats.

‍

Exhibitor in Hampshire, IL

“I’m a new horse show mom and we do a lot of waiting around at the show. With having multiple kids that don’t ride, I’d love a better gauge on my daughter’s start time”

What Horse Spot is doing:

Horse Spot offers estimated times for classes by ring, allowing trainers to more accurately provide ride times to new horse show parents. We’re also working on launching personal dashboards so you can sort through schedules and start times that only pertain to you.

We are pushing for real change.

And it’s all because of you! We encourage our community to continue providing feedback on Horse Spot, send in feature requests, and create personalized wish lists. We’re not just creating another horse show platform; our team is working hard every day to build high-impact, meaningful features that we believe will improve your horse show experience as a whole. Finally, tech that truly works for its users!

Picture Credits: 
Hero Image and select lifestyle shots: Emma Lynn Photography at The Big Sky Classic in Bozeman, Montana.