GoPro

Have had the chance to ride with a GoPro for over a year now and its been absolutely priceless. Being able to share with others who don't ride or were not at a particular event, what the experience looks like from a rider's point of view is something words just can't express, not to mention the neat footing of special things that happen that are not expected like horses bucking, riders falling off, spooks, crossings etc etc. The list is endless of the treasures you will collect with your GoPro. 

There are some great helmet cams on the market as well now that should be looked at. I think what you choose to go with, will really depend on your lifestyle and what you intend on doing with it(horseback riding or otherwise).

GoPro’s are the perfect filming device when riding a horse, as they are pocket size and have built-in stabilising facilities – no this isn’t a sponsored post. Unlike a handheld camera where the footage becomes a 30-second tribute to the sky or ground, a GoPro can be fixed to a helmet, pole or chest harness to hold it steady and allow you to concentrate on riding. Kind of important!
There are oodles of GoPro accessories that you can buy as well which changes the angles of what you are filming.

• The camera body does come with the waterproof housing and also the WIFI remote so that you can steer the GoPro from the remote (I have the wrist band), this is especially handy when the GoPro is already fixed to your helmet. Keep in mind, the majority of our rides there is no WIFI so the remote doesn’t work or cuts in and out.
• GoPro helmet mount: this is a easy and no-fuss way to record when riding. You need to make sure its titled so it has your horse’s head and neck in the foreground to give perspective when filming. In saying that, it gets quite boring watching this one frame, unless you’re jumping or playing polo, which is fast-paced and action driven. If you’re going for a leisurely trail ride through the bush, you’ll need to switch it up. I would suggest recording when your guide tells you you’re about to go for a canter or trot or approaching wildlife. Don’t record for hours at a time as you’ll not only chew through your battery you’ll waste valuable card space. 
• GoPro chest mount: chest harness when riding a horse. Its also a great angle to view your ride from unless you are really tall the entire frame is of your horse’s neck. And also when you ride, your moving your head to take in scenery not your chest, so it will be a completely static view the entire time. 
• GoPro head mount: similar to the helmet front mount, if you don’t ride in a helmet (I recommend you ride in a helmet!), than the head strap mount can fit over a cap, with the adjustable straps. Keep in mind, its not as stable at the helmet front mount so your footage may not be as stable.
• GoPro Wrist/Arm strap: This is an okay mount for a different angle when riding. Obviously the GoPro needs to be facing out but its a super angle to interlace with other footage and it doesn’t obscure your riding. Its best when riding with groups in things like parades. Never tried it at fast speeds like hunts or cross country, but I guess it's an option, you just have to ride one handed briefly to get that angle or shot.​

Once home, it’s the moment of truth where you download your video files and relive your ride. No doubt you’ll have a library of video files of your trip, some will be great and others not so much. Friends and family don’t want to see your unedited video footage unless someone is being doing something outrageous or something really fun happens. If you do want to show friends and family, and if you have the skills, you should compile the highlights of your video footage and put it together into a video montage. So five minutes maximum of your trip with one of your favourite songs as backing music. Short and sweet is the trick I find.
It's a blast to put together and it's really fun to watch for anyone who wants to see it. It's a great way to relive the experience and seeing the best part. I do a lot of different things with our horses, so the GoPro is always a blast to use. I think if you only do one discipline that is specific like Hunters, it will likely be very boring and repetitive. Jumpers at least has a lot of different jumps and obstacles and a lot more variety and the same goes with the rest of the disciplines(a lot of fun content to film!). If you have any questions regarding them, just send us a message!