Dressage competitions use a lot of paper. Each dressage competitor will have their test sheet filled in the judge’s comments and after the competition, they get their test sheet and judge’s feedback. That is at least one dressage test sheet per rider, but if there is more than one judge, then that’s even more pieces of paper. As we get more environmentally conscious, all the wastage of paper is not ideal.

Today, I was sent an article about how a company has transformed the dressage competition scene. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2021/06/07/how-one-company-transformed-equestrian-sports-by-going-digital/

Instead of writing down the judges’ comments on a piece of paper, Black Horse One has made it possible to digitally log in the judges’ comments, which saves so much paper. This is such a great use of technology to make processes more streamlined and to save resources.

We are not quite able to use this technology here in Malaysia at the moment but there are other ways that we can use technology to help us in our coaching / training etc.

I have been using a Whis headset for years whilst coaching. Headsets are great because you have a more direct connection to the rider(s). They can hear you clearly without you having to raise your voice, which can inadvertently make you sound cross or grumpy.

The headsets which allow for 2 way communication, are more expensive but it is worthwhile if you have students that are shy or introverted as it gives them a chance to tell you what they are feeling or ask questions without feeling too awkward. It also allows you to get an immediate response from the rider without having to wait until the moment has passed.

There are also cheaper headsets where it is only a one way communication, which can be good at times (you can’t hear the rider huffing and puffing away when they are riding).

During our multiple lockdowns over the past year, (Covid sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I have struggled riding on my own so I invested recently in a Pivo. You can use the Pivo to record your ride and use the video to review your riding, which has been super helpful when I can’t get a pair of eyes on the ground. I also use it to record my students’ lessons and they can then review their riding together with the instructions that were given at that time. Often what we feel when we ride, is not always what is seen from the ground so a video recording is super helpful.

I have yet to try Pivo Meet which allows you to have remote lessons with your coach just by using your Pivo but I know that many people have resorted to this, as they cannot get to their coach. Technology not only helps improve our coaching or riding methods but in the world today where we are truly separated and less accessible, it does seem like technology is the way to go.

For those of us still under lockdown, stay sane and hopefully we will see a light at the end of the tunnel soon. For the rest of you, stay safe and hope to see you all soon.