Jill Medinger
Technology and horses are two words that you normally don’t see together. However, that is about to change based on advancements in technology that I’ve been covering for more than three years now called horse tech. Yes, it is a “thing” and it’s not only a trend, but it is the future of how we will manage, compete, buy and sell, and care for horses. As the founder of the Tech Equestrian, a technology and equestrian lifestyle blog, my goal has always been to inform the modern-day rider and horse enthusiast of the latest digital products, apps, services, wearables, and more for the horse world.
Paddock Players
As in the consumer world, there are many categories of products and services in horse tech. I call them “paddock players” to keep with the horse theme and highlight the fact that horses are herd animals, which plays into the idea of “what’s trending” that drives social media. People flock to what’s new, what’s next. As of this writing, I have interviewed close to 50 horse-tech vendors from all over the world and as far away as Australia. I’ve created more than 14 categories, which are always evolving to help horse people find what they are looking for or may not know is out there. It is a very exciting time to learn more about how horse tech can make your life easier, rewarding and most important, keep your horse(s) happy and healthy.
What is Driving Horse Tech Adoption?
As in the consumer world, there are many categories of products and services in horse tech. I call them “paddock players” to keep with the horse theme and highlight the fact that horses are herd animals, which plays into the idea of “what’s trending” that drives social media. People flock to what’s new, what’s next. As of this writing, I have interviewed close to 50 horse-tech vendors from all over the world and as far away as Australia. I’ve created more than 14 categories, which are always evolving to help horse people find what they are looking for or may not know is out there. It is a very exciting time to learn more about how horse tech can make your life easier, rewarding and most important, keep your horse(s) happy and healthy.
Top Trends
The Tech Equestrian’s traffic increased 60 percent last year in site visits, which is a key indicator that equestrians are seeking to learn more about ways to leverage technology. Some of the most popular posts centered on training apps and solutions that are available now to provide an alternative to in-person training and open the door to learning from world-famous trainers and competitors like never before. Many of the solution providers also focus on the experience, and given how common it is to have a cell phone in your pocket while you are riding, why not listen to a top trainer you wouldn’t normally have access to. Just tap play, listen, and learn while riding.
Another hot category is buying/selling apps that use the power of algorithms to filter and search horses and ponies based on your budget, location, level, and needs. This cuts down on all the time wasted searching online, waiting for email updates, and trying to figure out where a horse is located. The ability to talk, tweet, and text also applies in the equine world in the form of community apps, designed to bring together the wide scope of horse ownership questions and conversation into a single destination url. Lastly, I’m starting to see changes on the horizon for more efficient horse show communication and management of the daily schedule through digital horse show solutions. Not only does it help keep riders, owners, grooms, and trainers informed of classes, it helps keep venues safe in case of emergencies.