In the digital age, app technology is huge and whatever you want to do, there probably is an app for it. However, with so many to choose from, how do you know which ones work best for equestrians?
We looked at a range of apps, some designed for horse riders and some not, and put together a list of 15 must have apps for equestrians:
For hacking
Created by popular equestrian brand, Woof Wear, this free app is ideal for competition riders and happy hackers alike. You can record your hacks via the app, share your routes on social media, and review statistics such as average speed online.
If you’re bored of your usual hacking routes or you’ve moved to a new area and want to explore, the OS MapFinder app enables you to find your local bridleways and plan your route before leaving the yard.
For training
This is the “ultimate equestrian app for horse lovers everywhere” and you’ll find everything from training tips from some of the world’s best riders, including Mary King, Charlotte Dujardin, and Tim Stockdale, to entertainment and reference materials from some of the biggest equestrian brands.
Designed for dressage competitors, this app has plenty of great features including allowing you to read dressage tests alongside the marking criteria, watch animated arena diagrams, and record your own reading of the test to tailor it to your horse and the arena.
For competition
For eventers or regular hunter trial competitors this app allows you to record your course walk, add photos, videos, comments, and striding, and have virtual guided course walks for some of the biggest courses in the world. Used by top eventers, Ingrid Klimke and Paul Tapner, this is a must have for cross country riders.
Make sure you never forget a dressage test again with this brilliant app that lets you record and revise any dressage test, highlighting mistakes and letting you save tests so you can use them again.
Although this app isn’t designed with equestrians in mind, if competition nerves sometimes get the better of you, you might find this app helpful. There are various meditation sessions and even a 7 day sleep programme to ensure you’re well rested in the run up to a competition.
If you’re a Chef d’Equipe, or regularly compete as part of a team, you know how difficult it can be to keep everyone organised. This app allows you to add team members and all the information you need about previous and upcoming events, as well as keep them notified via text, email, or phone call.
Another app not designed for equestrians, but one that is very useful. Ensure you’re never late to a competition again by staying up to date with the latest traffic news and planning your journey before you leave the yard.
For your safety
Breaking down with your horsebox or trailer is never fun but this app allows you to register your vehicle details and request to be rescued in the event of a breakdown. Having been designed for equestrians, PRP are also able to organise emergency horse transport and veterinary treatment if you need it.
This is a simple app that allows you to track your ride and an automatic alert will be sent to a nominated person if you fall off and are unconscious or unable to move.
A brilliant app that gives you clear directions and pictures of different techniques, so you know what to do in the event of a first aid emergency.
For your horse
Created by equestrian wormer company, Equest, you can create a virtual stable of up to 10 horses and keep track of their health routine including worming, farrier appointments, vaccinations, and other events.
You also get a news feed from Horse & Hound so you can stay up to date with what’s going on in the equestrian world.
If you’re prone to spending too many pennies on your equine companion (who isn’t?!) then this app will allow you to create budgets, keep track of your spending, and alert you when you’re spending too much.
For fun
If you want up to date info on the latest equestrian competitions then this is the app for you. Perfect for finding out what’s going on at the 2016 Olympics in Rio!
