5 Tips for Capturing Better Show Jumping Videos

When it comes to analyzing show jumping performances, the quality of your video footage makes all the difference. Even with today's advanced smartphones, capturing clear, useful footage of fast-moving horses and riders presents unique challenges. After working with hundreds of riders and trainers, I've identified five key techniques that can dramatically improve your equestrian videography—even without professional equipment.

1. Stable Positioning Is Everything

The most common mistake I see is unstable footage caused by handheld recording while trying to follow the action. This makes detailed analysis nearly impossible and can even cause motion sickness when reviewing the video.

To solve this problem:

Use a tripod whenever possible - Even an inexpensive smartphone tripod can make a tremendous difference in footage quality.
If no tripod is available, find a stable surface - Rest your elbows on a fence, lean against a jump standard, or sit on a mounting block.
Keep your movements minimal and smooth - When you must pan to follow the action, do so slowly and steadily from your waist, not with your hands.

Professional tip: Position yourself at a 45-degree angle to the jump rather than directly in front or to the side. This provides the best perspective for analyzing both approach and landing phases.

2. Master Your Camera Settings

Modern smartphones have powerful cameras, but their automatic settings aren't always ideal for capturing horses in motion. Take control with these adjustments:

Increase the frame rate - If your device allows, record at 60fps instead of the standard 30fps for smoother slow-motion playback.
Lock your exposure and focus - Tap and hold on your subject in most camera apps to prevent the brightness and focus from shifting as the horse moves.
Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation - This provides a wider field of view and will display better on larger screens during analysis.
Disable digital zoom - Moving closer is always better than using digital zoom, which degrades quality.

3. Consider the Lighting

Lighting challenges are common in equestrian venues, whether you're dealing with bright sunlight or dim indoor arenas. Here's how to adapt:

Outdoor arenas - Position yourself so the sun is behind you, not behind the horse and rider.
Indoor arenas - Avoid pointing the camera directly at windows or bright doorways, which will cause silhouetting.
Mixed lighting - In partially covered arenas, try to capture the horse in consistent lighting throughout the course if possible.

If recording in challenging light, consider investing in a polarizing filter for your smartphone, which can reduce glare and improve contrast significantly.

4. Capture Context and Details

A comprehensive video doesn't just capture the jumps—it provides context for the entire performance:

Begin recording 5-10 seconds before the start - Capturing the approach and preparation gives valuable insight into the initial balance and mindset.
Include several strides before and after each jump - The preparation and recovery phases are often more informative than the jump itself.
Record the entire course when possible - This shows rhythm and consistency between jumps, not just individual efforts.
For specific training issues, capture multiple angles - If analyzing a particular problem, try recording the same exercise from different perspectives.

5. Organize Your Footage Immediately

The most beautiful footage is worthless if you can't find it when needed or can't remember which round it represents:

Develop a consistent naming convention - For example: "Horse-Rider-Event-Date-Round"
Add voice notes if your device allows - Quickly mention key points to remember while they're fresh in your mind.
Transfer to your equiReelz account right away - Don't let valuable footage linger on your device where it could be lost.
Tag videos with relevant metadata - Horse, rider, location, and specific training focus make future searches much easier.

Putting It All Together

The difference between usable and exceptional training footage often comes down to these simple techniques. By establishing good habits when capturing videos, you create a foundation for more effective analysis and faster improvement.

Remember that consistent practice improves your videography skills just as it improves riding skills. Each time you record, focus on refining one aspect of your technique. Over time, you'll develop an eye for capturing exactly the right moment in exactly the right way—turning your smartphone into a powerful training tool.

For those looking to take their video analysis to the next level, consider uploading your footage to equiReelz, where our specialized tools can help you extract even more value from every frame of your videos.