In today's digital-first equestrian community, sharing competition videos has become commonplace. These videos serve multiple purposes—from training and feedback to celebration and marketing. However, the ease of sharing sometimes outpaces consideration of the etiquette and implications involved. Based on my experience working with riders at all levels, I've developed these guidelines to help navigate the sometimes complex terrain of video sharing in the equestrian world.

Before You Share: Key Considerations

Before posting or sending any competition video, consider these fundamental questions:

Permission and Ownership

First and foremost, ensure you have the right to share the content:

• Who owns the video? The person who recorded it typically holds the copyright, though contractual arrangements may alter this (e.g., if a professional videographer was hired).
• Who has rights to the performance? The rider, trainer, and horse owner all have legitimate interests in how the performance is shared and represented.
• What about venue restrictions? Some competition venues have policies about recording and sharing videos taken on their grounds.

As a general rule, seek explicit permission from all relevant parties before sharing—especially if sharing publicly or for commercial purposes. A simple message like "May I share the video of our round from Saturday's competition on my social media?" can prevent misunderstandings.

Context and Purpose

The purpose of sharing shapes how the video should be presented:

• Training feedback - Typically private, detailed, and focused on improvement
• Celebration of achievement - Often public, positive in tone, and highlighting success
• Marketing (horse sales, rider promotion) - Professional presentation with appropriate disclosures
• Educational content - Permission-based, instructive, and properly contextualized

Be clear about your intentions, both to yourself and others. A video shared for training feedback requires different handling than one shared to promote a horse for sale.

Sharing with Trainers and Team Members

Sharing within your immediate equestrian circle is the most common and straightforward scenario, but still benefits from thoughtful handling:

Effective Sharing for Feedback

• Provide context - Include relevant details: "This was our first time trying the new bit" or "We were working on the issues from last week's lesson"
• Ask specific questions - "Could you look at my position in the turns?" is more helpful than "What do you think?"
• Include multiple attempts when relevant - Showing progression or consistency provides better insights than a single effort
• Use secure, easily accessible platforms - Specialized platforms like equiReelz offer features designed for equestrian feedback

Respecting Trainer Time and Boundaries

• Establish expectations - Discuss in advance when and how your trainer prefers to receive videos
• Be mindful of volume - Sending multiple videos daily can overwhelm even the most dedicated trainer
• Respect response time - Understand that detailed video analysis takes time and shouldn't always be expected immediately
• Consider compensation - If video review falls outside regular lesson time, discuss whether this represents additional professional service

Sharing on Social Media

Public sharing introduces additional considerations for etiquette and professionalism:

Responsible Representation

• Present yourself and others authentically - Avoid sharing only perfect rounds if you're claiming to document a training journey
• Consider the horse's dignity - Think twice before sharing videos of serious refusals, falls, or situations that might embarrass others
• Provide honest context - "Our first time at this height" or "Still working through some tension issues" provides important perspective
• Credit appropriately - Tag or mention your trainer, the videographer, the venue, and other key contributors

Thoughtful Captioning

How you frame the video significantly impacts perception:

• Be specific and accurate - "Competing in the 1.10m Junior Jumper Classic" is more informative than "At the show"
• Acknowledge the team - Mention grooms, trainers, owners, and others who contributed to the performance
• Use appropriate tone - Consider whether the situation calls for celebration, reflection, or education
• Avoid oversharing - Personal frustrations with judges, other competitors, or even your own horse are rarely appropriate for public forums

Responding to Comments

• Prepare for feedback - Once shared publicly, expect and accept a range of responses
• Engage constructively - Thank people for positive comments and respond graciously to constructive criticism
• Manage negative comments professionally - Address factual inaccuracies calmly or simply ignore trolling
• Remember your representation - Your responses reflect on you, your team, and your sponsors

Commercial Considerations

When videos are used for business purposes, additional etiquette applies:

Horse Sales Videos

• Represent the horse accurately - Show a representative sample of the horse's abilities, not just the single best performance
• Provide full disclosure - Include relevant details about the horse's experience level, competition history, and any limitations
• Be transparent about editing - If footage is edited, ensure it's done ethically and doesn't misrepresent the horse's abilities
• Include clear metadata - Age, height, breeding, and competition level should be clearly stated

Rider Marketing Videos

• Be authentic - Position yourself honestly within your competitive level
• Credit horses appropriately - Acknowledge the horses that have contributed to your success
• Respect trainer relationships - Ensure your trainer is comfortable with how they are represented in your marketing
• Balance promotion with professionalism - Promote your achievements without disparaging others

Special Considerations for Young Riders

Parents and trainers should exercise additional care when sharing videos of minors:

• Consider privacy implications - Once shared online, videos can be difficult to fully remove
• Focus on the positive - Prioritize sharing experiences that build confidence
• Be mindful of peer dynamics - Consider how sharing might affect relationships with teammates or competitors
• Model appropriate online behavior - Use video sharing as an opportunity to teach digital citizenship

Navigating Difficult Situations

Even with the best intentions, challenging situations can arise around video sharing:

When Your Performance is Shared Without Permission

If you find someone has shared your performance without permission:

1. Approach the situation calmly and professionally
2. Explain your concerns and request that the content be removed or permission obtained
3. If necessary, refer to competition rules or venue policies that may address videography rights
4. For persistent issues, enlist the help of your trainer or competition management

When Receiving Unwanted Public Critique

If your shared video receives unwelcome public criticism:

1. Avoid defensive reactions that might escalate the situation
2. Consider whether there's any constructive feedback worth extracting
3. Remember that even top professionals face public critique
4. Focus on the feedback from your trusted training team

Technical Best Practices

The technical aspects of sharing can significantly impact how your videos are received:

• Choose the appropriate platform - Different platforms serve different purposes (e.g., equiReelz for training feedback, YouTube for wider distribution, Instagram for shorter highlights)
• Optimize video quality - Compress for sharing while maintaining adequate quality for viewing
• Consider privacy settings - Understand and utilize the privacy controls each platform offers
• Be mindful of music usage - Avoid copyright issues by using royalty-free music or platforms' licensed libraries

Conclusion

Video sharing has transformed equestrian sport, creating unprecedented opportunities for education, marketing, and community building. As this technology continues to evolve, so too do the norms and expectations around its use.

By approaching video sharing thoughtfully—with respect for privacy, professional relationships, and the integrity of the sport—we can ensure that this powerful tool enhances rather than complicates the equestrian experience. Whether you're a rider seeking feedback, a trainer providing guidance, or a content creator documenting the sport, these etiquette guidelines will help you navigate the complexities of equestrian video sharing with confidence and consideration.

Remember that at its best, shared video content builds community, celebrates achievement, facilitates learning, and showcases the beauty of our sport. When shared with intention and care, these videos become not just records of moments, but valuable contributions to the equestrian tradition.