Virtual Riding Lessons – Getting Started

Curious about starting virtual riding lessons? Here’s a quick guide for how they work with us!

There are several benefits to virtual lessons. One is that you can work with us even if you’re in another state (or even country). Another is that you can work in your home environment, so if there’s a problem you only have at home (like a spooky corner), it’s easier to replicate it and have guidance for overcoming it.

The way virtual lessons work is you set up a webcam of some kind, use a headset, and give us a call over a video platform! While it’s harder for the instructor to show you exactly how things might work, there are ways around that (such as using a laptop computer or flipping the camera around so you can see the instructor on the either end).

There are a few things you need to get started:

• A cell phone with camera or a laptop
• Reliable internet or cell service
• A wireless headset that can work over a long distance

That’s it! There are tools that can maximize your video lesson experience. Two of these are the Pivo tripod and the Pixio/Pixem tripod. Both of these are automatic “cameramen” that will pan/zoom with you. Pivo works off of just the sight of a horse, while Pixio/Pixem requires a tracker that you wear on your wrist or arm. Both of these have their own video platforms, and Pivo at least offers a way for the instructor to control the pan/zoom of your phone in case it decides to follow a sprite instead of your horse. However, both of these take up a significant amount of working memory and bandwidth, so your service has to be very good. They are also starting to charge membership fees, which adds to the cost.

Technology

I’ve had great luck with using Zoom, but there is a time limit on it. Some alternatives I’ve used that work just as well are Facebook Messenger and, for Apple users, FaceTime. I haven’t used WhatsApp for this purpose, but I’m sure it works well also. Sure, they won’t zoom in, so you may be limited to using a smaller section of your arena, but they work quite well despite that. I personally prefer taking virtual riding lessons with a laptop and video conferencing, as it gives me a chance to look at what an instructor might draw out or display, but not everyone has Wi-Fi in their barn.

I’m still gathering information on different headsets, but any that have a 200ft range would work. When I use my computer, I use an ancient Plantronics VoIP headset, as it has a long range and clear audio and a long battery life.

For service, nothing beats Wi-Fi. However, 5G signal works nicely as well. 4G can get the job done, but it’s often pixelated. If you have Wi-Fi close by but not quite that far, you can look at getting a plug-in extender and plugging it in just for your lesson (I’ve been known to do so and use an extension cord across the yard!). You can also look at installing a mesh network, which I highly recommend because it’s so nice to have anyway in case you have to look something up or send something out while in the field (such as looking up videos on fixing tractors or sending pictures of your horse’s injury to the vet).

Where to Set Up

Placement in your arena can make a big difference in how your virtual riding lessons go. I tend to prefer students place their cameras at a corner rather than at A or C. If you have a Pivo or Pixio/Pixem, you can place it in the middle of the arena, but it is better to off-set on the quarterline or even a little closer to the rail, as that keeps centerline free for working. Sometimes, signal dictates your location, and when that happens, be prepared to have to use only part of the arena.

Other Tips

Here are some ways you can make your virtual riding lessons go smoother:

• Set up some markers for spacing. It’s hard for the instructor to see where you are in the arena if you’re using Pivo or Pixio/Pixem without having some markers so they can clearly see where you are. Dressage letters or cones are a great option
• Get everything set up ahead of time and be ready to start early. Sometimes, it can take 5-10min to get the bugs worked out, so you can maximize your time by making sure your headset is connected and working, that your phone or computer is placed at an angle that displays the maximum arena coverage, and that your signal is good.
• Be flexible. Sometimes, the signal will drop in case of bad weather, high internet use times, or whatever, so your plans to use Pivo to pan/zoom may not work, and you may have to be prepared to dismount and switch to Messenger or something else.
• Try to develop a working knowledge of geometry before your lessons. It will make your lesson go so much smoother, and you’ll get more out of your lesson if you know some basic ideas of circles, lines in the arena, turns, etc. If you don’t know where to start, you can book a virtual theory lesson to go over some of those basics first so that you’re more prepared for your regular lesson!

Virtual riding lessons are extremely useful and rewarding. They may not be exactly the same as a regular lesson, but you can still gain so much from them. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us!

Curious about starting virtual riding lessons with us? Click Here to learn more about our lesson offerings! You can book directly through us or through our Pivo and Pixio/Pixem listings!