How to video yourself while riding alone

Some bloggers are blessed with friends and barn-mates who are excellent photographers that seem to be available to capture pics regularly (I'm looking at you, SprinklerBandit).

But many of us do not. Enter your smartphone! With just a few little gizmos, you could be in business to photo or video yourself while riding!

We're a work in progress lol.

Step 1: Materials

You'll need:

• A smartphone. I have an iPhone6.
• A wireless shutter remote. I bought this one for ~$5.
• A flexible tri-pod. I bought this one for ~$5. 

  

Note: these gizmos had fine reviews, but they are cheap and I doubt they'll last very long. One little horsey nibble and they'd be done. There are more heavy-duty ones available worth considering.

Step 2: Set Up

The wireless shutter remote connects to your smartphone via bluetooth, and is compatible with most phones' built-in camera. Or there are compatible camera apps you can download if needed. I attached an extra-long rubber band to my remote to help prevent me from losing it.

The beauty of the flexible tri-pod is that it can attach to rails, posts, and jump standards. Or you could set it up on top of a mounting block or plastic chair seat.  You could play with angles and get all artistic if you like. 

Step 3: Action!

For video setting, just click the button to record, ride on, then click button to stop recording.  Or in photo setting, just click to snap photos.  It does take some trial and error. For example, both these next photos are screenshots from video that was mistakenly taken upside-down!

Majesty and I jumping 2'9"

Laurie having Majesty bow while I'm mounted

And my patriotic dress-up photo shoot with Hannah was awkward! But oh well, its media and its fun.

Hannah is red, white, and blue-tiful!

Hope this post helps others who maybe struggle with collecting media!

Rains & Rivers

The rains this winter have been heavier than usual, but since I go to the barn during daylight hours, its a workable issue. Our barn has held up pretty well, and there's few things lovelier than a bright morning after some rain.

Horses and humans alike are sloshing around the facility.

Nolan surveying muddyville.

Hannah thinks her back yard is still habitable.

The creek behind our facility is dry most of the year, but fills up from the rain and provides a great schooling opportunity.  All the horses in training at LCTS have gone knee-deep in the river.

Our coming 4-year old Roy took to it easily.

Henry was skeptical at first, but then enjoyed himself!

As it dries up between showers, we are left with some ponds to play in.

My student, A, pilots Majesty into a beautiful pond in creek bed before a lesson.

And of course, rain means grass which means grazing! Doesn't Hannah look great? She has kept her weight well this year. 

nom nom nom

The 2016 Recap

Well the second half of 2016 passed by without any blogging. Such is life sometimes, but here's the summary:

My husband was severely injured on the job, and I became a medical secretary/chauffeur/caretaker. He is still recovering, albeit slowly.

I have a new job - and it's the best job ever! I am working at the barn for my trainer.  =)   What started as an exchange of lessons for help turned into a real opportunity as her business expanded.

Keeping it colorful on a client horse, and cheesin' with the boss at a show!

I also help retrain and rehome ex-racehorses for the Thoroughbred Rehab Center. West Coast friends: I'm your new hookup for some really talented horses!

First ride on this mare - she was the first to get adopted from our group!

Hannah is doing wonderfully. She continues to be sweet and patient but also game and joyful. We both had a blast in our second horse trial together last fall. We have become a really good team.

Happy New Year!

It's time for Eventing In Color to stage a comeback!  And what better time for a fresh start than the beginning of a new year?  Wishing all readers a very wonderful 2017!

Love,

Sarah & Hannah