How to Film a Great Virtual Entry from Your Own Arena

Virtual horse shows have gone from a pandemic workaround to a genuine, permanent part of the equestrian world — and honestly, I think that's a good thing! They give riders access to competition without the expense and stress of hauling, they're great for young horses getting their first show experience, and they let riders who might not be able to travel still enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport.

But here's the thing: a virtual entry is only as good as the video that represents it. A poorly filmed ride — shaky camera, bad lighting, the arena fence blocking your horse's legs — can make even a great performance look mediocre. The good news is that with a little planning, anyone can film a polished, professional-looking entry right from their own property.

📋 Step 1: Read the Class Requirements FIRST

Before you set up a single piece of equipment, read the class requirements for your virtual show carefully. Every show and every governing body has specific rules about:

• Camera angle (some require a specific view — side, diagonal, or full arena)
• Whether the video must be filmed in one unedited take
• Whether music is allowed or prohibited
• Arena markings or letters that must be visible
• Video length and file size limits
• Attire and tack requirements (same as in-person shows, usually)
• Whether a visible boundary or arena enclosure is required

Violating a technical rule can get your entry disqualified regardless of how well you rode. When in doubt, contact the show secretary and ask.

☀️ Step 2: Choose the Right Time of Day for Lighting

Lighting is the single biggest factor in video quality, and it's completely free. Here's how to use it:

• Best light: The "golden hours" — roughly one hour after sunrise and one to two hours before sunset. The light is warm, soft, and flattering to both horse and rider.
• Avoid midday sun: Harsh overhead light creates strong shadows, can wash out coat color, and causes your horse to squint — none of which is ideal for judging.
• Overcast days are actually great: A light overcast creates soft, diffused light with no harsh shadows. Many professional equestrian photographers prefer this.
• Watch your background: Position your camera so the sun is behind the camera, not behind the horse. Filming into the sun will silhouette your horse and make the video unusable.
• Indoor arenas: If filming indoors, make sure your arena lights are fully on and test the camera beforehand — indoor arenas often look dimmer on camera than they do to your eyes.

📱 Step 3: Camera Placement & Equipment

You don't need fancy equipment — a modern smartphone films in excellent quality. What matters much more is how you use it.

• Use a tripod: This is non-negotiable. A handheld video looks amateurish and makes it hard for the judge to evaluate your horse's movement. Even an inexpensive phone tripod makes an enormous difference.
• Height matters: For most classes, position the camera at approximately the horse's mid-body height — roughly 4 to 5 feet off the ground. Too low and you lose the topline; too high and you lose the leg action.
• Distance and zoom: Stand far enough back that your entire horse is in frame at all times, including at the corners. You can always zoom in slightly, but a cut-off head or hindquarters in the shot is hard to forgive.
• Film horizontally: Always film in landscape (horizontal) orientation, never portrait/vertical. Vertical videos are not accepted by most shows.
• Keep the camera still: If the class rules allow editing, you can film from multiple positions; if not (one-take requirement), choose a position that captures as much of the pattern or test as possible.
• Have a second person operate the camera if possible: A skilled camera person who knows the pattern can follow you smoothly. If you're filming alone on a tripod, practice the pattern until you know exactly where in the frame you'll be at all times.

🏟️ Step 4: Prepare Your Arena

Your arena will be in the video, and judges will notice:

• Drag and level your arena footing so there are no deep ruts, holes, or uneven patches
• Remove any extra equipment, feed bags, hoses, or clutter from the background
• Set your arena letters or markers clearly and make sure they are correctly spaced and visible
• If your arena has fencing, position the camera so it does not block the view of your horse's legs — this is a very common mistake that costs competitors points
• Mow or tidy any grass or weeds visible in the background if possible — presentation matters!

🐴 Step 5: Prepare Horse & Rider

Treat this like a real show. Your horse and your turnout should be show-ready:

• Groom your horse to show standards — clean, polished, and braided if appropriate for your discipline
• Wear your full show attire, including helmet, gloves, and appropriate show clothing
• Tack should be clean, polished, and correctly fitted
• Warm up your horse sufficiently before filming so they're relaxed and working correctly — don't try to film a cold horse!
• Film several takes if the rules allow it. You want options when you sit down to review the footage.

✂️ Step 6: Basic Editing (When Permitted)

If your class allows edited entries, a few simple edits can make a big difference:

• Trim the beginning and end: Start just as you enter the arena or pick up the first movement; end cleanly when the test or pattern is complete. No one needs to see five minutes of warm-up footage.
• Color correction: Most phone editing apps (iMovie, CapCut, even Instagram's built-in editor) let you bump brightness slightly and increase contrast a touch — this can make the coat look richer and the video look more professional.
• Stabilization: If your video is slightly shaky, many apps offer a stabilization tool that smooths it out.
• Do NOT over-edit: Don't apply heavy filters, slow-motion effects, or dramatic music unless the class specifically invites it. Judges want to see the ride, not a cinematic production.
• Check file format and size: Export in the format requested by the show (usually MP4) and make sure your file meets any size limits before submitting.

Virtual shows are a wonderful opportunity, and a well-filmed entry gives your riding a fair shot at the ribbons it deserves. Take the time to set up properly, and you'll be glad you did when that score sheet comes back!