MYSHOWADVISOR: The Ultimate Digital Horse Show Organizer
Staying organized when it comes to horse shows used to be a challenge but thanks to the MyShowAdvisor app it provides the most comprehensive way to plan, track and manage your horse show experience. The Tech Equestrian had the chance to catch up with Geraldine Fitzgerald, Founder of MyShowAdvisor who lives in Ireland. Take a moment to read through this Q&A and learn why as a competitor you can’t live without it!
TTE: What is your background with horses?
MyShowAdvisor: Initially we had National Hunt horses but now we are focused on show jumpers.
TTE: How old were you when you first started riding and do you compete? Most memorable moment in the saddle?
MyShowAdvisor: I don’t compete myself, but I have spent a lot of time at shows with my children. My most memorable moment would have to be between Bertram winning the Dublin Grand Prix in 2014 and Harry winning double gold at the pony European championships in Hungary.
TTE: When was your app launched?
MyShowAdvisor: The app launched in July 2017.
TTE: What was the reason for developing the app?
MyShowAdvisor: My children were all involved in international show jumping and we traveled a lot. My friends used to call me and ask how to get to the shows and slowly my little black book became MyShowAdvisor.
TTE: What was the initial feedback from the horse community?
MyShowAdvisor: The initial feedback was excellent as there was a gap in the market when we launched. I think it was clear that it was something the show jumping community really wanted. We also included a few of the riders in the initial design phase of the app to ensure the product was the best it could be. Continuous feedback remains very important to us as it helps us to constantly move forward.
TTE: Does the app feature Europe or US events? How global in scope is it?
MyShowAdvisor: We cover Europe and the US on the app - every international FEI show!
TTE: Describe some of the key features of MyShowAdvisor.
MyShowAdvisor: We are a calendar-based app which features the links to show schedules, livestreams, results and start lists for 450 international venues. We also offer stopover stabling listings, places to stay and local restaurant recommendations.
TTE: Can you synch your calendar with say an Outlook calendar?
MyShowAdvisor: Yes, and we have our own MyShows feature which allows the user to make their own personalized show calendar by adding horses to each show, etc.
TTE: What is more popular: monthly or yearly subscription? How many subscribers currently?
MyShowAdvisor: We offer a free week’s trial and once people have tried it they usually stay - we have a 93% retention rate.
TTE: That is an excellent retention rate! Why do you think people renew at that rate?
MyShowAdvisor: I think once people start using the app they love it for various different reasons. Planning shows, doing entries, booking flights, trains, stables, hotels, clicking on the address for navigation to the show…there are countless uses for the app and how many of us have ended up lost or in the wrong place?
TTE: Are you looking to expand to further disciplines?
MyShowAdvisor: We are specific to show jumping now but watch this space!
TTE: Any plans for updates/new features in 2020?
MyShowAdvisor: Yes, we are always improving and updating.
TTE: Describe any of the new features you introduced last year?
MyShowAdvisor: After receiving some customer feedback last year, we decided to add a “Useful Contacts” feature to the app. This provides our users with key contact information for each show such as the email address and phone number of the event director, stable manager and organizer.
TTE: When it comes to tech adoption with equestrians, where do you think the horse industry will be in 5 years?
MyShowAdvisor: I can see a big shift coming over the next five years towards artificial intelligence. As many other industries are showing, AI can be very useful when optimizing efficiency.
TTE: What has been the most surprising thing you have learned or realized after introducing the app?
MyShowAdvisor: I think the importance of a social media presence nowadays when marketing a product or service was a big realization for us.
Instagram: @myshowadvisor
Facebook: @myshowadvisorapp