EQUISCORE: Enhancing Video for Training Purposes and Spectator Enjoyment
Video has consistently played a transformative role in the sports world, revolutionizing the way stories are told and performances are documented. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have fully embraced this shift, encouraging users to share dynamic reels that bring real-life moments to their followers and friends. So, I was excited to receive an outreach from Shallin Ris, CEO and Founder of EquiScore who recently shared with me her forward-thinking solution which is redefining how video is used within the horse world. Her solution not only improves training outcomes but also elevates the experience for spectators. Through EquiScore, video becomes more than just a record—it becomes a powerful means of analysis, engagement, and storytelling for riders, trainers, and fans alike.
The overlay feature has been adopted by events such as Traverse City, Silo Ridge, Sonoma Horse Park, and Santa Anita’s Splitrock to illustrate first versus second place performances in major jump-off classes.
West Coast Equestrian
“I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and my involvement with horses has been a lifelong commitment, beginning with riding hunter/jumpers during my formative years,” shared Shallin. She was a working student under several trainers on the West Coast, and equestrian sport has consistently played a central role in her life. “I do recall one of my earliest sentences was ‘over mountain pony ride.’”
Filling the Need
EquiScore was founded in January 2024, and the initial focus was on the hunter/jumper sector. There are plans to broaden their reach into additional disciplines and potentially other underserved niche sports. “We have an established a presence in North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and have also provided coverage for an event in Europe with global expansion remains a key objective,” said Shallin.
“In the short term, our priorities include increasing adoption by riders and shows, collecting user feedback, and building a sustainable revenue model,” she said. Over the long term, their aim is to develop a robust data platform utilizing computer vision to extract objective performance metrics such as speed, track, and stride length from video content. “These insights will benefit not only riders and trainers but also judges, horse sales professionals, media outlets, and broadcasters.”
Data Driven Insights for the Horses
Equestrian sport involves significant financial and competitive stakes, yet many decisions are made without access to objective performance data. Judging remains largely subjective, transactions involving horses often rely on limited information, and welfare discussions lack measurable benchmarks. “At EquiScore we seek to introduce objective visual data into a traditionally subjective field, ultimately improving outcomes for all stakeholders, particularly the horses,” said Shallin.
Top Features
“Our application currently provides overlays, side-by-side comparisons, and automated highlight reels,” Shallin said. The overlay feature stands out as the most distinguished offering and has been adopted by events such as Traverse City, Silo Ridge, Sonoma Horse Park, and Santa Anita’s Splitrock to illustrate first versus second place performances in major jump-off classes. “Notably, our technology was utilized at the American Gold Cup last summer which helped get our brand out there.” In addition, automated highlight reels are another rapidly growing feature. Riders can upload their jumping videos and receive professionally edited reels within minutes, complete with optional portrait mode and slow-motion enhancements, significantly reducing the time required for manual editing. “Users are telling us this saves them so much time.”
EquiScore offers advanced tracking measurements ideal for adapting training and performance.
The technology automatically detects 17 key points on horse and rider. The tool measures and tracks real world angles when the horse and rider are parallel to the camera. Customers can choose from the following options, and can tailor offerings based on use case:
Rider hip/torso angle
Rider knee angle
Rider elbow angle
Horse’s head angle
Horse’s head angle in relation to rest of body (straight line, above vertical, below vertical)
Horse’s knee angle over fence
Jump arc
The motion curve visualizer can attach to any part of the horse or rider’s body
The consumer app launched the beginning of February.
Pricing Model
“We operate on a subscription model, offering a 30-day free trial followed by a monthly fee of $29.99 for unlimited access to highlight reels, side-by-sides, and overlays. While tiered pricing options may be introduced in the future, our current approach prioritizes simplicity and accessibility,” shared Shallin. EquiScore also plans to enable direct video sales to riders at competitions through partnerships with livestream providers.
When asked about the role of AI in their solution, Shallin responded, “Yes, our company is built around artificial intelligence, which powers many of our platform’s capabilities.”
Technology Adoption in the Equine Industry
Although technological adoption has historically progressed slowly within the equine industry, there is now greater openness to innovation, particularly when it enhances efficiency. “The current generation of trainers is more familiar with smartphones and wearable devices, contributing to increased receptivity toward new technologies.”
Brand Exposure
“We leverage the popular social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) to gain mindshare with our audience,” said Shallin. Another area of marketing the team invests in is on-site engagement and sponsorship at horse shows to spend time showcasing their solution and speaking with users. Shallin is also working with rider ambassadors and developing strategic partnerships to provide a fully integrated approach to getting the word out in the equine marketplace.
Website
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