Staying in the saddle when it comes to all things equestrian used to be tricky. Unless you worked in a yard, knew someone in the business, or subscribed to a trade magazine, staying up-to-date with current affairs before the internet wasn’t always easy. Today, things are very different.
The internet has opened the floodgates and made it possible for anyone with a computer, smartphone, or tablet to access deep wells of information. Fans of showjumping, horse racing, and anything else equine-related have plenty of ways to stay in tune with the industry’s latest events. What are they? We can’t list them all but, for those who want the inside scoop on all things equine, here are three ways to get the latest industry insights:
Sports Websites
The first port of call for any fan of showjumping, horse racing, and anything else related to the industry at large should be a sports website. There are, of course, sites dedicated to horses. Our platform, The Plaid Horse, is the obvious one if you’re a fan of jump, breeding, and hunter events. However, there are many more wells of information.
The UK’s famous publication, Horse and Hounds, has its own website, as does World of Showjumping. You can even visit mainstream media websites such as CNN for equestrian news. In fact, the presence of equestrian events and horse racing on major networks like CNN is a testament to the industry’s growing popularity.
Specialist Apps and Websites
Anyone who’s interested in horse racing, either as a sport or a betting pursuit, will know the value of statistics. App and website developers also know the value of statistics, which is why there are plenty of specialist platforms out there. For example, anyone wanting to bet on US sports via a licensed sportsbook can get an abundance of racing information. FanDuel has a dedicated racing hub that not only offers odds and racing results, but jockey ratings, expert insights, and tips.
Taking this a step further, you can use data collated by organizations such as the British Horseracing Authority to get even deeper insights into the sport. Indeed, the best way to get a better understanding of something is to combine subjective and objective data. Statistics are objective and can often highlight some interesting things about horses you never knew before.
Podcasts
The final way to get the latest horse-centric gossip is to listen to podcasts. We have our own podcast hosted by Piper Klemm and Tonya Johnston. Other great listens include, the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, De-Complicating Dressage, and the Willing Equine. There are hundreds more, but these are great podcasts to start your journey into the world of audio information and entertainment.
Indeed, it’s this last point that’s most important. Staying abreast of current affairs in the equine world should be easy, but it should also be entertaining. We’re all fans of horses for different reasons and the ways we consume content should reflect that. The good news is that there are more options than ever, if you know where to look. The resources listed in this guide should get you into the saddle, but the direction you ride after that is up to you.
