When I record horses, whether I’m filming adverts for those we have for sale or capturing my own riding sessions, I used to dread the footage I’d end up with. My old process? Holding up an iPad or sometimes propping it on the fence, desperately hoping I’d catch the right angle at the right moment. The result was often shaky, grainy, or missed the crucial bits altogether.
Then a client showed me the Pivo Pod, and it felt like a light bulb went on. Could this tiny auto-follow device finally give me stable, zoomed-in shots without needing an extra pair of hands behind the camera? Spoiler alert: it’s been a total game-changer.
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Note: Use our exclusive discount code GETPIVO10OFF655 for 10% off. The Pivo is also on Amazon.
What Exactly is a Pivo, and How Does it Work?
If you’re new to Pivo, imagine a rotating smartphone mount that automatically follows you (and your horse!) around the arena. You pop your phone into the mount, pair it with the Pivo Track App via Bluetooth, and it literally spins 360 degrees to keep you in frame. It’s super straightforward to set up, even if you’re not much of a gadget whiz, download the app, pair the pod, and go.
There’s also a spirit-level bubble and adjustable feet on the base, which makes placing it on uneven surfaces a non-issue.
The Pivo Pod uses motion sensors and AI to detect where the rider is. In “Horse Tracking” mode, the AI zeroes in on that horse-and-rider shape and continuously re-centers on you. I’m a huge fan of the Auto-Zoom feature, which keeps the rider at a decent size in the frame. No more squinting to figure out what’s happening way off in the distance!
Why the Silver Equestrian Pack?
Pivo comes in a few different versions, but for us horse folks, the Silver Pod (with its silver band) is the star of the show. It offers faster tracking speeds than the basic red-band version, plus it has specific “Horse Tracking” modes. That was a huge deal for me, especially in a busy arena, because it can better distinguish me from other moving objects.
After trying out a friend’s Pivo, I purchased the Silver Equestrian Starter Pack, which not only includes the faster Pod but also a Remote Control, Smart Mount, and Travel Case Mini.
I knew I’d want to capture cantering and some small jumps, and the improved tracking speed helps keep up with those sharper transitions. Plus, coming from older auto-follow cameras that cost a small fortune, Pivo felt like a sweet middle-ground solution that wouldn’t trash my budget.
Accessories in the Equestrian Pack
Alongside the Pod itself, you can also buy (or get bundled in some packs) goodies like the remote control (great for starting/stopping your recording from the saddle), and sometimes a Pivo Mic for clearer audio during remote coaching. If you do lessons over video call, the mic can help your instructor hear you, and vice versa, while the Pivo whirls around to keep you in shot.
Why the Essential Pack Might Be Better
When I first bought my Pivo, I went for just the Pivo Equestrian Silver Starter Pack (£179.99 or $209.99). However, I soon realised after first using it that I needed a tripod too. Pivo sells a lightweight tripod separately, but if you don’t already own a stable one, it’s worth considering the Pivo Equestrian Silver Essential Pack (£259.99 or $279.99). It bundles:
- A lightweight, tall tripod (retails for $79.99 if bought on its own).
- A counterweight accessory (otherwise $29.99) to keep everything stable in breezy conditions or if a horse brushes past.
Looking back, I wish I’d just grabbed the Essential Pack from the start. The tripod is tall enough to sit right at chest/shoulder height (perfect for picking up the full motion of horse and rider), and the counterweight has saved me from the Pod toppling over more than once.
Also, keep an eye out on deals as at the time of writing this, tripod is 38% off at $49.59. You can use our exclusive discount code GETPIVO10OFF655 for 10% off.
First Impressions in the Arena
When I first “plonked” my new Pivo in the middle of our menage on a small hand tripod, I was excited to see it in action. Right away, it tracked me admirably well, I watched it pivot smoothly to follow my every move. The device itself felt sturdy on the ground, so I didn’t worry about it toppling over. My menage is big enough that I could easily avoid passing too close, meaning my horse never even batted an eye at it.
It genuinely does a fantastic job auto-zooming and keeping me in focus. I was very, very pleased with how clearly it captured everything, from practicing canter transitions to working on turns. The footage looked far more stable and professional than my old DIY methods ever managed.
Here is a video I recorded of the Pivo in action:
As you saw from the video, it tracked the horse and rider very well. There are a few settings in the app to adjust how it tracks, too. I’m not the most techy, so I kept it on the default horse advanced setting, but I’m sure anyone good with phones and apps will be able to fine-tune their tracking even better.
One thing I noticed the first time using it is that if another horse suddenly crosses directly in front of us, the Pod can briefly lose track. It’s not really a fault; the Pivo simply follows the most prominent moving shape. I’ve found that using it during quieter times or setting the Pod where there’s less chance of obstructions largely solves this.
Similarly, Pivo placement matters. I avoided placing it near jump wings or anything that could block its view, especially if I’m schooling over fences. After a bit of experimentation, it rarely loses me now, so it’s not a huge concern.
Overall, my first few sessions with the Pivo were smooth and surprisingly “hands-off”, like having a personal cameraman standing at the edge of the arena!
The Pivo Track App in More Detail
The Pivo Track App is surprisingly user-friendly, given how much it can do. Once downloaded and paired with the Pod via Bluetooth, you just select your Horse Tracking mode and hit record. In my experience, it does a solid job locking onto the shape of horse and rider, and it’s smart enough to automatically focus and adjust the image so you don’t look like a tiny dot in the distance.
I like that the app also remembers my preferred settings, from tracking speed to whether I want Auto-Zoom on, so I don’t have to waste time fiddling every ride. It feels intuitive, even for someone who’s not super tech-savvy. Once you’ve done a couple of test recordings, you’ll be filming like a pro in no time.
There can be occasional hiccups; for instance, if I get a phone call mid-ride, the app might pause or stop. That’s why I often use Airplane Mode (toggling Bluetooth back on after) to avoid sudden interruptions. And like any app that’s doing live processing and video recording, it does gobble up battery, so make sure both your phone and Pod are well charged.
Overall, though, these little quirks are easy to work around.
The Helpful Community
Another massive bonus is the Pivo Horse Riding Community on Facebook. People there share hacks, troubleshooting tips, and their best setup techniques. You can also find heaps of helpful videos on YouTube that show how to position your Pivo for the best results.
Whenever I’ve run into a weird glitch, a quick browse in that group usually offers a fix.
AI Tracking Tips and Battery Life
Pivo’s AI-powered “horse tracking” is the real MVP here. It locks onto the rider-and-horse combo so long as there aren’t too many other moving shapes in the foreground. If you do group lessons, the Pod can get confused, but for solo schooling, it rarely misses a beat.
A few personal tips:
- Keep devices charged (Pod + phone).
- Shut down other apps or notifications to avoid random filming interruptions.
- Predictive Follow can be toggled on or off. Some folks love it; I found it too jumpy and turned it off.
- Auto Zoom is my friend. It keeps the main subject (you and your horse) front and center.
- Track Speed: I always use “fast,” especially for jumping or cantering work.
Remember, Pivo isn’t water-resistant. So if you’re in the UK like me, filming in the rain might be out unless you rig up some kind of cover.
Affordability and Portability
Let’s face it, some auto-follow cameras cost a bomb, but Pivo’s approach of using your existing smartphone helps keep costs manageable. The Pod itself is super lightweight and compact, making it easy to lug around the yard or throw into your car for clinics.
If you already have a decent tripod, you’re practically good to go. If not, I highly recommend at least the Essential Pack so you can avoid those “wish I’d bought the tripod!” regrets.
Things I’d Still Love to See
- Multi-Horse AI: If the software could somehow lock onto only your horse, maybe with a color band or wearable tag, it’d be amazing for busy arenas.
- Better Weather Resistance: A splashproof Pod would be reassuring for those who ride outdoors year-round.
- Improved Battery Efficiency: Filming can chew through phone juice pretty quickly. Pivo do sell a charger accessory, but an energy-saving mode would be a welcome addition.
What Are the Other Auto-Follow Camera Options for Equestrians?
Here is a short look at some of the close options to the Pivo that are also popular among equestrians.
Move ’N See Pixem 2
The Pixem 2 auto-follow camera mount uses a wearable watch/tag plus three small beacon sensors placed around your arena. Because it’s not relying on your phone’s camera, tracking is incredibly accurate, up to 100m away, and it can handle multiple horses or riders at once without losing you.
That precision comes with a higher price starting at $1,199 and a more involved setup: you have to place and calibrate the beacons every time you ride, which can feel tedious if you just want quick footage.
Compared to Pivo ($240-$330), which is literally just “place your phone on the rotating base and go,” Pixem is a bigger investment both in money and effort. It’s mainly worthwhile for trainers or anyone who needs maximum reliability and range.
Find the Pixem 2 on the Move ’N See website here or on Amazon.
Insta360 Flow Pro
I haven’t had the chance to try Flow Pro personally, but it’s a smartphone gimbal with AI auto-tracking, which means it not only rotates to follow you (like Pivo) but also stabilizes your phone’s video. This is huge if you want smooth, professional-looking footage, especially in breezy arenas or if your horse bumps the tripod.
Flow Pro even has a “Horse Tracking” mode to help keep you and your horse in frame. Price-wise, it’s surprisingly on par with Pivo (starting from $149), so it could be a valid alternative if you want that extra stabilization.
The only downside is that it doesn’t yet have Pivo’s bigger equestrian community or specialized features like remote coaching. But if you’re after silky-smooth footage at a similar cost, the Flow Pro might be worth a look.
Find the Insta360 Flow Pro on their website or Amazon.
Pivo Discount Code
Use the code GETPIVO10OFF655 for 10% off your purchase! Visit the Pivo website or their Amazon listing page.
Final Verdict
All in all, I’m beyond pleased with how much easier it is to capture clear, steady riding footage now. It’s not some magic wand that solves every filming challenge (group rides can still confuse it, and you can’t film in a downpour), but compared to my old shaky iPad method, it’s a total revelation.
If you want an affordable, portable, and genuinely useful auto-follow camera for your riding sessions, Pivo’s Silver Equestrian Pack is well worth a look. It’s helped me analyze lessons, track my progress, and film precious moments I used to miss.
If you don’t already own a solid tripod, jump straight to the Essential Pack, you’ll end up saving money and a lot of hassle. With a bit of careful positioning and an eye on battery life, Pivo is a brilliant tool for any rider looking to up their filming game without spending a fortune.
Bottom Line: The Pivo Pod Silver Equestrian Pack is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for riders wanting smooth, hands-free footage. If you’re sick of missing the perfect shot, give it a try, you won’t look back!
Extra Rider Feedback
- Phone Quality Matters: If your phone camera is outdated or the battery is weak, you might see more tracking hiccups or quick battery drain.
- Placement: Setting the Pivo near the corner or center of the arena, avoiding obstructions, helps it maintain a clear line of sight.
- Storage: Free up space on your phone before filming. A sudden stop could be due to phone calls or lack of storage.
- Remote Coaching: Some riders connect with their trainers live via the Pivo Track App, letting the coach control camera movement remotely, a real plus for distance learning.
Find out more details on the Pivo website here.
