The Digital Lesson

30 Apr The Digital Lesson

By Danielle Aymond

During COVID, digital lessons and shows became all the rage.  And although the popularity (and need) has died down, this led to an extraordinary leap forward in technology and access for riders.  

Unfortunately, I live over an hour from one of my trainers and over seven hours from the other. Daily and weekly lessons simply aren’t possible without the use of digital lessons. And honestly, as my horses live at home, even trailering up and going down the road a couple miles just feels impossible some weeks with such limited time between work, kids, and life.

If you have not yet tried the digital lesson, this short how-to guide is a compilation of my lessons learned and other helpful tips to help you have a successful digital adventure.

So first, what is a digital lesson? Basically, the digital lesson is a live lesson over the phone. The trainer is at a computer and watching live with real-time back and forth discussion as the rider rides.

The equipment I have found work best includes:

• iPhone
• Pivo  with tri-pod stand
• Earbuds 
• Cell phone service (no Internet required)

Pivo states that any iPhone 8 or newer running iOS 13.0 or higher, or a premium Android relates in 2020 or later with Android 11.0 or higher is compatible.

The Pivo is the key to success for me. I actually tried a couple different devices and methods and found them extremely disappointing. The Pivo Equestrian Silver Pack is $279 (but you can also find great deals on used ones on eBay). This includes the Pivo, a remote control (only needed if you’re filming yourself, not for lessons) a smart mount, the tripod, and the case. When I first ordered, I got the starter pack which is everything but the tripod. I regretted this and soon ordered the tripod. Trying to balance the Pivo on various objects is just a recipe for disaster.

Once you get your Pivo, the startup is as easy as downloading an app on your phone. No monthly subscription needed. I downloaded the “Pivo Track” app. You will Bluetooth the Pivo to your phone and then select Lessons. It allows you to plug in an email to send an invite. That’s it. Your trainer get the email, clicks the link and you’re live!

Tips:

1. Don’t put your Pivo in direct sun, your phone will overheat and turn off your lesson.
2. Make sure to turn the volume up on your phone (and therefore your earbuds) before the lesson.
3. I make sure to close all my other apps on my phone to prevent glitches with the multiple running apps.
4. I like to tack up, connect everything, send the invite, etc. and then go get on and warmup at least ten minutes before my trainer is expected to join for my lesson. That way, they don’t have to watch me walk for ten minutes before doing anything, just like at my “normal” in person lessons. There is no time limit for the lessons, etc.
5. Make sure your phone, your earbuds and Pivo are all charged. My weekly lessons are on Mondays so I set a reminder Monday morning to put all three on the chargers all day so I don’t risk a battery failure during my lesson.
6. We have found the most success by putting the tripod outside the arena (about ten feet) at either C, A, B, or E. Because it uses horse tracking technology, if you get too close to the camera, it can’t “see” the horse anymore. If this does happen, no worries, just circle around a little farther out and it will catch you again.
7. Tell your trainer to PLEASE do this from their computer, not their phone. The bigger the screen they have, the better.
8. It really helps to mix in the in-person trips as well. Ideally, for my trainer who is about an hour away, I try to get there at least once a month. For my trainer much farther away, I aim for an annual week-long visit. The balance of seeing you in person with the digital lessons is critical to get the greatest bang for your buck. There are just some things you can’t see as well on the camera, but once you see it in person, it’s easier to for the trainer to correct.
9. Make sure to test the radius of your earbuds (i.e. how far can you get from your phone and you can still hear. The newest Apple earbuds allow me to ride in the full length of my arena without disruption, but depending on your arena and your earbuds, you may need to stay closer to the Pivo.
10. Prepare for some glitches. This is technology for goodness sake! Have some patience and be ready for some restarts from time to time, it happens! It doesn’t hurt to have a ground helper the first lesson or two as you work out the kinks.

Happy digital trails!