Training alone shouldn’t mean missing out on quality video feedback. With the right setup, you can capture every transition, straightness check, and half-halt without needing a filming buddy.
Key takeaway: For UK riders, the Pivo Silver is the sweet spot — 360° horse tracking, auto zoom, and 10–12 hours of battery life for around £329 — as long as you follow a solid setup routine.
What is Pivo and why riders choose Silver
Pivo Silver is the recommended model for equestrians because it delivers 360° horse tracking and auto zoom via your smartphone. It’s designed to follow you around the arena, keep you centred, and let you review footage instantly in the app.
Priced around £329 in the UK and weighing only 350g with a max payload of 2kg, Pivo’s battery lasts 10–12 hours — enough for multiple schooling sessions in one charge. British Dressage endorses Pivo for members who train solo, highlighting its hands-free tracking and quick setup for indoor and outdoor arenas. As they put it:
“Pivo’s advanced 360 horse tracking device and tripod allows for effortless solo filming, just mount Pivo and ride! No setup hassles or filming buddies needed, Pivo does the tracking so you can focus on your training – more dressage, less stressage!” — British Dressage
Independent UK testers back this up. The Everyday Equestrian rates the Pivo Silver — especially the equestrian pack — for its smart horse tracking and auto zoom that outperform many competitors (source). British Dressage also confirms instant video review through the smartphone app and 360° tracking as headline features (source).
“The Pivo Silver, especially when purchased as part of the equestrian pack, offers advanced horse tracking and auto zoom features that many competitors simply can’t match.” — The Everyday Equestrian
Is Pivo worth it for UK riders?
Yes — at around £329 in the UK, Pivo Silver offers advanced tracking at a lower cost than most alternatives, provided you follow best-practice setup. It’s endorsed by British Dressage and positively reviewed by training channels testing across breeds and levels.
In UK forums, riders often highlight Pivo’s value compared to pricier competition systems, while noting that initial setup and arena conditions influence results. See the mixed but generally favourable comments in Horse & Hound threads (source, source). On the plus side, DressageHub’s hands-on test found the equestrian Pivo accurate and easy to use across different horses and skills — ideal for riders and trainers improving their work (source).
For year-round UK use, the 10–12 hour battery comfortably covers long summer sessions, while winter schooling benefits from quick top-ups between rides. The 2kg payload comfortably supports modern smartphones, and at just 350g the unit is truly portable for moving between indoor schools and windy outdoor arenas.
How to set Pivo up right first time
Mount Pivo on a sturdy tripod, attach your phone, pair via Bluetooth, and start tracking in the app with Airplane/Do Not Disturb turned on. This avoids calls or notifications interrupting your capture.
Follow this reliable routine recommended by British Dressage and UK testers:
- Use a stable tripod and level ground; secure legs against wind and position safely out of hoof traffic (source).
- Attach your smartphone (within the 2kg payload), pair via Bluetooth, and open the Pivo app to select horse tracking with auto zoom.
- Enable Airplane mode and Wi‑Fi off (or use Do Not Disturb) to prevent interruptions while recording (source).
- Test at your home arena first so Pivo learns your environment and you can dial in app settings before a clinic or lesson (source).
- Check battery and storage: Pivo lasts 10–12 hours; make sure your phone has enough space for video.
- Plan for UK weather: a travel case and a phone cover help when moving between indoor and outdoor schools; wipe lenses if it’s drizzly or dusty (source).
Pro tip: Review a short clip mid-session in the app to confirm framing, then get back on with your schooling. You can use slow motion and side-by-side comparisons afterward for technique analysis (source).
Which Pivo model should you buy?
Choose Pivo Silver for horse riding; Lite is entry-level, and Pod Max suits heavier cameras rather than phones. Silver’s enhanced tracking and auto zoom make it the clear pick for equestrian work.
Pivo’s own comparison page highlights that Silver is tuned for sports like horse riding, with faster, smarter tracking than Lite (source). If you plan to mount heavier devices or need more payload flexibility, consider Pivo Max, but most UK riders using smartphones will get the best balance of performance and price with Silver (source).
For behaviour courses, clinics, and regular schooling, Silver’s auto zoom and equestrian tracking modes help keep you centred without constant manual tweaks (source). British Dressage also notes its 360° coverage for continuous tracking around the arena (source).
UK arena tips for reliable tracking
For reliable tracking in British arenas, test in your home school first, keep the background simple, and secure the tripod against wind. Small environment tweaks deliver a big upgrade in tracking quality.
Use these UK-proven tips gathered from testers and forum feedback:
- Position thoughtfully: choose a safe, central vantage point with an uncluttered backdrop so the app can clearly identify you and your horse.
- Control the scene: avoid heavy traffic patterns where multiple horses frequently pass between you and the camera.
- Work with the light: if outdoors, minimise glare by avoiding direct low sun into the lens; indoors, use well-lit corners to help the tracker keep lock.
- Respect the weather: wind and rain are normal in the UK — anchor your tripod, use a travel case for transport, and protect your phone with a suitable cover. Pivo’s motion is panning/tilting; extreme weather will limit any device’s performance (source).
- Trial before a big day: forum users note that setup “hassles” vanish once you get your arena settings right; a few short practice runs pay off (source).
Quick tip: Keep your smartphone lens clean and free of rain spots — smudges reduce contrast and can cause your framing to drift.
Remote coaching and instant feedback
Use Pivo’s integrated video call and instant review to get real-time coaching and slow-motion analysis without a filming buddy. Instructors can even control the unit remotely during lessons for targeted feedback.
According to UK testers, the equestrian pack makes hands-free tracking routine — you ride, Pivo follows, and your coach focuses on you rather than a camera (source). British Dressage also confirms instant video review in the app, so you can assess a movement straight after you ride it (source). DressageHub’s testing praised Pivo’s accuracy and ease of use across a variety of horses and skill levels, making it a strong everyday training tool (source).
Pro tip: Build a habit of reviewing one or two key movements post-ride — for example, a serpentine or shoulder-in — then set a clear focus for your next session based on what you see.
Yard kit checklist to make Pivo easy
A tripod, remote, travel case, phone protection and a power bank make Pivo simpler to use year‑round in the UK. Add a few training essentials so your horse and you are comfortable, visible, and ready to work on camera.
- Tripod and remote: a solid tripod is non-negotiable; a remote starts/stops recording from the saddle.
- Phone protection: use a snug case and rain cover; keep a microfibre cloth handy for the lens.
- Power planning: a compact power bank keeps you filming through clinics and back-to-back lessons.
- Weather-ready horsewear: in wet or changeable weather, have reliable turnout rugs on hand for warm-ups and cool-downs; in summer, reduce distractions with breathable fly rugs and sheets.
- Leg protection: support schooling sessions with appropriate horse boots and bandages for your discipline.
- Rider comfort and safety: confidence on camera starts with fit-for-purpose kit — choose supportive women’s jodhpurs and breeches, secure horse riding boots, and an up-to-standard riding helmet.
- Visibility outdoors: for hacking and outdoor schools on dull days, wear hi-vis riding gear so you stand out on video and to others on site.
- Pre-ride prep: a quick brush-up adds definition that helps tracking; stock up on quality grooming tools to keep coats camera-ready.
At Just Horse Riders, we recommend proven brands and yard staples that complement tech like Pivo — think weather-smart layers from Weatherbeeta and everyday essentials that keep you training in comfort when the British weather won’t play ball.
Buying second-hand? Read this first
Second‑hand Pivo units can be good value, but check battery health, app compatibility and in‑arena tracking before you commit. A quick in-yard test can save you frustration later.
UK forum users say used units undercut the price of alternatives, but you should verify condition (source):
- Battery: confirm it still delivers close to the 10–12 hours expected; ask for proof of recent use time.
- App and phone: ensure your phone is supported and the Pivo app runs correctly on your current OS.
- Tracking test: request or film a short clip in an arena to confirm tracking and auto zoom work as they should.
- Accessories: factor in the cost of a tripod, remote, and travel case if they’re not included.
Quick tip: If you can, meet at a yard and run a 5-minute test ride. If tracking drops repeatedly in a simple setup, walk away.
The Just Horse Riders verdict
For UK riders schooling solo, Pivo Silver is a smart, affordable way to capture quality training video when set up correctly. Its 360° tracking, auto zoom, and long battery life make it ideal for regular schooling, clinics, and behaviour sessions across British indoor and outdoor arenas.
Get your yard kit sorted — from weather-ready turnout rugs to protective training boots and a safe, up-to-date helmet — and you’ll have everything you need to film, review, and improve with confidence.
FAQs
Is Pivo good for dressage training in the UK?
Yes. Pivo is an official member benefit with British Dressage, who highlight its 360° tracking and quick setup for solo riders in indoor or outdoor schools (source). It’s designed to follow you around the arena and keep you centred for clear review.
Which Pivo model is best for behaviour courses and schooling?
Pivo Silver. It offers enhanced 360° horse tracking and auto zoom tailored for equestrian use, outperforming entry-level options like Lite (source, source).
How long does the Pivo battery last, and how should I plan winter sessions?
Pivo’s battery lasts 10–12 hours, which is great for long summer sessions. In winter’s short daylight windows, keep it topped up between rides and consider a small power bank so you never miss a key schooling block (source).
Does Pivo work outdoors in typical UK wind and rain?
Yes, provided you secure a sturdy tripod and use a travel case/phone cover for transport and light rain protection. Like any panning system, performance in extreme weather is limited, so set up thoughtfully and avoid severe conditions (source).
Can Pivo track different breeds and gaits accurately?
Yes. Reviewers have tested Pivo with horses of different breeds and abilities and were impressed by its accuracy and ease of use for movement analysis (source).
What’s the basic setup I need every ride?
Tripod on level ground, Pivo mounted and paired via Bluetooth, your phone in the mount, tracking mode selected in the Pivo app, and Airplane/Do Not Disturb enabled. Do a 10-second test clip to confirm framing before you start work (source).
Is a second-hand Pivo worth it?
It can be. UK riders report savings over alternatives, but check battery life, app compatibility, and do a quick arena tracking test before you buy (source).
