When we think of an equestrian video, we often picture a spectacular jump, a competition or a beautiful horse. A cinematic equestrian video, however, is about much more than that.
My goal is not simply to record what happens in front of me. I want to show what it feels like to be there.
The story begins before the shoot
I start every video project with a consultation. We discuss what you want to show, who or what the main characters of the video are, and what the film is for.
A competition video calls for a completely different visual style than a riding centre introduction or a horse presentation. That is why, even before filming, I am already thinking about the story and the moments that will later come together into the finished film.
It’s not only the big moments that count
A horse’s jump or the decisive moment of a competition can of course be an important part of the video. But it is often the smaller details that make a film personal.
The beat of a hoof, the look in a horse’s eye, the adjusting of a saddle, a rider’s concentration or a shared moment between horse and rider – these are all details that bring the story closer to the viewer.
With slow-motion footage, close-up shots and different camera angles, these details can be given emphasis too.
Editing sets the rhythm of the video
After the shoot comes one of the most important parts of post-production: editing.
Choosing the right scenes creates the rhythm of the video. Faster cuts can work well for a dynamic competition video, while in a portrait film or a story-driven video I can give each scene more time.
Music, colour correction, slow motion and other cinematic techniques all serve to make the finished equestrian video cohesive and atmospheric.
The goal: not just to see it, but to feel it
For me, a good cinematic equestrian video really works when it shows not only what happened, but also conveys something of the feeling you could experience on location.
Whether it is an equestrian competition, a horse presentation, a stud or a personal story, this cinematic, emotional approach is what I look for in every project.
Because a good equestrian video is not just a series of shots. It is a story you can live again and again.
