Android Smartphone Mount for Horse Riding

Smartphones are the perfect filming device when riding a horse, as they are pocket size and have built-in optical image stabilisation. Unlike a handheld camera where the footage becomes a 30-second tribute to the sky or ground, a smartphone can be fixed to a helmet, pole or chest harness to hold it steady and allow you to concentrate on riding. Kind of important!

There are oodles of smartphone accessories that you can buy. We’ve researched quite a few to find the best angle when riding. This is the equipment that works for us:

Velocity Clip and Chest Mount - we don’t have the chest harness to test, but have seen footage using the chest harness when riding a horse. Its a great angle to view your ride from, however the entire frame is of your horse’s neck. And also when you ride, your moving your head to take in scenery not your chest, so it will be a completely static view the entire time. Rider's preference with this one.

Velocity Clip and Head Mount - this is a easy and no-fuss way to record when riding. If you don’t ride in a helmet (we recommend you ride in a helmet!), then the head mount can fit over a cap. You need to make sure its titled so it has your horse’s head and neck in the foreground to give perspective when filming. If you’re going for a leisurely trail ride through the bush, you’ll need to switch it up.

Pole Monopod Mount - Last but certainly not least, we find this is the best mount for riding. Its not for everyone, as you have to ride one handed the entire time, so if you have a horse above your skills, it might not be wise. It gives you a range of angles, where you can film an aerial shot of yourself riding along and your fellow riders.

Once home, it’s the moment of truth where you can watch your captured video/image files from your trip and relive your ride. No doubt you’ll have a library of video files of your trip, some will be great and you'll want to show friends and family! Remember, with PlotMyTrot there's no huge video files - simply generate a link and share away via Facebook or via email. And, if you have the skills, you should compile the highlights of your video footage and put it together into a video montage.

Have fun!