Indoor Clear Round over show jumps @ Appleton Grange
Saturday 25 October 2025
Entries close TODAY!
The world of equestrian sports remains steeped in centuries-old tradition, specifically around dress codes, behaviour and etiquette. Yet despite this, a modern pulse beats beneath the surface. Spectators watch action on smartphones, while trainers and gamblers analyse statistics and performance data in real time.
Few sports remain as true to their historical roots while actively adopting tech and data-driven solutions. For equestrian sports to thrive, they must maintain this balance and continue to offer a day that delivers on aesthetics and excitement.
Traditions are an important part of equestrian sports, and they are non-negotiable. The red hunting coats, white breeches and immaculate leather boots are reminders of the sport’s heritage among the aristocracy. The strict dress code of competitors and spectators alike is about showing respect to the occasion and the history of the sport. This adherence to old customs creates a ceremonial atmosphere that surrounds equestrian sports.
Preserving the sport’s heritage is about ensuring it never loses its character or identity. Competition grounds like Badminton and Hickstead are living museums steeped in history that echoes in every hoofstep. Modern venues cannot capture the same sense of grandeur that comes from watching riders tackle fences that have existed for decades, where every success and failure is etched into the fence rails.
The deepest roots of equestrian tradition lie in its breeding practices. Studbooks are carefully maintained, tracing lineages back through centuries. Breeders study pedigrees with near devotion, seeking out stallions and mares of distinguished lineage. Matching breeding partners requires art and science in search of the most remarkable equine athletes of their generation.
However, behind the tradition, technology is being adopted and slowly changing everything.
Technology is reshaping the world of equestrian sports, behind the scenes and in the public eye. Livestreaming has created a global community, no longer stuck behind geographical barriers. Today, a horse enthusiast in Brighton can bet on horse racing in Sydney or show jumping in Aachen without having to leave the comfort of their own home. As a result, horse sports have been exposed to a broader audience and a new generation of fans who would likely never have considered attending an event in person.
Even for those who still attend equine competitions, digital ticketing has modernised and streamlined the spectator experience. People no longer stand in queues with paper tickets, hoping they hadn’t lost or damaged them. A smartphone and a QR code are now all you need to get instant entry. Alongside the ease of entry, digital records also provide event organisers with a wealth of analytical data that can help them tailor experiences to cater to the needs of a modern crowd.
Technology has also revolutionised training, with riders now able to access video analysis of their previous rides or of their competition. GPS trackers allow for the study of terrain and optimise their course strategy for each specific location. Even the horses themselves are monitored and tracked to ensure they are in top physical condition, with action taken at the first sign of a problem. Technology hasn’t subtracted from the splendour of equestrian sports but enhanced it.
Equestrian sports are not alone in working on maintaining traditional values while embracing modern digital technology. Across different industries and organisations, the struggle to embrace a digital-first future is real. This is not a new struggle. The natural evolution of the world makes this a common occurrence. Classic car shows now feature electric vehicles, and publishing companies have embraced eBooks alongside traditional physical books.
The gaming industry has also undergone considerable evolution. Classic casino games are now available online, playable on a mobile phone. Leading online slot titles offer the same thrill as their physical counterparts, using the same fundamental mechanics with a digital twist. Often, digital games offer an even more immersive experience than traditional physical casino games.
Evolution does not mean the rejection of tradition. This is especially evident in the equine sports world, where traditions are the cornerstone of its identity. When the right balance is struck, the sport becomes stronger and more popular.
The weight of tradition in equestrian sports commands attention and is an important aspect in the eyes of sponsors. It also justifies the ticket price, prize money and salaries of those involved. Respecting traditions is what keeps the sport popular, gives it an edge with media coverage and stops it from becoming just another sporting competition.
However, innovation and embracing modern trends are key ways to appeal to new generations. To stay relevant in today’s marketplace, equestrians must accept that technology will need to stand alongside the culture and history of the sport. Fans want to see their favourite riders post on Instagram and document their days both on and off the horse. They want analytics and studies to provide them with greater insight into how the sport operates.
There is a safety and a familiar comfort in the ‘old ways’, and many fans watching feel it too. However, sustainable financial success requires adaptation and upgrades. Incorporating technology does this in a way that allows the traditions of old to be enhanced rather than compromised.
The Burghley Horse Trials is an excellent example of how this is done right now. The traditional cross-country event retains its formal grandeur in person while offering excellent live streaming and fan engagement zones. The result is an event that appeals to purists and new fans alike, uniting them under a shared interest and opening both up to learn something new.
Modernisation is the future for equestrian sports. However, it is not to be done at the expense of the sport’s identity. It is a sport of powerful heritage with a deep-rooted history and meaning. Modernising the sport allows it to reach a wider audience and bring in new fans to ensure the future of the sport is secure.
When done right, equine events will remain special by retaining the important traditions, such as breeding, while enhancing them with the use of technology to ensure the best possible results. That level of balance is not easy to maintain, but it is essential. The ability of equestrian sports to incorporate tech so well into their existing customs could be defined as their greatest competitive advantage.
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