Clinics Pro and Ringside Pro: Tech Tools for the Competitive Equestrian

Emma Fass and her horse Son of a Sailor at the ANRC horse show.

The advantage of growing up in a family of equestrians is that you are immersed in the horse world before you even know how to ride. Influences such as Freddie Vasquez Jr are out there and finding inspiration in competitive horse shows is important for any passionate rider. Emma Fass, founder of Clinics Pro and Ringside Pro, aged 24, grew up in Newport News, Virginia and learned all about horses from her parents and siblings which resulted in riding and showing throughout her youth. 

“Both my Mom and my sister competed and for as long as I can remember horses have always been in our family,” said Emma. “I really enjoy the horse community and the amount of education and camaraderie it helps prepare you for the real world.” She learned the value of a strong work ethic from her trainers, Peg Seals and Laura Wright. “They are two of my personal heroes and have taught me that "the early bird gets the worm" by showing me first-hand.” 

Emma feels lucky to own her own horse, Son of a Sailor, for 10 years. “He's such a special horse with a big heart. He's just as happy to cuddle in his stall as he is to jump a 3'6" course,” shared Emma. Having shown him in Children's Hunters for a few years, they won the NAL Children's Hunter Finals in 2013. He is now boarded at Freedom Farm with Peg and Laura where Emma takes lessons and enjoys trail riding.

Competing at Blowing Rock in 2012.

Emma started her professional life in Washington D.C. after college, graduating with a degree in computer science and business and became a technical consultant. But soon her horse background merged with technology and she developed an online solution for two different horse world needs. The Tech Equestrian had the chance to connect with Emma and learn that a horse background combined with a solid need and business plan, plus a lot of determination are ingredients that can help build a brand in an industry ready for change. “My solutions focus on two different services that are targeting two different groups,” explained Emma. “I did a good amount of research and received feedback on these offerings to help shape the platforms,” she added. 

Clinics Pro: Lessons and Judging Serve to Answer a Virtual-World Need
Launched in the spring of 2020 and given the fact that the pandemic curtailed any type of in-person events, the goal was for equestrians to submit a hunter/jumper video to USEF judges for feedback. “I approached a group of judges I personally know to start the pilot and I uncovered the fact that this was a revenue generator for judges who were sidelined due to lack of live shows.” Emma set the perimeters – videos can take place at home (i.e. lesson) or at a show and can only be 3 minutes in length and judges have a one-week window to review and provide score/judges card. Riders are encouraged to complete a profile in order to provide the judge more context and background on riding. Soon after videos were submitted, the experience became an eye-opener for competitors, “There was a very positive response and it became a great learning tool,” shared Emma.

“One of the obstacles (no pun intended) was that equestrians were at first hesitant of getting negative feedback,” said Emma, “However, I wanted to make sure judges incorporated three to four positive comments and any constructive mentions, it’s really a blend of technical, style and turnout feedback.” Clinics Pro is not only a way to refine your ride in the show ring, but it is a cost-effective tool. “I worked hard to make it reasonably priced and affordable,” Emma highlighted. The average price is $20 per video with a 15% service fee. Pricing is subject to change based on type of round and judge/clinician. 

Ringside Pro: Text Messaging Makes for a Smooth and Informed Show Experience
The ‘hurry up and wait’ horse show experience will soon be a thing of the past once Ringside Pro becomes a staple at horse shows. Designed to enable horse show managers to send text messages to exhibitors to keep everyone informed will be a game-changer. “We rely on our in-gate staff and the announcer to keep everything on track, and this will be another welcome tool in the process,” explained Emma. Given the fact that everyone carries a phone with them, it makes it easy to send out alerts. “It can also serve as a back-up in case your speaker system goes out – which recently happened at a show,” cited Emma. Again, the attention is on keeping the product low-cost and easy to use, so the pricing depends on length of the show. “It gives riders and trainers more flexibility and allows for better planning of your day at the show.”

This product is geared toward horse show managers and show producers looking for ways to tech-enable shows and offer a better experience than the competition. More than 28 shows across the country and Canada have used Ringside Pro from 1-day schooling shows to 5-day AA-rated shows. “The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Emma. “A trainer in Virginia recently told me he wants to have the text alerts at every show he goes to because for the first time, he felt comfortable grabbing breakfast at his hotel knowing he would get any updates about the show right to his phone.” Additional feedback from show managers say that Ringside Pro helps keep the in-gate clear, which has really helped with their social distancing efforts. The in-gate staff are also seeing the benefits first-hand when people walk up to stop, check their phones, and say "Oh I just got an alert that there are 5 trips left." – saving time and keeping things moving!

Having goals are one of the keys to success when it comes to providing top technology solutions in the horse world and Emma wants to expand these products to other disciplines that can benefit.

Emma and her horse, Son of a Sailor enjoying quiet time at the farm. Photo credit: Kiki Konopnicki

Website: https://www.ringsidepro.com
Facebook: @ringsidepro
Instagram: ringsideproinsta