Lessons from The Moreton Show to Help You Create Equine Video Marketing Content

The annual Moreton Show in Moreton-in-Marsh is a fantastic event that draws crowds from far and wide. We were tasked with the exciting challenge of capturing the essence of this wonderful, friendly show, creating one and two-minute films that showcased the huge array of classes.

Filming at outdoor events like Moreton comes with its own set of challenges, many of which you may experience when creating your own equine video content to promote your business.?

Here's just a handful of the challenges we encountered on the day:

1. Misty Conditions: The day started with a low lying mist, which can affect lighting and visibility. To combat this, we adjusted our camera settings to account for the diffused light so that we could boost the colour in the edit if needed to match shots taken in better light? later in day.
2. Simultaneous Events: With multiple classes occurring concurrently, we created a flexible shooting schedule, focusing on capturing a variety of events rather than trying to film everything. I also had my Google Pixel 7 pro and my U rig in action and the smartphone footage ensured we had a real mix of footage for our edit which cut in nicely
3. Changing Schedules: As with many live events, timekeeping was a challenge due to constant schedule changes. You need to remain adaptable in these situations, always having a backup plan for what to film next if the intended shot isn’t available.

OK Jay, so how does your experience at the Morerton Show apply to the videos I want to create for my equine business on my phone?

Well, as an equine business owner, creating engaging video content can significantly boost your online presence when it looks professional.? Fear of it all looking c**p is what stops a lot of people from starting. ? Use these quick practical tips for filming content at your own yard or stables, using just your smartphone:

1. Clean Your Lens: Before filming always clean your smartphone camera lens. A smudged lens can ruin otherwise great footage and equestrians pockets are mucky.
2. Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, film outdoors in natural light. Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting conditions.
3. Stabilise Your Shot: If you don’t have a smartphone tripod or a U rig, just cut two strips in your coffee up adn jam your phone in there, or buy a cheap suction cup sticky pad so that your phone is stable to avoid shaky footage. If filming handheld, keep your movements slow and steady and jam your arms to your sides to help minimise jarring.
4. Frame Your Shots: Use the rule of thirds to compose visually appealing shots. Most smartphones have a grid overlay option in the camera settings, use the 3 x 3 option to help you out.?
5. Focus on Sound: Wind can be a major issue when filming outdoors. Use a clip-on lavalier mic with it’s windsoc on or film in a sheltered area to improve audio quality.
6. Landscape vs. Portrait: Consider where your video will be shared. Use landscape for YouTube and LinkedIn and portrait for Instagram Stories Reels and TikTok.
7. Showcase Your Facilities: Include shots of your stables, arena, and any paddocks to give potential clients a feel for your environment.
8. Feature Your Horses: They don;t have to be in action - they can be hanging out with you, being? groomed, or simply grazing but they form an emotional bond with a viewer.

1. Involve Your Team: Include staff members (if you have them) in your videos. This personalises your business and builds trust with potential clients.
2. Keep It Short: Aim for videos between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This keeps viewer attention and makes editing more manageable.
3. Use Easy Apps:?InShot, Kinemaster and CapCut allow you to trim clips, add music, and include text overlays easily on your phone and dont need you to be techie
4. Plan Your Content: Before filming, always have a clear idea of what you want to showcase. This could be a day in the life at your yard, a specific service you offer, or a client success story but always have a shot list written down.
5. Be Authentic: Don't worry about making everything perfect.? Authenticity often resonates more with equestrian? viewers than overly polished content.
6. Consider Using a Light: A small clip on adjustable? light can greatly improve your videos, especially for close-ups or in dimly lit areas of the yard and we know the ones that literally wont scare the horses
7. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you film, the better you'll become. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your equine business in its best light while providing valuable and engaging content for your audience. With these tips and regular practice, your smartphone can start creating professional-looking videos.

If you want an easy way to start with social media then buy our Done for your Reels Kit with over 60 4k video clips to get you started!