AI-Powered Training Technology and a Turnkey Business Model Poised to Accelerate Growth in Equestrian Sport
[San Jose, CA — September 9, 2025] — Virtual equestrian competition began as a response to the pandemic crisis and has since grown in a slow and steady manner. But now, with the introduction of Pivo’s AI-powered technology and innovation, the sport is set for accelerated growth — positioning virtual competition to become one of the most important drivers of equestrian sport and participation.
With this shift, Pivo — the worldwide leader in AI-powered equestrian training technology — is stepping into competition for the first time as an innovation partner. In collaboration with Spotlight Horse Shows, Pivo is launching the Fall 2025 Online Dressage Challenge: “Ride. Record. Succeed.” — a breakthrough initiative designed to expand participation, empower organizers, and deliver smarter, more educational competition experiences for riders everywhere.
From Pandemic Fix to Accelerated Future
Virtual testing was created not for elites, but for every rider — offering structure, goals, and professional feedback without the cost, travel, or logistics of traditional shows. It proved its value during the pandemic, but until now, its growth has been steady rather than transformative.
“Virtual testing has always held promise, but it needed technology to take the next step,” said Ken Kim, CEO of Pivo. “Pivo is that catalyst. We’re not here to compete with organizers — we’re here to accelerate their growth by giving them innovation that expands participation and improves the rider experience.”
By fusing advanced AI technology with Spotlight’s proven business platform, the partnership is turning virtual competition into a scalable, sustainable, and enduring growth engine for equestrian sport.
AI Motion Tracking Eliminates the Recording Barrier
The biggest challenge for riders entering online tests has always been video. Tripods, friends, or inconsistent footage discouraged participation. Many riders never entered at all because they didn’t know how to create a judge-ready video.
Pivo’s innovation changes that:
- AI-driven Instant Test presets in the Pivo app automatically apply all discipline-specific settings — including auto zoom, target exposure, and predictive follow.
- Simple instructional videos make setup easy for riders at every level.
- Integration with Spotlight’s entry platform creates a seamless start-to-finish experience.
By removing the recording barrier, Pivo will accelerate rider participation — making it easier for more people to enter, stay involved, and benefit from competition.
Spotlight Delivers the Business Model That Grows Organizers
While Pivo brings the technology, Spotlight Horse Shows delivers the business engine that makes virtual events viable for federations, associations, and independent organizers.
“Spotlight was created to make competition more accessible and rewarding,” said Gail Matheus, President of Spotlight Horse Shows. “With Pivo’s AI innovation, we hope to enable more organizers to offer this type of competition, grow rider participation, and develop a strong entry point into equestrian sport.”
Spotlight’s turnkey platform is designed to reduce the traditional burdens of event management by:
- Eliminating facility costs — competitions run virtually, without venues.
- Minimizing staffing requirements — Spotlight manages judging, scoring, and results.
- Providing built-in marketing support — co-branded campaigns drive entries and visibility.
- Creating new revenue streams — organizers earn commissionable revenue without upfront risk.
The result: organizers can confidently add virtual competition to their offerings, attract new participants, and grow their business — with minimal manpower and financial risk.
More Riders. Smarter Technology. A Stronger Sport.
With more than 200,000 riders and coaches in 100+ countries, Pivo is already the trusted leader in equestrian training technology. As the Official FEI Training Technology Partner and the Official USEF Training Technology Partner, and through partnerships with Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA), United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), Cowboy Dressage World (CDW), Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and US Pony Clubs, Pivo has proven how AI and innovation can modernize equestrian training.
Alongside this expansion into competition, Pivo is also simplifying and strengthening its product line. The company has unified its devices under a single name: Pivo Pods. By retiring the separate Lite and Silver versions, Pivo ensures that every rider now has access to the same advanced features, software, and upgrade potential — choosing only the color that best fits their style. This change underscores Pivo’s mission to remove barriers, make technology more accessible, and empower every rider to train, learn, and compete.
Now, in partnership with Spotlight Horse Shows, Pivo is extending that impact into competition. The Fall 2025 Pivo Online Dressage Challenge: “Ride. Record. Succeed.” launches October 3, 2025, as the first step in a multi-year movement to:
- Bring more riders into competition.
- Enable more organizations and federations to grow their business.
- Build better riders and better horses through technology-driven feedback.
For organizers, the partnership offers more than just technology: it provides a ready-to-implement framework for launching and managing virtual competitions that can expand membership, increase participation, and engage new communities of riders. For riders, it opens doors to compete, learn, and improve — no matter where they live or what resources they have locally.
By leveraging AI-powered technology, Spotlight Horse Shows and Pivo are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen equestrian sport and provide new opportunities for riders at every level.
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT HORSE SHOWS
Spotlight Horse Shows is an online show management company that works with corporate clients to develop and implement programs tailored to their needs. Clients include FHANA, The American Driving Society, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Western Dressage Association of America affiliates, and US Dressage Federation group members - https://www.spotlighthorseshows.com/
ABOUT PIVO INC.
Pivo Inc. is a U.S.-based technology company specializing in AI-powered smartphone robotics that transform mobile devices into intelligent, hands-free, auto-tracking cameras.
Pivo Equestrian is the world’s leading equestrian video training system, trusted by over 200,000 riders and coaches globally. Pivo helps riders capture high-quality training footage, participate in virtual lessons, and improve performance through accessible, affordable video solutions.
Pivo is the Official FEI Training Technology Partner and the Official USEF Training Technology Partner, the Official Partner of the USEF International Disciplines Program, and the Official Supplier to the U.S. Equestrian Teams. Pivo has also partnered with WDAA, CDW, IHSA, and the US Pony Clubs, Inc.
Pivo has received global recognition for innovation, including the CES Innovation Award, iF Design Award, and Spoga Horse Innovation of the Year. Learn more at www.pivoequestrian.com