Our modern technology has built an incredibly powerful computer that fits in your hand: A smart phone. The creation of apps to help every aspect of our lives has also extended to the horse world. While riding is a great chance to disconnect from the internet, your riding life can also be enhanced by apps that have been thoughtfully designed specifically for horse folks. Here, we’re highlighting three apps that might help you level up your horsemanship, gather data about your horse, or find friendship and support.
RideLife
Description: Created by Western riding coach Shannon Pigott, RideLife is a community of riders enjoying signature RideLife membership benefits, exclusive courses, and tailored content in real life and through a private digital app. It is designed to support every aspect of a competitive horse rider’s journey, with a focus on reined cow horse, cutting, and ranch versatility/stock horse disciplines.
Why it was created: “I created this community because so many riders spend a lot of time riding alone,” Pigott says. “They might attend a show or take a lesson, but in between, they’re often left feeling isolated, unsure of what to work on with their horse, and without the support of others to encourage, guide, and cheer them on. I wanted to change that.”
Target users: This community is designed for any rider who is competing, or wants to compete, in reined cow horse, cutting or ranch versatility. While many of Pigott’s clients are around 60 years old, she also works with a lot of youth riders. The ideal member is goal-oriented, eager to learn, and values being part of a supportive group where people invest in one another’s success.
Key features: A robust learning library filled with foundational principle exercises, videos, and digital downloads. Members also have access to a private space to connect, ask questions, and cheer each other on. There’s a marketplace where members can buy and sell products and services. RideLife Digital has an area called Foodies, where members share recipes, request ideas, or plan great parties. There is also an events page, tools to connect with trainers to schedule lessons, and specialized courses.
How to access: RideLife Digital is a private and secure digital platform accessible through a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Most members prefer using the native app on their phone, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Cost: The annual cost of membership varies depending on whether someone is referred by a current member or joins as a new member, ranging from $199 to $399 per year. For those who prefer flexibility, there are monthly membership plans.
Equilab
Description: Equilab is the world’s leading app for equestrians. It lets you track rides and manage your horses anywhere using your smartphone. The app provides detailed analysis with the data collected from your trainings including distance, speed, gaits, turns, and more. Many of the app’s features are available for free, but users can subscribe to the Premium plan to unlock several extra features, including Safety Tracking for contacts, detailed trend analysis, live Audio Stats while riding, and more.
Why it was created: “Equilab was founded by a triathlete who noticed that there were lots of tools to help runners and cyclists get better and stronger, but none for equestrians,” says Grant Shisler with Equilab. “So they set out to create an app that would let riders and their horses see how they are improving over time, whether training for a competition or cherishing their growth over a lifetime. Our team began building the app in 2016, and the first version was released in 2017. Since then, we’ve been empowering equestrians everywhere, and more than 1.5 million people have download our app.”
Target users: All kinds of equestrians—anyone who rides or trains outdoors will find it helpful. Those who ride alone or are parents of young riders love the app’s Safety Tracking feature (which shares the rider’s location in real-time, and sends alerts if they stop moving for too long). Trail riders can discover new places to ride and follow routes from their phone, while those who do barrel racing or endurance riding can see their speed and get an aerial view of their training. New riders like seeing how they are progressing in their time, distance, and speed while riding, while experienced riders appreciate viewing their riding trends over months and years.
Key features: Free features include tracking of rides that includes gait detection, turn analysis, weather data, and trimming rides. Other features: an equine calendar to schedule vet or farrier appointments, the ability to upload records or documents, a social feed and groups for connecting with friends and fellow riders, achievements to earn for your profile, monthly challenges, and a shareable yearly recap. Premium members can enjoy safety tracking, detailed statistics, analysis of trends, ability to add unlimited horses, an audio coach, tracking with other devices, and data exporting options.
How to access: Mobile apps for iPhone and Androids
Cost: The basic app is free. A Premium annual subscription is $99.99, or choose a monthly $12.99 option.
Ridely
Description: Ridely offers personalized programs powered by an AI coach tailored to you and your horse, as well as 500+ expert-led videos. Need to track your progress? Use the interactive calendar to log every session and monitor your progress. Worried about riding alone? The RideSafe tracker lets loved ones follow your rides in real-time for added peace of mind. Ridely addresses the everyday challenges of equestrian life, helping you stay consistent and motivated. Improve your skills and your horse care knowledge while you deepen your connection with your horse—all from the convenience of your phone.
Why it was created: “Our mission is to provide every equestrian with access to world-class learning, top trainers, and essential tools like our AI Coach,” says Ingrid Sundqvist, Ridely founder and CEO. “Ridely is your training partner in your pocket—helping you learn, grow, and enjoy your sport and your horse even more. We hope Ridely brings you more magical moments with your horse!”
Target users: Riders of all levels who want help structuring training or riding time with their horse.
Key features: Your own AI Coach; personalized training programs; RideSafe tracker that allows real-time sharing with loved ones and tracks metrics like your distance and speed; extensive video library; interactive calendar to log and plan riding sessions, track progress and manage horse-related activities; a safe and supportive community focused on various equestrian topics; and challenges to keep you motivated.
How to access: The mobile app is available for Apple and Android phones.
Cost: Available in a free version with basic features, or Ridely PRO, with access to all features and exclusive video exercises with top international riders and trainers. Ridely Pro is $35 a month, or $149 yearly, or you can get lifetime access for a one-time fee of $449.
This article about riding apps appeared in the February 2025 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
