2019 Readers’ Choice Awards: World Equestrian Brands Helmet/Drone Cam of the Year

Which video should be crowned the best helmet or drone cam video of the year? You decide!

At the end of each December, we at Horse Nation like to look back on the year that was and highlight the articles, essays and videos that most inspired readers, triggered important conversations or had everyone rolling on the floor with laughter — and then let readers decide which one is deserving of the title of the Best of the Year.

Our weekly Helmet/Drone Cam video is an opportunity to take a different look at the horse world that we love and enjoy a new perspective. Review our top five helmet/drone cams from 2019 and vote for your favorite!

Mounted Archery

Originally published on July 31, 2019.

Riding a horse is enthralling. Dropping the reins while riding gives a more exhilarating experience, but performing another activity while the horse is working beneath you heightens that experience, taking it to another level. In this video, we’re not sure if we’re more mesmerized by the rider’s effortless archery skills or the horse’s fluid gait. It may be that the two rhythmically move as one as if they’re dancing, which is all the more captivating from the view of a drone. It almost feels as if we’re on the exhilarating ride alongside them!

Racehorse Style

Originally published on October 2, 2019.

Most racehorses have long strides accompanied by power and speed. While fast and powerful, these horses look smooth and graceful to bystanders, but this point of view shows the astronomical amount of power that drives them.

Watch the miles per hour climb on this helmet cam as this horse and rider combination breeze around!

Quite the Facility

Originally published on November 20, 2019.

Looking at this facility from a drone’s view has us drooling. The amount of sanded area to ride on makes us jealous, and watching these two equestrians canter around on it is really rubbing it in. As you watch this drone view of these two riders, you’ll feel like you’re riding along right behind them. You’ll also get a glimpse of the immaculate facility from a bird’s eye view.

Pole Bending

Originally published on November 27, 2019.

Pole bending is a difficult event. The rider and horse need to be on the same page about when to weave. The rider really has to utilize her legs to cue the horse to move over and complete multiple flying lead changes. Timing is everything. If the rider cues her horse to move just a hair early or late, it results in a knocked pole. This helmet cam footage shows exactly how precise the team needs to be.

Trail Canter

Originally published on December 4, 2019.

There’s no better sound than that of your horse cantering on a dirt path through the woods and there’s no better feeling than sitting atop your steed as you hack around by yourself to enjoy nature, the scenery and your horse. The different shades of green of the shrubbery and the clicking of the hooves on the path make for a wonderful experience and this helmet cam view gives us the feel as if we, the viewers, are actually cantering through the woods on horseback.