‘Thrilling’: take a virtual ride around the British Open with Harry Meade
Eventing fans can now “immerse themselves in the thrill” of riding the British Open course, without having to leave the sofa.
Footage recorded by Harry Meade wearing a 360-degree camera provides a unique viewer experience.
By using the cursor or a mobile device, viewers can navigate 360 views around the screen and watch Harry from every angle as he gallops around the track.
The recording was taken by Harry last year (7 August) and has recently been released by his sponsor Land Rover.
Equestrian 360Ride the cross-country course at Gatcombe Park in 360 degrees with Harry Meade Eventing. With the British eventing season underway this weekend, watch Harry from every possible angle as he gallops around the famous Cotswold track. You can experience 360 for yourself on the Land Rover stand at various events this year, including Burghley and Royal Windsor.Posted by Land Rover on Monday, February 27, 2017
Harry rode Vrolijk (Dude) around part of the British Open track at Gatcombe prior to the competition and filmed the entire round.
The top rider said 15-year-old Dude was unfazed by the camera, which Harry wore mounted on a harness on his upper body.
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“With the British eventing season getting under way this weekend, long-term supporter of equestrian sport, Land Rover, has released the world’s first 360-degree virtual reality cross-country video,” said a Land Rover spokesman.
“Featuring professional event rider, Harry Meade, viewers can immerse themselves in the thrill of riding around the British Open cross-country course at Gatcombe Park.”
The film will also be available for equestrian fans to experience via an Oculus headset at various events this year, including as Royal Windsor Horse Show (10-14 May), the Festival of British Eventing (4-6 August) and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (31 August – 3 September).
Public reaction
The footage has caused a stir online, attracting thousands of likes, comments and shares on social media.
“It’s like an old computer game!” Kelly-Joanne Mckellar commented on Facebook. “I feel like I need to press the space bar as he approaches a jump.”
Gill Cattroll added: “He makes it look too easy! Trust me I have done some cross-country but not at this level — it is not easy.”
Fellow Facebook user Kelly said: “Wow takes me back when I used to do eventing. Miss it so much.”
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.