Experiences using Pivo for lessons with a remote trainer?

[slp2]

A group of us just lost our trainer (she moved out of state) and are contemplating options for getting regular training. We are talking with a trainer who is further away and mentioned that she has done lessons with students via Pivo. A couple of us have used Pivo for videotaping our rides----but not for a lesson with an instructor sitting elsewhere teaching us.

So looking to see if anyone here has used this for lessons? What have been your experiences, and challenges? I know when I have used Pivo for taping a ride, it was a problem to have multiple horses in the ring at the same time as it sometimes starts taping another horse. Apparently, the trainer can control the view and “find” you and your horse again, so that is no longer a problem.

For those that have done remote lessons—what are the downsides to not having someone “in the ring” with you and just chiming in virtually? Also, some of the tech issues that I have questions on—do you need a good Wifi connection in the barn? What about battery life of your phone? Cold weather seems to kill my iPhone battery quickly. Not sure I can get 45 minutes out of my battery for taping in our typical winter temps.

I know there is a Pivo users group on FB—but curious to see if anyone here has experiences doing remote lessons.

[K_VanOlst]

I have seen folks try with mixed results. The things you mentioned do directly affect the success - wifi strength in the barn, phone battery, etc. I also think a lot depends on what phone you have - Pivo seems to function best on the latest and greatest iPhones, and middling success on Android phones.

As far as the trainer being able to “find” you even with other horses in the ring, you may want to test that feature with a friend before you commit to lessons. Yes the trainer can manually control the view if you give them that option, but there may be a slight lag.

[CobJockey]

It was flawless for me from early 2020 through the end of 2021 on flagship 0-2 year old Samsung phones, but it has been basically unusable since for myself and my barnmate - losing the horse for no reason on a very regular basis with both the video recording and the Pivo Meet features no matter which app I use. We have switched back to videoing each other’s lessons by hand. But before then, it was incredible. I took weekly Second Level lessons from a GP trainer (which we do not have access to in my area) and it very rarely lost me.

[joiedevie99]

I have friends who ride with a trainer in Europe every weekend. It seems to work quite well for them (they have excellent wifi).

[Lusoluv]

I give lessons to a remote student on Pixem. I know you asked for feedback on Pivo, but just in case others read this thread and don’t have either, I can highly recommend Pixem. You do need good wi-fi, but it is a good, interactive way of teaching/learning. The rider wears a wristband (looks like a smartwatch) so the camera tracks them seamlessly.

[slp2]

Interesting! I recall when Pixem (or a similar product) initially came out—they had limited use indoors because they used satellites for tracking. Sounds like they have solved that issue! It’s pricier than Pivo—however, I am assuming that everyone could share the watch (making it something a group could share the cost on). With Pivo—each person would need to buy the app (and Pivo device) individually because it only connects to one device. I will do a little research on the Pixem!

[sorrelfilly721]

I regularly use Pivo for lessons. I feel as if the trainer is there with me. You have to make sure there are no other horses in the arena with your or rectangular shapes such as garage doors close by as the Pivo will track on them and not you. The trainer can move the focus on their end though. I use PowerBeats wireless headphones and I bring an extra power pack. I also live in a hot climate, so I shade the phone and put a phone cooler on. It’s kind of a lot of setup, but once you get it all going, it works great! I don’t use the full dressage court as Pivo will lose you if you get too far away. I use about a 20 x 40 area and it tracks well. Only drawback is you cannot livestream and record at the same time. You need to have good cell service.

[K_VanOlst]

@slp2

With Pivo—each person would need to buy the app (and Pivo device) individually because it only connects to one device.

No, you would just need one Pivo, and the app is free. A group could definitely share one, unless things have changed significantly since they first started marketing to equestrians.

[lazaret]

Pixem had those beacons you had to set up, which is why I never used mine, because keeping those charged and set up in a boarding barn was too much work.

[Zevida]

We do this regularly when our trainer is traveling or away. Some tips:
Yes you need good internet (wifi or cell data)
Yes you need your battery to last - I’ve never had an issue if my phone is fully charged
If another horse will be in the ring I turn off auto tracking and then the trainer can manually track

[Zevida]

The app isn’t free anymore - if you buy a more recent device you now need to subscribe monthly. Only if you already own a device are you on the legacy subscription-free experience.

[K_VanOlst]

@Zevida

The app isn’t free anymore - if you buy a more recent device you now need to subscribe monthly. Only if you already own a device are you on the legacy subscription-free experience.

I knew they implemented a fee briefly but I was informed they backtracked and removed it, which is confirmed by posts from Pivo directly in the equestrian group

[K_VanOlst]

Sorry having trouble with screenshots today

[Zevida]

@K_VanOlst

@Zevida

The app isn’t free anymore - if you buy a more recent device you now need to subscribe monthly. Only if you already own a device are you on the legacy subscription-free experience.

I knew they implemented a fee briefly but I was informed they backtracked and removed it, which is confirmed by posts from Pivo directly in the equestrian group

Good to know! I must have unsubscribed from their emails because I definitely saw notices about the new fees but not the back tracking.

[Pivo_Support]

Hello there,

K_VanOIst is absolutely right! You can continue using your Pivo with the Pivo apps for free—no subscription required.

For those looking to enhance their experience with additional features, we offer various upgrade plans, which you can explore here: (https://pivo.ai/pages/subscription-page).

That said, Pivo already delivers exceptional value with its Auto Tracking and features like Lessons Mode, making it a great companion for filming your rides.

Be sure to check out our dedicated equestrian website for more tailored resources: (https://pivoequestrian.com/).

Best,
Pivo Support