As part of our Building Blocks for Sales Videos, I wanted to share with you examples of videos that each have been executed differently, to give you an idea of what can make, break, help or hinder your sales video. I will break down each video individually to discuss it's high and low points. So sit back and enjoy!
Above we have a Hanoverian gelding who, in his ad, has been described as the following:
"true gentleman showing first level, working at second level. Uncomplicated and straight forward to ride and show. No health issues. Imported from Germany and registered with the Verband Hannoverscher, branded with the German Hanoverian brand, he is also registered here in the US with the American Hanoverian Society, USDF and USEF. Great for an amateur or pro looking for a quality horse with a future."
- My first impression of this video is positive. We have a introduction header, which describes, name, age, breed and point of location or contact (website).
- The music in this video was a good choice. It is soft and relaxing, much like the horse itself.
If you choose to use music make sure you choose something that appeals to the masses of the those who you think will be considering your horse. Music that over-powers a video, such as heavy metal rock, is usually something to stay away from. A good rule of thumb when it comes to music, is to choose something that is purely instrumental and fits the personality and movement of your horse. (Soft music for a light and graceful moving horse etc)
- As we get into this video, it's apparent that the person who is videoing is not using a tri-pod. This video could have been enhanced with the use of a tri-pod to limit what shaking you can see.
- For nearly a minute and 50 seconds the horse in the video is shown at a walking pace. This is a bit long, as gait example shots should be kept to a 30 second maximum at a time. This keeps the viewer interested and more focused on what is being featured.
- Note the rider and horse turnout, clean, neat and tidy.
- The arena is also lovely as well. Looking freshly groomed for this video session.
- At the end of the video, we see the closing header telling us who to contact. This should be included in every sales video.
My closing notes for this video would be, that although the video was rather long and drawn-out in how the horse was shown, it was consistent. The horse was shown as if on a normal day of schooling. The video was well balanced - horse shown going up through the gaits in both directions.
Above we have a Dutch Warmblood gelding, who in his ad, has been described as the following:
"He is solid in all the movements of the I-1, with suprising ease in the half passes and full pirouettes even with his size. Rudy does also school one tempis proficiently. He goes easily in both a snaffle or double bridle. Would be well suited for an amatuer to learn the upper level movements while working with a professional."
- My first impression is how lovely this horse is!
- There is no introduction header, which I believe is a key part of any sales video. It gives the viewer more insight into the horse. Name, age, breed etc.
- The video has not been edited.
- The next thing I notice is the absence of music. If you choose to not include music, leaving the sound from the video is better than silence. Unless of course, there is banging, loud, obnoxious noises in the background! - Point in case with this video is that in the beginning we see a large semi-truck going down a road above the arena. If your arena is close to a road or you happen to video something like a loud semi-truck, it's best to remove the original audio. - However, add music instead of going silent.
I should note that sometimes listening to the hooves as the horse moves and breathing in the audio from the video, is quite nice!
- The person videoing this horse has some rather shaky moments, which could have been prevented with the use of a tri-pod.
- The surrounding landscape around this arena is lovely. But the arena is a bit dusty and looks poorly maintained. A grooming could have given off a better impression.
- Horse and rider are neatly turned out, although I personally would have liked to seen a helmet.
- The video is long, but consistent as it has not been edited. We see the horse exhibiting it's "confirmed" tempi's and other movements conducive to it's training.
- There was no ending header for contact etc. I was not expecting one considering the entire video was not edited at all, but again this would have been nice.
My closing comments for this video is that although the horse was exhibited well, the video was not. A horse of this type, should have a more invested sales video.
More examples to come. What are your thoughts on the above videos?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday Fabulous; Leather Halters To Love
Whether for show or around the stables, a good leather halter is a timeless, priceless piece of equipment to have. We've been on a long and continuous search for classy leather halters worthy of the nicest equines. Lets take a look at some of our favorites picks.
The "Wellfleet Fancy Stitch Padded Halter"
The "Black & Stainless" Leather Halter by Quillin Leather & Tack
The "Wellfleet Double Raised Padded Halter"
The "Diamante Leather Halter" by DT Saddlery.
**The above photo is of the halter in Lemico material.
**All above photos copyright to their rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.
The "Wellfleet Fancy Stitch Padded Halter"
The "Black & Stainless" Leather Halter by Quillin Leather & Tack
The "Wellfleet Double Raised Padded Halter"
The "Diamante Leather Halter" by DT Saddlery.
**The above photo is of the halter in Lemico material.
**All above photos copyright to their rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Top Picks; Equestrian YouTube Users.
Since we are on the subject of videos, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the video phenomenon. If you are familiar with YouTube, you will notice a significant amount of young riders taking part in documenting, if you will, their riding and horses and projecting it to the world. It's fascinating to see how dedicated some riders are to their editing and videotaping, just as much as they are dedicated to riding.
I'd like to share with you some of the riders and horses I've found through YouTube. They are all great riders - it has been a pleasure to watch their videos!
Pepo & rider, Chloe - omgitscloeee on YouTube
Reba & rider, Morgan - TileValleyMorgan on YouTube
Tevita, Casper & Jasmine - JazzCiceroCasper
I'd like to share with you some of the riders and horses I've found through YouTube. They are all great riders - it has been a pleasure to watch their videos!
Reba & rider, Morgan - TileValleyMorgan on YouTube
Tevita, Casper & Jasmine - JazzCiceroCasper
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Building Blocks for Sale Videos; Photographs + Videos
Welcome to part two of the Building Blocks for Sale Videos series here on Country Sporthorse! If you have just tuned in, please read the introduction.
To recap on the introduction, we went over the basics when considering making a sales video for your horse. The easy exposure which comes with online sharing of your video through Facebook and YouTube (or Vimeo).
The easy access that equestrians throughout your country and even the world can have to view your horse wherever they may be.
The limited amount of editing that is necessary for you to create a flattering video.
And most importantly, the simple basics to consider when making a video.
Now that we have briefly covered the above, lets get into more detail.
Lets first talk about photographs. Part of a sales video should include a small amount of photos which can show your horse in a still frame which will give someone a different perspective on how your horse; conformation, jumping style, dressage ring appearance etc. It's a nice added touch.
We would suggest the following types of photos included in your video:
1) Portrait/Head-Shot
2) At Liberty
3) Under Saddle (Jumping, Dressage etc)
4) Under Saddle Shot 2 (Of a different variety of the above)
5) Possibly an additional under saddle shot, especially if you are marketing an eventer. A cross country shot would be a nice addition.
6) Conformation Shot (feel free to add various conformation shots, but one should be sufficient in addition to your written ad which should also include a conformation shot).
It is important to note that the photographs not be over-used. You should have a nice bunch of selections of all the varieties listed above, so that you have different shots to offer through video and written sales ads. This says that you have taken the time to market your horse and you care about the detail going into the ad. You are a serious seller.
Additionally if you choose to take these photos yourself, we recommend a nice camera because the quality of these photos will decrease once the video itself if uploaded onto the Internet. If you can, try hiring a photography student or even an amateur photographer to help you achieve the quality and type of photos you want to properly show off your horse. A good eye and a good camera can make all the difference!
We will talk about ideas of implementing these photos into the video later on in this series.
--
Now onto the video portion.
Here are some key steps to consider before you begin the video process:
1) Your Videographer!
No, the person who videos your horse does not have to be a professional. If you can, do it yourself, or ask a friend to assist you. This will of course depend on if you will be riding your horse yourself. If you have a trainer who is helping market your horse they might already suggest or it might be a good idea to ask them.
An important thing to note with the videographer/helper: If the person has little to no video skills, make sure you use a tri-pod, which will help stabilize the camcorder, making the video much more viewer-friendly. Shaky hands = bad video results! No one wants to feel like they're equilibrium is off while viewing your video.
2) Location!
Location is important. These little details can make or break a video.
First off, if you choose to shoot the horse inside an arena the footing should be free of dust. You should pick a time to shoot during the day when the footing conditions are at their best: i.e, right after it's been groomed/watered. Dusty footing can make shooting a nice video difficult and reflects poorly on the conditions upon which your horse is worked. The footing is a small detail, but people notice!
Make sure you do so during the later morning or afternoon. After the sun is up and before the sun begins to set.
If you choose to shoot indoor, make sure your arena again is not dusty. An indoor arena can enhance the appearance of a dusty setting compared to an outdoor. Make sure your indoor is properly lighted and again done during the day unless the lighting is good enough for evening shooting.
3) Turnout!
Turnout is another important detail to very much consider.
Horses should be neatly cleaned, groomed, clipped etc.
Riders should be neatly turned out as well. But don't over-do it. A good polo, belt and of course a helmet is a good choice. Consider what you'd wear for a clinic, for shooting a video. Nice, neat and tidy. Viewers do notice these things and again will surely take you more seriously if you attend to these details, as the horses are being more seriously represented.
And now, what you should shoot!
This is the fun part. Time to break out your video and go record, record and record some more!
A variety of shots will prove in your favor. It's always a good idea to get more shots than you need, so you have many to choose from.
For example, lets talk about a Dressage horse's ad and how one would go about complimenting this ad with a video.
Here is what the ad might say for this horse:
"Henry is a lovely, enthusiastic, Dressage horse who is currently schooling second level. Henry is a perfect mount for an up-coming junior or adult who is looking to move up. A fantastic, quiet yet forward ride, this horse is an excellent confidence builder with the talent to get you further into your Dressage career. He truly takes care of his rider! In addition to Henry's excellence in the Dressage ring, he is also a safe and enjoyable horse to hack out alone or with company. He is a gentlemen in the barn and is an overall agreeable horse that is easy-going guy."
Looking at the above ad, here are some things to include in the video:
- "lovely, enthusiastic, Dressage horse who is currently schooling second level"
In your video, show your viewers exactly what you mean when you describe your horse as "lovely, enthusiastic." Show the horse schooling second level movements.
- "a perfect mount for an up-coming junior or adult who is looking to move up"
Show your horse being piloted through his second level movements by a junior and/or an adult.
- "safe and enjoyable horse to hack out alone or with company"
Show your horse hacking out alone and/or with company. Adding in these shots provide a viewer with a stronger sense of the horse you describe and more interesting video altogether. The viewer will be waiting for the next scene to see what you'll show next! Interest is always a good thing!
- "gentlemen in the barn and is an overall agreeable horse that is easy-going guy"
Again, show what you mean. A clip of him being tacked or untacked, turned out etc, to show his "gentlemen-like" behavior is a perfect compliment to your ad.
Well, now we have an idea of how to go about getting the shots that we want. Part 2 of the photographs & videos section will be tomorrow as well as examples of well done sales videos from throughout the world!
To recap on the introduction, we went over the basics when considering making a sales video for your horse. The easy exposure which comes with online sharing of your video through Facebook and YouTube (or Vimeo).
The easy access that equestrians throughout your country and even the world can have to view your horse wherever they may be.
The limited amount of editing that is necessary for you to create a flattering video.
And most importantly, the simple basics to consider when making a video.
Now that we have briefly covered the above, lets get into more detail.
Lets first talk about photographs. Part of a sales video should include a small amount of photos which can show your horse in a still frame which will give someone a different perspective on how your horse; conformation, jumping style, dressage ring appearance etc. It's a nice added touch.
We would suggest the following types of photos included in your video:
1) Portrait/Head-Shot
2) At Liberty
3) Under Saddle (Jumping, Dressage etc)
4) Under Saddle Shot 2 (Of a different variety of the above)
5) Possibly an additional under saddle shot, especially if you are marketing an eventer. A cross country shot would be a nice addition.
6) Conformation Shot (feel free to add various conformation shots, but one should be sufficient in addition to your written ad which should also include a conformation shot).
It is important to note that the photographs not be over-used. You should have a nice bunch of selections of all the varieties listed above, so that you have different shots to offer through video and written sales ads. This says that you have taken the time to market your horse and you care about the detail going into the ad. You are a serious seller.
Additionally if you choose to take these photos yourself, we recommend a nice camera because the quality of these photos will decrease once the video itself if uploaded onto the Internet. If you can, try hiring a photography student or even an amateur photographer to help you achieve the quality and type of photos you want to properly show off your horse. A good eye and a good camera can make all the difference!
We will talk about ideas of implementing these photos into the video later on in this series.
--
Now onto the video portion.
Here are some key steps to consider before you begin the video process:
1) Your Videographer!
No, the person who videos your horse does not have to be a professional. If you can, do it yourself, or ask a friend to assist you. This will of course depend on if you will be riding your horse yourself. If you have a trainer who is helping market your horse they might already suggest or it might be a good idea to ask them.
An important thing to note with the videographer/helper: If the person has little to no video skills, make sure you use a tri-pod, which will help stabilize the camcorder, making the video much more viewer-friendly. Shaky hands = bad video results! No one wants to feel like they're equilibrium is off while viewing your video.
2) Location!
Location is important. These little details can make or break a video.
First off, if you choose to shoot the horse inside an arena the footing should be free of dust. You should pick a time to shoot during the day when the footing conditions are at their best: i.e, right after it's been groomed/watered. Dusty footing can make shooting a nice video difficult and reflects poorly on the conditions upon which your horse is worked. The footing is a small detail, but people notice!
Make sure you do so during the later morning or afternoon. After the sun is up and before the sun begins to set.
If you choose to shoot indoor, make sure your arena again is not dusty. An indoor arena can enhance the appearance of a dusty setting compared to an outdoor. Make sure your indoor is properly lighted and again done during the day unless the lighting is good enough for evening shooting.
3) Turnout!
Turnout is another important detail to very much consider.
Horses should be neatly cleaned, groomed, clipped etc.
Riders should be neatly turned out as well. But don't over-do it. A good polo, belt and of course a helmet is a good choice. Consider what you'd wear for a clinic, for shooting a video. Nice, neat and tidy. Viewers do notice these things and again will surely take you more seriously if you attend to these details, as the horses are being more seriously represented.
And now, what you should shoot!
This is the fun part. Time to break out your video and go record, record and record some more!
A variety of shots will prove in your favor. It's always a good idea to get more shots than you need, so you have many to choose from.
For example, lets talk about a Dressage horse's ad and how one would go about complimenting this ad with a video.
Here is what the ad might say for this horse:
"Henry is a lovely, enthusiastic, Dressage horse who is currently schooling second level. Henry is a perfect mount for an up-coming junior or adult who is looking to move up. A fantastic, quiet yet forward ride, this horse is an excellent confidence builder with the talent to get you further into your Dressage career. He truly takes care of his rider! In addition to Henry's excellence in the Dressage ring, he is also a safe and enjoyable horse to hack out alone or with company. He is a gentlemen in the barn and is an overall agreeable horse that is easy-going guy."
Looking at the above ad, here are some things to include in the video:
- "lovely, enthusiastic, Dressage horse who is currently schooling second level"
In your video, show your viewers exactly what you mean when you describe your horse as "lovely, enthusiastic." Show the horse schooling second level movements.
- "a perfect mount for an up-coming junior or adult who is looking to move up"
Show your horse being piloted through his second level movements by a junior and/or an adult.
- "safe and enjoyable horse to hack out alone or with company"
Show your horse hacking out alone and/or with company. Adding in these shots provide a viewer with a stronger sense of the horse you describe and more interesting video altogether. The viewer will be waiting for the next scene to see what you'll show next! Interest is always a good thing!
- "gentlemen in the barn and is an overall agreeable horse that is easy-going guy"
Again, show what you mean. A clip of him being tacked or untacked, turned out etc, to show his "gentlemen-like" behavior is a perfect compliment to your ad.
To sum your video up - you should again, have a variety of shots that truly express the horse and all it's features!
Well, now we have an idea of how to go about getting the shots that we want. Part 2 of the photographs & videos section will be tomorrow as well as examples of well done sales videos from throughout the world!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Building Blocks for Sale Videos; Introduction
In, The Building Blocks for Sale Videos, we will discuss the importance of creating a flattering sale video for your horse or program. We will break this down to four easy steps for you!
1) Introduction
2) Photographs & Videos
3) Execution & Editing
4) Sharing Your Video
Today we will start with the obvious, step one, the Introduction.
You may or may have thought about a sale video. From the average horse owner to the professional, sales videos are an excellent starting point for marketing your horse. Yes, marketing!
You want to know, why are videos so.. important?
Yes, well, sales videos allow first for exposure. Exposure is important to get your horse noticed throughout the area (and beyond), with various trainers and potential buyers. This will create an obvious buzz. Eventually meeting up with people who are serious buyers for your horse. Creating a "buzz" with a video takes little effort.
Videos are easy to access. They are buyer friendly. People who are horse shopping, find it much less daunting to "feel" a horse even before they actually come to try it. This allows the potential buyer to decide if they in fact want to proceed with trying your horse. Saving time and money for both them and yourself.
Videos do not have to include music. Nor do they need to be heavily edited, which can actually provide a less tangible feel and less appealing picture all-together. Videos do not need to be directed and produced by a professional, although if you can, go for it.
Just simply as you may have a website for your stable, you should have a video for your sale horse(s). You can send it via email, text, Facebook, mail and more. It's quick! People want to spend less time doing the grunt work to find the horse they desire.
But wait...
Before you go out and video your horse, take some consideration.
1) Just as a well quality sales video will get your horse noticed, a poorly done video will not and possibly turn-off your targeted audience.
2) Be conservative in your approach. Music can enhance a video as well as ruin one.
3) Editing is an art. Less is usually more, especially in un-experienced hands.
4) Videos should match, and sometimes exceed, what is in the sales ad (written ad). Features should be expressed in both venues.
5) Horses and riders should be neatly and properly turned out.
Now that we have talked some about the ideas of a sales ad, we will direct and funnel down to those important, key, blocks to the finished structure.
Below is an example of a video, which includes music and narration.
**Video Originally Uploaded By: Catherine Gallegos on YouTube.com
Following will be the Photographs & Videos portion of this series!
Stay tuned!
Plus, we'd like to hear your thoughts on creating sales videos and any insight you'd like to share with us!
1) Introduction
2) Photographs & Videos
3) Execution & Editing
4) Sharing Your Video
Today we will start with the obvious, step one, the Introduction.
You may or may have thought about a sale video. From the average horse owner to the professional, sales videos are an excellent starting point for marketing your horse. Yes, marketing!
You want to know, why are videos so.. important?
Yes, well, sales videos allow first for exposure. Exposure is important to get your horse noticed throughout the area (and beyond), with various trainers and potential buyers. This will create an obvious buzz. Eventually meeting up with people who are serious buyers for your horse. Creating a "buzz" with a video takes little effort.
Videos are easy to access. They are buyer friendly. People who are horse shopping, find it much less daunting to "feel" a horse even before they actually come to try it. This allows the potential buyer to decide if they in fact want to proceed with trying your horse. Saving time and money for both them and yourself.
Videos do not have to include music. Nor do they need to be heavily edited, which can actually provide a less tangible feel and less appealing picture all-together. Videos do not need to be directed and produced by a professional, although if you can, go for it.
Just simply as you may have a website for your stable, you should have a video for your sale horse(s). You can send it via email, text, Facebook, mail and more. It's quick! People want to spend less time doing the grunt work to find the horse they desire.
But wait...
Before you go out and video your horse, take some consideration.
1) Just as a well quality sales video will get your horse noticed, a poorly done video will not and possibly turn-off your targeted audience.
2) Be conservative in your approach. Music can enhance a video as well as ruin one.
3) Editing is an art. Less is usually more, especially in un-experienced hands.
4) Videos should match, and sometimes exceed, what is in the sales ad (written ad). Features should be expressed in both venues.
5) Horses and riders should be neatly and properly turned out.
Now that we have talked some about the ideas of a sales ad, we will direct and funnel down to those important, key, blocks to the finished structure.
Below is an example of a video, which includes music and narration.
**Video Originally Uploaded By: Catherine Gallegos on YouTube.com
Following will be the Photographs & Videos portion of this series!
Stay tuned!
Plus, we'd like to hear your thoughts on creating sales videos and any insight you'd like to share with us!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Top Picks; Dressage Musical Freestyles - Edward Gal & Totilas
More to come on the subject of musical freestyles (kur). But for now, here are some of our favorites to enjoy..
Edward Gal & Totilas, Gelderland '09
**Video originally uploaded by: myrthe7horse
The following video is not actually to the music that Edward Gal used in this freestyle. It was edited by YouTube user, kendolling, as an experiment. The tempo is almost near perfect for the exhuberant and very expressive, Totilas!
**Video Originally Uploaded By: kendolling
**Video originally uploaded by: myrthe7horse
The following video is not actually to the music that Edward Gal used in this freestyle. It was edited by YouTube user, kendolling, as an experiment. The tempo is almost near perfect for the exhuberant and very expressive, Totilas!
**Video Originally Uploaded By: kendolling
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Top Picks; The Friesian Horse - History
Featured left, Ester Liano riding Ielke 382 (Sorry could not locate photo credit)
You may be familiar with the Friesian breed, also referred to as "Belgian Blacks". Often times noted as those fairy-tale, black beauties. People are often awe-struck when they see a Friesian. With their long, thick, flowing manes and tails, they sure are eye-catching.
Lets explore some of the history of this breed and view some stallions throughout the world!
This illustrious breed began in the province of Friesland, Northern Netherlands. During the medieval times these black beauties were used to carry knights to battle. As the medieval time set to a close, the breed was less popular as the need for war horses was no longer such a priority. The demand was now for a lighter, more agile horse which would be suitable for driving in addition to farm work. To influence the Friesian breed, for this new demand, Andalusian blood was then introduced.
During the 18th and 19th Century, a popular sport emerged, that which is known as trotting races. A new sport for the Friesian to take part in. However this created some disturbance in eyes of the Friesian breeders. The horses were being bred to be lighter for this sport and thus drifting from the true characteristics of this elder breed. During the end of the 19th Century, efforts were made to return the Friesian to it's true form of what is considered the breed standard.
In 1879 the Studbook Society was founded for the Friesian. When first published in 1800, this studbook allowed for registry some Heavy Warmblood breeds to be added in addition to the Friesian. The Bovenlander (Friesian/Oldenburg) was one of these, which during the time was a rather trig breed. This caused the Friesian to almost become obsolete to the Bovenlander. Although the original studbook introduced the Bovenlander to enhance it's overall appeal to the Friesian horse, it at the same time, caused dwindling numbers (eventually down to only three remaining Friesian stallions) and almost extinction of the breed itself. In 1907 the studbook was renamed Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS) and joined both these breeds.
In 1915, this group convinced the FPS to separate the two groups once again. During 1943, the non-Friesian breeders left the FPS to form their own registry which was later to be named; Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN).
Today the modern Friesian is growing in popularity in the Dressage ring. Their dramatic, spring-like trot, swooping and dramatic canter, their evident and demanding presence as well as their curious, friendly and easy-going nature make them a desirable equine partner for both pleasure and sport.
Lets take a look at some examples of this breed!
Below we have a musical free-style, which is performed by Dressage rider Peter Spahn and Friesian Jasper 366.
Video Originally Uploaded by: JeverHart99 on YouTube.com
Photo Credit to: Guillot
Below we have Friesian stallion Wander 352. The video is of his 2003 Keuring (Judging). He is one of very few Friesians within the registry that have been bred in the United States.
Video Originally Uploaded by: JeverHart99 on YouTube.com
Resources: Wikipedia.com on the Friesian Horse.
More to come...
Monday, August 2, 2010
August Equestrian Blogs Top Pick; Nominations
Nominations for this months Equestrian Blogs Top Pick are now open and will be through the 6th. Go ahead and nominate by commenting below on who you think deserves to be recognized for their blogging efforts.
In months to come, we will be giving away gifts and goodies from various equestrians companies throughout the world, to our monthly winner.
So, go ahead, nominate!
In months to come, we will be giving away gifts and goodies from various equestrians companies throughout the world, to our monthly winner.
So, go ahead, nominate!
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