Did I Finally Find the Perfect Camera for Filming While Riding?
After years of shaky phone footage and unstable rides, I think I finally found the camera that lets you properly film yourself riding fast, without distracting from the ride.
After years of shaky phone footage and unstable rides, I think I finally found the camera that lets you properly film yourself riding fast, without distracting from the ride.
Hey fellow equestrian creators! As a horse lover and videography enthusiast, I’ve always wanted to capture my rides without sacrificing the joy of being in the saddle. After years of struggling with shaky phone footage and clunky cameras, I’ve finally found a solution worth sharing.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the journey that led me to the Insta360 GO 3S, how it performs on real trail rides, and what setup I use — with links to all the gear at the end if you want to try it yourself.
When I started riding in 2020, I wanted to share my adventures, from bonding with my horse Pegaso to exploring breathtaking trails. But filming was always a challenge. My iPhone Pro was okay, but holding it felt unsafe and distracted me from the ride. I tried 360 cameras (too much editing), GoPros (too heavy), and phone mounts (weird angles). I needed a camera that let me focus on my horse while still getting great footage.
A friend’s Instagram reel stopped me in my tracks: she was filming herself shooting arrows on horseback, and the footage felt so immersive. She was using the Insta360 GO 3S, a thumb-sized camera that pops out of its case and sticks anywhere with a magnet. I wanted a new camera for a 70 km trail ride in southern Spain, and it was exactly what I’d been searching for.
I took the GO 3S for testing on a ride near Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps, and the results were amazing.
📹 Watch the footage: Instagram Reel
The footage is smooth, even through rough trots and gallops, with vibrant colors that barely needed editing. I clipped it to my helmet with a third-party mount, checked the angle using the camera’s detachable screen case, and started recording with a quick tap. It allowed me to keep both hands on the reins.
This camera is a dream for riders creating social media content. Here’s why I love it:
It’s not flawless, but the drawbacks are easy to work around:
Here’s what I suggest to get started:
▶️ I’ve added links to the gear I use at the end of this article.
For multi-angle shots, a second camera is handy so one can charge while the other films.
If you’re an equestrian creator or business owner looking to share authentic, engaging content, this camera is a fantastic tool.
Got questions? Send me a message. Want to share your footage? Tag me! I’d love to see your rides!
Happy filming,
Benedikt
@costacaballo & founder of maneframe
The camera lens itself is protected behind glass. You can replace this glass cover in case your camera falls down or something else stupid happens. With these somewhere hidden in your bags, or even car, can save you a day of recording! Never run the cam with horses and without protection!