TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 8, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Equestic has introduced EQ Coach-Copilot, an AI platform that captures coaching instructions and motion data to provide riders with real-time feedback and lesson summaries during solo training.
What Happened
Performance technology firm Equestic has officially launched EQ Coach-Copilot, an artificial intelligence platform designed to bridge the communication gap between riders and trainers. Announced in March 2026, the tool uses AI to capture live coaching sessions, transcribe them into searchable summaries, and provide actionable feedback that riders can use during independent schooling.
The platform integrates with the existing EQ Saddle-Clip, a sensor that tracks rhythm, symmetry, and impulsion. By combining this movement data with the coach’s recorded voice instructions, the AI generates personalized "homework" prompts and summaries available immediately after a lesson. Several high-profile equestrians, including U.S. Dressage Olympian Lendon Gray and Dutch technical manager Laurens van Lieren, participated in the early rollout of the technology.
Why It Matters
For many riders, the "learning gap" occurs in the days between professional lessons. Studies in sports psychology suggests that high cognitive load during a lesson, balancing a horse, following instructions, and managing one's own body, can prevent riders from retaining every detail. EQ Coach-Copilot addresses this by:
- Standardizing Homework: Providing a digital record of exactly what the trainer wanted the rider to focus on during solo rides.
- Data-Backed Feel: Using motion data from the Saddle-Clip to confirm if the rider is achieving the "feel" (like impulsion or symmetry) the coach requested.
- Progress Tracking: Allowing coaches to review what happened during solo sessions before the next scheduled lesson, shifting training from reactive to proactive.
- Horse Welfare: Utilizing early detection indicators for movement asymmetry to potentially prevent injuries before they become visible to the naked eye.
Discipline Context
While the technology was heavily endorsed by dressage icons like Lendon Gray and Nuno Avelar, its application is broad.
- Dressage: The focus on rhythm, symmetry, and precise coaching cues makes this an obvious fit for the "sandbox."
- Hunter/Jumper & Eventing: The ability to track workload balance and impulsion is critical for jumping athletes where soundness and power are paramount.
- Education & Youth: For young riders or amateurs who may only see a trainer once a week, having a "copilot" ensures they aren't practicing incorrect habits while alone.
- Coaching Business: The platform opens doors for remote coaching, allowing trainers to review solo ride data and summaries from students located anywhere in the world.
Quick Facts
- Governing Body/Developer: Equestic (Smart Horse Technologies B.V.)
- Key Figures: Leon Rutten (Founder/CEO), Lendon Gray (Olympian/Founder Dressage4Kids), Laurens van Lieren (FEI Dressage medalist).
- Technology: AI-powered voice transcription mixed with EQ Saddle-Clip motion data.
- Availability: Free to download on Apple App Store and Google Play; additional interactive features (on-demand guidance, rider voice questions) are slated for release later in 2026.
- Data Scope: The platform is built on data from over 400,000 rides collected over the last seven years.
Riders tracking how federation rule changes apply to their own division can put rulebook questions to rulebook answers from TurnoutAI.