JockeyCam VR Can Put Anyone In The Saddle

In 2022, the makers of the virtual reality platform JockeyCam turned up at the Breeders Cup in Kentucky with something new and exciting to showcase. Celebrating the legendary race, Equine Productions, the UK makers of the game, welcomed curious visitors, technology fanatics, and even seasoned riders to explore the majestic Keeneland racecourse in immersive VR.

From inside its own lightweight headset, the Equine Productions team invited people to enjoy a recreation of the event in a lifelike 360-degree environment. After donning the headset, users were introduced to the point-of-view of horse riders as they race around the Lexington track. During the day, JockeyCam underlined why it has been heralded as the world’s most realistic riding experience without getting on a horse.

Indeed, Paul Struthers, CEO of the GB Professional Jockeys Association, said Equine Productions’ work, which includes a motorised saddle that riders sit on, provides real insight into what it’s like to be a professional jockey. Struthers was speaking after enjoying the original VR course created by the developers. Here, racers choose between seven jockeys and then participate in a staged race around the Chepstow course in Monmouthshire. There are two miles of racing including fence jumps which are brought to life via the moving saddle which moves up and down in unison with the action.

A world of horse racing in VR

Virtual reality technology continues to improve at an unprecedented level. While JockeyCam is currently only available at the locations Equine Productions chooses to visit, affordable headsets like the Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive Cosmos, and Playstation VR are bringing horse riding and racing to the masses.

Horse Racing 2016 for the old Oculus Rift was one of the earliest examples. More recently platforms like Stallion Adventures have offered players the chance to ride horses in realistic environments while the acclaimed Hellsplit Arena has added the ability to saddle up and ride a horse too.

It’s not surprising that the VR world is getting into equine adventuring. Vicarious riding and racing experiences have been popular for decades. Boardgames like Win, Place and Show, TurfMaster, and Winner’s Circle are very well-known for example. Konami’s mechanical horse racing game, Fortune Cup, remains a much-loved favourite at casinos, and horse racing gambling games can also be found on the internet. In terms of casinos where you can play video slots like Microgaming’s Bookie of Odds, here’s a list of good ones that work online. In addition, there’s still life yet in the retro Roll a Ball Horseracing arcade game. Here, players bowl balls in the hope of sinking them in holes and thus propelling their horse forward.

For JockeyCam VR, it’s all about taking the experience further. Combining its bespoke headset with a saddle-like motorised seat on which users sit, Equine Productions has successfully brought horse racing thrills to a new level for the modern age. The makers have already got their eyes on new courses while it’s also exploring other sports too. Recently it launched its RefCam in which VR users see a live broadcast from a referee’s POV.