Hickstead gets its own app

Hickstead has become the latest equestrian venue to embrace modern technology, following the launch of its exclusive free iPhone app. Available to download now, the app will be a must-have for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the action from the British Jumping Derby Meeting (22-26 June), the Longines Royal International Horse Show (26-31 July) and the All England Jumping Championships (8-11 September).

Useful information
With a stunning, modern design, the easy-to-use Hickstead app is packed with great features and will provide a wealth of useful information for spectators, competitors and followers of the sport. The app has a number of functions, from helping users to pinpoint a favourite tradestand, restaurant or bar, to providing live updates and class results.

Visitors to the show will be able to determine whether to bring sunscreen or an umbrella, with a live local Hickstead weather broadcast right from the app, plus there’s an in-built map that gives users traffic updates and directions to the showground. There is also a special ‘Augmented Reality’ section, where users can use their camera to detect where they are on the showground, and directions and useful information will pop up on the interactive map.

“We think the app will become a groom’s new best friend, as the live updates will reduce the amount of running around to different rings checking on class timings,” says Hickstead director Daisy Bunn. “We will also be running regular app-related prize giveaways, with some fabulous goodies up for grabs.”

Modern technology
Hickstead’s new app comes hot on the heels of the launch of the new-look website, www.hickstead.co.uk. The All England Jumping Course also has a strong presence on social networking sites including facebook.com/hickstead, and twitter.com/hicksteadevents.

“Contrary to popular belief, a lot of equestrians are very clued up on the latest technological advancements. For busy competitors constantly on the road, and horse owners who spend much more time out and about in the yard rather than in front of a computer, smartphones and mobile technology have been a Godsend,” adds Daisy. “With this in mind, we thought an app would be ideal for all of our competitors and visitors, and we have tried to include as much information as possible to make their Hickstead experience even better.”

Download it
To download the app, users can either visit http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/hickstead-2011/id439986480?mt=8 or search for ‘Hickstead’ on the iTunes website. They can also scan the special QR barcode (below) to locate and download the app. The Hickstead app is currently available on iPhone only.