World’s First SmartPhone Saddle Speaker is Here! The i Rock N Ride by Hoofbeatz Audio

By: Brittany Bevis

It’s finally here! After much anticipation, the world’s first and only smartphone integrated bluetooth speaker for equestrians has arrived. The i Rock N Ride was just released on Kickstarter through June 30th. They’ve already raised $3, 455 of their $20,000 business goal.

What’s the i Rock N Ride? For the company’s CEO, Leah Lane, it’s the realization of a dream she’s been working on for the past six years. “I thought about the idea in December 2010 and started prototyping in 2013,” Lane says. “I had no experience, just two friends who gave me the basics to start in electronics design, and I just clawed my way to understand how it works. It was the hardest three years of my life.”

“The speaker was shared on social media by a trainer, and, due to the overwhelming response of riders wanting it ASAP, i Rock N Ride was forced to a soft launch. This was actually great to test all the processes of fulfillment and riders’ opinions. It did really, really well. 11 countries responded in 60 days. Our industry is so amazing and specific!”

Currently in patent pending status, the i Rock N Ride wireless speaker uses bluetooth technology to provide easy access to your smartphone and handsfree prompts like the timer, text, email, reminders, playlist, and podcast features. It’s specially designed moon shape allows it to be attached securely to any english or western saddle with a flexible, silicone strap. Never worry about having your iPhone slip out of your pocket to be crushed by hooves in the arena again!

“The arced shape took me a little while, and there were definitely multiple attempts for the strap,” she says. “I ultimately wanted something that was tiny, secure, and could go everywhere. I drove everyone nuts with my design modifications, from the graphic artists and mechanical engineers to the prototyping companies. The speaker had to be useful from the saddle. The controls had to be positioned precisely so you could use at either angle, with gloves. I wanted it done right.”

The directional speaker provides compact, clear sound while reducing annoyance to other riders, but it can also be used with earbuds if desired. The device requires no batteries and is rechargeable. Simply plug it into a USB outlet for an hour and get 3-6 hours of music play!

The speaker not only plays music but it can also accept calls, send messages, and access Siri and Android prompts. Trainers can make use of the bluetooth feature during lessons to call their students’ smartphones, which will ring through directly to the i Rock N Ride. Instructors can even use a conference call service (which are typically free) and have 10-100+ riders listen as they give a lesson.

“A three second hold on the center button, which is easily accessible, prompts your phone’s smart prompt, even when your phone is up to 20 meters away!” Lane says.

The price of the speaker is $129 plus tax and special pricing is available now on Kickstarter. Buy now in Aqua or Sable Brown with free shipping in the USA or pre-order on Kickstarter for new colors and prints like black, coral, aztec, cheetah, and floral zebra. “Many equine retailers have expressed interest, so there is a retail package available on Kickstarter. Also, friends or barns can get together to get a discount.”

How did Lane come up with this ingenious invention? Being raised in a horse-loving family in Paso Robles, CA, she was exposed to her share of horse activities. At the age of 12, she rode as a working student in the barn of a Dressage trainer in order to pay for lessons and attend shows. In high school, she tried her hand at all-around events with Quarter Horses and Paints before showing at AQHA, APHA, and PHBA breed shows.

Upon graduation from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Animal Science, she worked as a manufacturer’s rep for several equine brands like Farnam and Merial, which gave her the opportunity to travel and gain first hand experience with equestrian consumers. She combined her love of horses and knowledge of the equestrian consumer base to create a product that fulfilled a specific need, a device that could span all breeds and disciplines.

“I love thinking and dreaming impossible dreams,” she says. “Some stuff I’m working on is solar, two way radio, and apps/scanning software for the horse world to be more productive and useful!”

For more information about the i Rock N Ride saddle speaker visit www.irocknride.com and support their campaign on Kickstarter.