Open Ears. Clear Connection.
How SHOKZ and CEECOACH PLUS Are Changing Communication in Equestrian Sports
What has proven itself in running and cycling is now making its way into Equestrian Sports. The combination of SHOKZ headsets and the CEECOACH PLUS communication system from peicom GmbH in Osnabrück enables clear, safe, and comfortable communication between riders and their trainers.
It’s no longer just about music – it’s about real-time communication, even at a gallop. With its unique bone conduction technology, SHOKZ has become a trusted name in outdoor and endurance sports. The sound is transmitted through the cheekbones directly to the inner ear, while the ears remain open.
For equestrian sports, this is a major advantage: riders need to stay aware of their surroundings at all times without losing contact with their coach. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, SHOKZ offers an open, safe, and comfortable listening experience. Riders stay in constant touch with their trainer, hear what’s happening around them, and maintain full focus – without the isolating feeling that comes with many conventional headsets.
Christoph Hess, international trainer in dressage and eventing, explains: “Especially in eventing, it’s essential that students can hear me while still perceiving the terrain around them.” For him, the combination of SHOKZ’s open-ear design and the two-way communication of CEECOACH PLUS is a real step forward – allowing for more effective training and better understanding within the team.
Beyond that, the new technology also enables a much more sensitive connection between rider and horse. Thanks to the open design, riders can not only clearly hear their trainer but also pick up the subtle sounds of their horse – breathing, snorting, or other vocal signals. This helps them respond more intuitively, interpret their horse’s reactions, and communicate with greater empathy. The result is a more sensitive interaction in the saddle, building trust and mutual understanding. Horse and rider can achieve a new level of harmony and fine-tuned cooperation – the foundation for both sporting success and a true partnership.
The headset fits comfortably under a riding helmet. It’s lightweight, wireless, and stays securely in place – even during jumps or fast movements. Paired with CEECOACH PLUS, it allows seamless two-way communication with no dead spots, no delays, and no buttons to press.
Isabell Werth, eight-time Olympic champion in dressage, also relies on the SHOKZ and CEECOACH PLUS combination: “I can guide, correct, and motivate my riders without raising my voice or interrupting them. I use CEECOACH both at home and at competitions. Especially at events like CHIO Aachen, where there’s a lot going on, I can stay focused with my team. The SHOKZ headsets are so comfortable we can wear them all day – and they connect perfectly with a smartphone.”
In show jumping, SHOKZ and CEECOACH PLUS have already become part of everyday training. For Lars Meyer zu Bexten, clarity in communication brings calm to the training environment – something that benefits both riders and horses: “Whether on course or in technique training, clear communication brings calm. And calmness benefits the horses, too.” Eventing and show jumping rider Calvin Böckmann also highlights the practical benefits: “It’s so light and comfortable, you sometimes forget you’re even wearing a headset. And still, your trainer’s voice comes through perfectly clear.”
In the end, it’s not just about technology. It’s about trust, safety, and true teamwork between human and horse. SHOKZ and CEECOACH PLUS show how modern communication can create real connections. More information: SHOKZ