An innovation developed at the RSU Business Incubator makes horseback riding lessons more accessible

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Business Incubator provides an opportunity to test business ideas, refine them with the help of mentors, and, step by step, arrive at a practical solution.

Continuing our series on the top three projects from the business incubator’s Demo Day on 9 June 2026, this time we’re introducing Encanto Equestrian. It is an online equestrian training platform that allows riders to train under the guidance of professional trainers, regardless of their location. The solution was developed by combining personal experience in equestrian sports, business knowledge, and the possibilities offered by technology.

We spoke with the creator of the idea – Anastasija Kovaļenko, a graduate of the International Business and Entrepreneurship programme at RSU’s Faculty of Social Sciences – about the Encanto Equestrian pilot project and her participation in the RSU business incubator..

Tell us about yourself and the project team. How did you get into entrepreneurship and equestrian sports?

I have a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship. I’m passionate about beach volleyball, but I used to be actively involved in equestrian sports, which are still very close to my heart.

Encanto Equestrian was my third business idea. I started it with my classmate Paula Cirša, who is a marketing specialist at Ghetto Games and a professional basketball player. Our skills and ideas for developing the concept complemented each other well.

Now the team also includes Anete Klintsone, who was originally my supervisor. As we worked together, we realized that we collaborate very well. Anete has extensive knowledge of strategy and business development, so I’m glad our collaboration continues.

What is Encanto Equestrian, and what problem does it solve?

It is an online equestrian training platform that makes high-quality training more accessible to a wider range of riders, allowing riders and professional trainers to collaborate remotely, regardless of their location.

For the riders, this approach allows them to train with experienced professionals and improve their athletic performance. For the coaches, it helps save time and resources that would otherwise be spent traveling to training locations.

Equestrian sports have great potential for growth in Latvia, but one of the challenges is the availability of qualified and experienced coaches.

Even the name is a kind of innovation.

Encanto Equestrian was conceived with the equestrian niche in mind and by observing the market.

Veterinary care, treatment, and science in general play a very important role in equestrian sports, which is why we wanted to preserve this scientific and somewhat old-fashioned touch in the name.

I knew that many Spanish words come from Latin, so I was flipping through a list of Spanish words and their meanings. That’s when I came across “Encanto.” It sounded very melodious, and I also liked the meaning of the word -“wonder, charm, magic.” “Encanto” is related to the Latin word “incantare,” which means “to enchant” or “to cast a spell.”

I felt that this was the right word, especially paired with “Equestrian,” which immediately brings to mind the sport of horseback riding. That’s how “Encanto Equestrian” came to be - a name that combines the world of equestrian sports with the idea of something special, magical, and a little unusual.

How did the idea for remote riding training come about?

It wasn’t an idea that came about in a single day. When I first joined the RSU Business Incubator programme, I was working on a completely different and much simpler solution. As I continued to test the idea, listen to mentors, and develop it together with my colleagues at RSU, I arrived at Encanto Equestrian over the course of about a year.

I’ve come to realize that the best ideas aren’t always fully formed from the start. It’s important to start with a topic that you genuinely care about.

During the process, the initial concept can change significantly and lead to a much more valuable solution.

How did your journey at the RSU Business Incubator begin?

It began in late February as part of the 2025 incubation programme. At first, I was quite insecure and shy. After a lecture, I approached RSU lecturer and incubator mentor Kristaps Zaļais and asked if I could even apply, given that my idea wasn’t completely new or revolutionary. I received a positive response, and that gave me the courage to take the first step.

At first, I wanted to start an equestrian gear store. Later, the idea evolved into organizing equestrian training camps. As I continued to research the equestrian sports community and looked for ways to make training more accessible, with the encouragement of Aigars, the project manager at the RSU Business Incubator, I turned my attention to the concept of online training.

How does Encanto Equestrian work in practice?

Before a training session, the rider sets up sensors, a tripod with a robot, and a phone in the arena. The system uses radio signals. The sensors and the robot automatically track the rider and adjust the camera’s zoom so the trainer can clearly see what’s happening.

The trainer watches the rider and horse in the arena on their screen, while the rider hears the trainer’s instructions through headphones. This makes communication as similar as possible to an in-person training session.

What did the pilot project trials reveal?

What surprised us most was how many people were open to this solution and wanted to participate in the test training sessions.

We received very positive feedback. This confirmed that such a solution has a place in equestrian sports and that the idea is worth further development.

Could this technology also be used in other sports in the future?

Yes, it could be used in individual sports where movement technique and its analysis are important. For example, in tennis, golf, combat sports, dance, track and field, gymnastics, and figure skating. The solution could also be adapted for team sports, such as for analyzing training sessions and improving player performance.

What was the contribution of the mentors and the RSU Business Incubator?

Without the support of the business incubator, its expertise, and the people who were there throughout the idea-development process, Encanto Equestrian would not have reached its current stage.

My collaboration with Anete Klintsone has been particularly significant. She helps me recognize our strengths and qualities that are sometimes difficult for me to assess on my own. Her experience, support, and belief in both me and the idea have been crucial.

Through our collaboration, I’ve also gained the courage to evaluate my own work, charge a fair price for it, and confidently demonstrate the value of my services to others.

What advice would you give to students who have an idea but still lack the courage to apply to the incubation programme?

Don’t be afraid! People often tell themselves that their idea isn’t anything special. However, the incubator isn’t just for projects that look like global companies from day one.

It’s an environment where you can test, refine, and develop your idea in collaboration with others. The key is to start with something that truly interests you and give yourself the chance to see where this process might lead.

Encanto Equestrian’s journey shows that a business idea doesn’t have to be fully formed from day one. The RSU Business Incubator helps you test it in practice, receive professional feedback, and find the most suitable direction for development. What began as an initial idea for an equestrian supply store has evolved into a technological solution that offers new opportunities for riders and trainers.

The Encanto Equestrian concept was developed as part of the project Rīga Stradiņš University Student Innovation Grants (No. 1.1.1.7/1/25/A/002).