World Equestrian Brands Wednesday Helmet Cam: American Pharoah

This is no ordinary helmet cam video — and not just because we’re getting the rider’s-eye view of what it’s like to gallop on American Pharoah.

Okay, by now we’ve seen plenty of helmet cam views of jumpers, eventers, cowboys, trail riders and jockeys. But we can guarantee you’ve never seen one quite like this. Not only are we getting a rider’s-eye view of the exquisite American Pharoah and the Del Mar track, we’re also able to see the entire scene — all 360 degrees of it.

Did it just look like a regular helmet cam to you? If you answered “yes,” hit replay — and look closely in the upper left-hand corner for the arrows which will let you change the view! You can look down at the back of AP’s head, or turn to watch the other horses breezing as Pharoah whips by.

Then check out this behind-the-scenes look at how the folks at GoPro are changing the way we think about “helmet cams”:

Okay, now my mind is officially blown. It’s as close to being a jockey as I know I’ll ever come — you can watch the entire workout just like you were Martin Garcia yourself!

American Pharoah’s owner Ahmed Zayat has expressed interest in running the horse in the Travers Stakes, also called the “Midsummer Derby.” In an article at Bloodhorse.com, Zayat states his reasons for continuing to run the horse in defense of critics who accuse him of simply chasing big purses for his own financial gain: “to retire the colt now would ‘be depriving the industry.'”

In the meantime, until we see AP on the track again, we’ll keep ourselves occupied with this unique view!

Go riding!