The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Business Incubator provides an opportunity to test business ideas, refine them together with mentors, and step by step develop them into a practically applicable solution. Continuing the story about the three best projects from the Business Incubator’s Demo Day on 9 June 2026, this time we introduce Encanto Equestrian**. It is an online horse-riding training platform that allows riders to train under the guidance of professional coaches regardless of their location. The solution was created by combining personal experience in equestrian sport, business knowledge, and the opportunities offered by technology.**
A conversation about the Encanto Equestrian pilot project and participation in the RSU Business Incubator with the author of the idea – Anastasija Kovaļenko, a graduate of the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences programme International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship.
Tell us about yourself and the project team. How did you get into entrepreneurship and equestrian sport?
I graduated from the bachelor’s study programme International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship. In my everyday life, I am passionate about beach volleyball, but previously I was also actively involved in equestrian sport, which is still very close to me.
Encanto Equestrian was my third business idea. I started it together with my coursemate Paula Cirša, who is a marketing specialist at Ghetto Games and a professional basketball player. Our skills and ideas about developing the concept complemented each other well.
The team now also includes Anete Klintsone, who was initially my thesis supervisor. During our cooperation, we realized that we work very well together. Anete has extensive knowledge of strategy and business development, so I am glad that our cooperation continues.
What is Encanto Equestrian and what problem does it solve?
It is an online horse-riding training platform that makes high-quality training more accessible to a wider range of riders, allowing riders and professional coaches to work together remotely regardless of location. For riders, this approach makes it possible to train with experienced specialists and improve their sporting performance. For coaches, it helps save time and resources that would otherwise be needed to travel to training locations.
Equestrian sport in Latvia has great development potential, but one of the challenges is the availability of qualified and experienced coaches.
The name itself is also a kind of innovation…
Encanto Equestrian emerged from thinking about the equestrian niche and observing the market.
Veterinary care, treatment, and science in general play a very important role in equestrian sport, so we wanted to preserve this scientific and somewhat ancient touch in the name.
I knew that many Spanish words originated from Latin, so I browsed through a list of Spanish words and their meanings. That is where I came across Encanto. It sounded very appealing, 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”.
It seemed to me that this was the right word, especially together with Equestrian, which is immediately associated with equestrian sport. That is how Encanto Equestrian came about – a name that combines the world of equestrian sport with the idea of something special, magical, and a little unusual.
How did the idea of remote horse-riding training come about?
It was not an idea that emerged 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 testing the idea, listening to mentors, and developing it together with RSU colleagues, over the course of about a year I arrived at Encanto Equestrian.
I have become convinced that the best ideas are not always fully formed at the beginning. What matters is starting with a topic that you genuinely care about. During the process, the initial idea can change significantly and lead to a much more valuable solution.
How did your journey at the RSU Business Incubator begin?
It began in the 2025 incubation programme at the end of February. At first, I was quite unsure and shy. After a lecture, I approached RSU lecturer and incubator mentor Kristaps Zaļais and asked whether I could apply at all if my idea was not completely new and revolutionary. I received a positive answer, and that gave me the courage to take the first step.
At first, I wanted to create an equestrian equipment shop. Later, the idea evolved into organizing horse-riding training camps. As I continued researching the equestrian sport environment and looking for ways to make training more accessible, with the encouragement of RSU Business Incubator project manager Aigars, I turned to the concept of online training.
How does Encanto Equestrian work in practice?
Before the training session, the rider places sensors, a stand with a robot, and a phone in the arena. The system uses radio signals. The sensors and robot provide automatic tracking of the rider and adjust the camera zoom so that the coach can clearly see what is happening.
The coach watches the rider and horse in the arena on their screen, while the rider hears the coach’s instructions through earphones. In this way, the communication is made 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 such a solution and wanted to participate in the test training sessions.
We received very positive feedback. It confirmed that such a solution has its place in equestrian sport and that the idea is worth continuing to develop.
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, athletics, gymnastics, and figure skating. The solution could also be adapted to team sports, for example, for training analysis and improving player performance.
What was the contribution of the mentors and the RSU Business Incubator?
Without the support, knowledge, and people from the Business Incubator who were there throughout the process of developing the idea, Encanto Equestrian would not have reached its current stage.
The cooperation with Anete Klintsone has been particularly important. She helps us see our strengths and qualities that can sometimes be difficult to recognize ourselves. Her experience, support, and belief in both me and the idea have been very significant.
From our cooperation, I have also gained the courage to value my work, ask an appropriate price for it, and confidently demonstrate the value of my service to others.
What would you recommend to students who have their own idea but still lack the courage to apply to the incubation programme?
Don’t be afraid! People often tell themselves that their idea is nothing special. However, the incubator is not intended only for projects that look like global-scale companies from the very first day.
It is an environment where an idea can be tested, changed, and developed in cooperation with others. The main thing is to start with something that genuinely interests you and give yourself the opportunity to find out where this process can lead.
The development journey of Encanto Equestrian demonstrates that a business idea does not have to be fully formed on the very first day. The RSU Business Incubator helps test it in practice, receive professional feedback, and find the most suitable direction for development. What began as an initial idea for an equestrian equipment shop has evolved into a technological solution that offers new opportunities for riders and coaches.
The Encanto Equestrian idea was developed within the project Rīga Stradiņš University Innovation Grants for Students (nr. 1.1.1.7/1/25/A/002).
