MHB and Elation KL Provide Illumination for World-class Equestrian Competition

	The biggest challenge was to light the large arena in an even wash of consistent color temperature daylight white, light that would neither distract nor "dazzle" the horses. Photo: Lucas Kemper

In October, MHB of the Netherlands provided high quality sport lighting for Indoor Friesland, one of Europe's top equestrian competitions. A professionally illuminated wash of the highest standard was a must for the event and MHB delivered using their recently expanded inventory of Elation KL Panel LED softlights.

Indoor Friesland returned after a 15-year absence as top national and international riders competed in dressage and horse jumping at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. MHB collaborated with the event for the first time as technical AV partner, providing sport and show lighting as well as LED screens and other technical essentials.

MHB has plenty of experience designing and suppling audiovisual solutions for sporting events, having worked with clients such as Triple Double sports marketing and EMG media group. The company added to their inventory of KL Panels in September with 100 additional units and immediately deployed the full-spectrum LED softlights on the equestrian event.

The biggest challenge was to light the large arena in an even wash of consistent color temperature daylight white, light that would neither distract nor "dazzle" the horses. A smooth field of light also meant that spectators could view the competition without dark areas or strong shadows, and the high illumination levels and uniform field also benefited the broadcast cameras.

Because of MHB's positive experience lighting the Olympic Qualification Tournament in curling with KL Panels last December, MHB owner Marten Hylkema again opted for the Elation unit. After contacting Elation's Bert Schmeits, key account manager Benelux, to set a plan in motion, the 100 units were delivered in time for the event.

"We only invest in products that we believe are the best in the market and the KL Panels are of proven quality," Marten Hylkema states. "We look for durability -- a minimum of ten years lifetime -- and an environmentally-friendly design and the KL Panels have both. The output and color quality is very good and we can use them both as sport and show lighting."

That dual purpose was a plus as immediately after each day's competition the fixtures transitioned as multi-color show lights to complement music and other entertainment. In-between competitions, the KL Panels' CCT would adjust lower to project warmer light and create a more intimate atmosphere.

Housing a 295W RGBW + Lime + Cyan LED array, the KL Panel outputs 24,000 lumens from a small form factor to produce a flat field of soft white light or full-color washes if required. Color rendering is of the highest quality with a CRI above 95. Color temperature is adjustable and the unit is adept at matching the white balance for camera through a green shift adjustment and virtual gel library. Virtually silent in operation, adjustable and removable 8-leaf barn doors are included for more precise illumination and less light spill.

MHB's September investment also included 100 KL Fresnel 4 warm-white LED Fresnel lights, which were all employed at Indoor Friesland's equestrian straw village to light the stands of various equestrian shops, horse transport companies and other related businesses.

"The reaction of the participants, the audience and the organization show that Marten and MHB had found the perfect solution for this big challenge," Elation's Bert Schmeits remarks. "People had rarely seen such good lighting!"