However, here is the kicker, because we ride at a fast trot or canter, I can't actively control the quad. Instead, I must be able to passively control it. It must perform specific, pre-defined actions based on my position, speed, and heading while flying, steering, and maneuvering without receiving any input directly from me. It should continually adjust its position and flight path based on my speed according to the rules I pre-define. For example, after takeoff with the camera turned on, the drone ought to stay ahead of me, say 30 feet ahead and 20 feet off the ground. Then if I start moving faster than 10 mph it should come to my side about 30° (10 o'clock). If I continue at this speed for more than a minute it should do a slow semi circle around me and come to the 2 o'clock point for a minute. If I keep going it should... etc etc. I don't care if I have to program the drone in code or through a UI, I just want to be able to define lots and lots of rules (based on the terrain of the day). Of course it would need to protect itself from running into trees and walls, or any other objects while trying to follow my rules as closely as possible.
You have my attention.