Tis the season for making resolutions. While some relate to keeping track of our own well-being, this should extend to others as well—including horses. Consider adding a new equine monitoring system to your to-do list in the new year. Here’s a list of some available options.

Types of New Equine Monitoring Systems

There are many ways to help track a horse’s vital stats, and many tools that make this process easier. The following wearable technologies are designed to help determine your horse’s current level of health and happiness.

• All in stride. Measure a horse’s leg movements with a tracker worn in a fetlock boot. Similar to counting steps, this device monitors gait and stride patterns to spot any inconsistency. This is especially helpful after an injury.
• Cut a rug. You wouldn’t let your child leave the house in winter without a coat, but what about a horse? There’s a sensor made to go underneath their rug to monitor temperature, sweat, and activity. The connected app alerts you if the horse could be uncomfortable.
• 24/7 monitoring. There are monitors made to be worn by a horse via bib or on a girth strap depending on if they’re in a stable or out riding. Motion sensors measure activity, sleep, stress, and more. Not only is this useful during training sessions, but during downtime as well.
• Train with the best. Another training tool comes in the form of a girth sleeve to track heart rate, calories burned, and recovery time during any given session. More advanced models even record speed, distance, strides, jumps, and other activities within the practice or show ring.
• When vitals are vital. For a more comprehensive evaluation, there are headcollar devices that monitor vital signs and behavior and notifies the user of any distress signals. This is especially helpful during travel.

Choosing the Right System

With all the options, it can be difficult to pick a new equine monitoring system. Many of these tools have apps attached where data can easily be shared with family, trainers, vets, and other interested parties. This feature narrows down some choices, but there’s still the question of proper use and installation (if needed). Reach out to your vet or training facility for specific advice, and contact the security specialists at Security Five for more information on monitoring what means the most to you.

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