Creating a Horse Tracking System: A Comprehensive Guide

Our equine companions have evolved over millennia to live in expansive open plains, covering significant distances each day in their quest for sustenance. To replicate this natural lifestyle within the confines of our modern-day pastures, a horse tracking system can be a game-changer.

Such a system, which often goes hand-in-hand with products like the Tractive GPS Tracker, allows for monitoring and encouraging our horses’ movements, and facilitates exercise and mental stimulation. This can be crucial for our horse’s health and overall well-being.

The Whistle GO Explore, another brilliant GPS device for pets, can also be adapted for horses and is an excellent alternative. It not only tracks location but also monitors behaviors that may indicate health problems.

We’ve all heard the saying, “no hoof, no horse,” emphasizing the importance of hoof care. Similarly, no well-managed movement, no healthy horse. A horse tracking system is not a luxury but a necessity for any responsible horse owner who cares about their horse’s welfare. This article will help you understand the nuts and bolts of a horse tracking system, guiding you through designing and building your own system, while highlighting the best products available on the market to ensure the most effective tracking.

To create a system that mirrors the natural migratory behavior of horses, it’s crucial to first understand the concept of a horse tracking system. This system, though a modern innovation, is designed to hearken back to the horse’s ancestral lifestyle, allowing them to roam within set boundaries, forage, and interact with their environment in a way that is mentally stimulating and physically beneficial.

The horse tracking system is akin to a structured, navigable pathway that directs your horse’s movement around your pasture or paddock, encouraging them to stay active. An essential part of this system includes GPS horse trackers such as the popular Tractive GPS Horse Tracker or the versatile Whistle GO Explore. These devices allow you to monitor your horse’s movement, whether for health reasons, training purposes, or to ensure that they are safe within their allotted space.

One of the primary goals of the system is to prevent your horse from developing “boredom vices,” which are often a result of a lack of mental and physical stimulation. With a tracking system in place, horses can engage in more natural behaviors, thereby improving their overall well-being. Another critical purpose of the horse tracking system is to facilitate optimal physical exercise. A horse at liberty would naturally cover extensive distances each day, and a tracking system encourages similar activity levels.

Consider pairing the tracking system with an activity tracker, like the Horsepal Edge Horse Monitor. This device, when attached to the horse’s rug, not only tracks the activity level but also monitors vital health information like temperature and humidity. This data can be useful in adjusting your horse tracking system, ensuring it aligns with the specific needs of your horse.

A horse tracking system, when used in tandem with these modern tracking and monitoring devices, bridges the gap between our modern equine management practices and the horses’ inherent need for freedom, movement, and exploration.

Designing a horse tracking system involves thoughtful consideration of numerous elements: your land’s size and shape, the horse’s behavior, and, above all, the safety measures you’ll need to implement. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, you can create a system that not only promotes your horse’s natural behaviors but also brings you peace of mind.

First, you must evaluate your land. The size and shape will significantly impact the design of your tracking system. Remember that the objective is to encourage movement – so if your land is smaller, consider a serpentine layout or even circular track to maximize the space. If you have a larger plot, you can create multiple paths with different terrains to offer varied stimulation. In both cases, the Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS is an invaluable tool that can help you map out the track by providing accurate geolocation data.

Your horse’s behavior should also influence the design. Younger, more active horses might appreciate a system with hills or different terrains to explore, while older or less mobile horses could benefit from flatter, smoother tracks. You can even consider features such as slow-feed hay nets which can be placed along the track to encourage a more natural, slow, and continuous eating pattern, akin to foraging.

Safety is paramount when designing your horse tracking system. This includes considering the type of fencing that would be safe and effective. Options range from the traditional wood or wire fences to the more contemporary electric fencing. The Zareba Systems provides a range of electric fence options & Energizers that are worth considering. These systems are easy to install, highly visible, and can be a good deterrent for a horse prone to testing boundaries.

Additionally, for safety, consider incorporating the use of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. This wireless security camera not only provides an extra layer of security for your horse but also features a floodlight for low-light conditions, ensuring visibility at all times.

The process of designing your horse tracking system should be a balance between creating a stimulating, enjoyable environment for your horse and ensuring their safety.

Now that we’ve established a sound understanding of what a horse tracking system is and how to design one, let’s discuss the process of physically creating this system. It involves several stages: selecting the appropriate materials, installing the track, and adding extra features that enrich the environment for your horse.

To begin with, you’ll need to select the right materials for your fencing. In this regard, safety and durability should be paramount. Electric fencing, like Zereba Systems option from earlier & energizer, are a popular choice. Solar-powered and capable of powering a fence of several miles, it’s an eco-friendly and energy-efficient choice. However, ensure you train your horse to understand electric fencing to prevent any accidents. For those who prefer non-electric options, Rail fencing can be a viable alternative with its high-tensile polymer material that blends the strength of wire and the safety of polymer.

Once you’ve chosen your fencing, the next step is to map out the track. Use the coordinates from your Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS to plot your fence line accurately. Installation will depend on the type of fencing you’ve chosen, but most systems will require sturdy fence posts like the MTB Fence Post, which are easy to install and designed to last.

As you set up your track, consider including additional features like shelters, water points, and feeding stations. The Suncast Outdoor Storage Shed offers a versatile and durable option for sheltering needs, providing your horse with a refuge from the elements. For water points, the Rubbermaid Commercial Stock Tank is a sturdy, large-capacity choice that ensures your horse has access to fresh water. And, as mentioned earlier, slow-feed hay nets can be strategically placed along the track to promote natural foraging behavior.

Maintaining the system involves routine checks of the fencing integrity, replenishing water, and food supplies, and monitoring your horse for signs of distress or discomfort. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera can help in this regard by providing you with real-time visuals of the horse and the tracking system.

Constructing a horse tracking system is no minor task, but with patience and the right equipment, it’s an endeavor that promises substantial benefits for the horse’s health and your peace of mind.

Creating the physical structure of a horse tracking system is merely the beginning. You must then consider how to adapt the system to meet the specific needs of your horse – considering factors like age, health status, and personality.

For example, older horses may require a softer terrain to ease joint discomfort. Investing in quality bedding can make areas of the track more comfortable for senior horses.

In contrast, young, energetic horses might benefit from added environmental stimulation. Incorporating play items like the Horsemen’s Pride Jolly Ball into your track design could help channel their energy positively and prevent boredom.

Health status is also a crucial factor. Horses with certain medical conditions, such as laminitis or founder, often require regulated diets. Again a hay net can help control food intake while encouraging natural grazing patterns.

Personality, too, can dictate how your track is used. Some horses might prefer open, spacious areas, while others might feel more secure with areas of coverage. A quality horse blanket, like the Gatsby Aspen 1200D MW Turnout Blanket, can provide an additional sense of security for more anxious horses, particularly during colder weather.

In the end, the ideal horse tracking system is as unique as the horse it serves. It is an evolving entity, shaped by experience and guided by the intention to create the best possible environment for your horse’s mental and physical well-being.

Creating and maintaining a horse tracking system isn’t a walk in the park. It demands a good understanding of your horse’s psyche, careful planning, and continual tweaking. However, the reward of witnessing your horse thrive in a habitat that respects its natural inclinations is immeasurable.
At the heart of it all, it’s about taking a step back from traditional confinement practices and embracing a method that prioritizes the horse’s well-being, both physical and psychological. To see your horse gallop freely, engage curiously with its environment, and live as it was meant to is a sight to behold. The joy of such a vision, we assure you, far outweighs the cost and effort of setting up a horse tracking system.
Here’s to the healthier and happier horse that awaits at the end of this journey. And remember, when in doubt, always lean on the wisdom of professionals in your decision-making process. For at the end of the day, every horse is unique, and their well-being is paramount.