I wonder if 2 layers of defense
might work better.
The GPS system to help you locate
your horse.
A device that will emit a sound
every few minutes when you aren't on the horse. The sound would have to be
loud enough to carry for some distance, but not so loud or sharp or whatever to
make the horse nervous. I haven't figured out the trigger yet but I think
it would have to be something automatic. Off the top of my head I see two
options, a pressure sensing pad that senses you aren't in the saddle, or a
device that detects that you aren't nearby (this would be a two part device, one
on horse and one on rider).
When you fall off your horse and
it heads for wherever, the sound device would be heard by other riders (one
hopes) and they would then know there is a horse who has lost a rider. If
it's been a while, the GPS would give a location, and the sound would help find
the horse in that location.
I think Shirley's idea
on the GPS watch/locator is an excellent idea. I'll share an e-mail with
you that I received from a gentleman that I've talked with over the last
year.....I'm sure you'll all agree that some sort of locator is an excellent
idea. In September 2002, his horse Moria spooked and got loose near
their camp in Traverse City, MI. Here's the final e-mail I
received from Doc Bend
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Bend [mailto:richardbend@xxxxxxxxxxx]
You are the list of contacts I have written over the past 14 months in
my search for Moriah. Saturday Dr. White, Ron and Carole and I met Rowland
on the road in front of his property. We hiked back in about 700 yards onto
an old dried up lake, the kind that bounce when you jump on them if you
don't put your foot through. There was what was left of Moriah, Saddle
under her belly, skeleton in tact bridle and bit under her chin halter and
lead still on. There was evidence even after 14 months of a violent
struggle to get out of the "bog" and she was on top like she had won the
battle but then laid down and died of heart attack or Fright. Who knows.
She was just 2 miles north of Ranch Rudolph. She was 1/4 mile from where I
lost her trail a year ago. Barbara and I are thankful for all the help from
all of you regarding her return and give thanks for your support and
prayers
through this ordeal. Now we know she is in greener pastures and not in the
hands of any tyrants or mis users. Thank you for your clues and hours of
searching.
Dr. Bend
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Dyane
Smith Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 9:15 AM To:
ridecamp Subject: Re: [RC] Zoom Zoom/lost
horses
As I too have been able to get the story of Zoom Zoom out of my mind,
I have begun the search for my next "gadget".
I came across a neat little "watch type" GPS locator that
is made for children. The service is not available in Canada and
maybe everyone in the U.S. already knows about it, but I thought it
may be worth a mention.
While the child is wearing the watch you can go to a website and
type in the identification # of that watch and it pinpoints within a few
feet where the child is. If a person could attach the watch to their
horse/tack they could then find their horse...?? You could get the
GPS readings from the website and then use another GPS to find your
horse hiding...
Another useful option is that it has a button that can be
pressed to alert 911 of trouble and of your location. Of course,now you
would have to decide if your going to attach the watch to yourself or your
horse! It is a little pricey though,$200 for the watch and then a
monthly fee for the "service". BUT like I said, it is not available
in canada... Maybe it would be an option for those of you in the U.S.
though?
