About
NIGHTWATCH Smart Halter, developed by Protequus LLC, is a comprehensive at-home, in-field, and in-clinic equine distress and wellness monitoring system. The smart halter is worn by the horse and continuously measures key biometrics including heart rate, respiration rate, and activity levels. Using its proprietary Equine Distress Index (EDI®) algorithm, the system analyzes this data to detect early signs of colic, foaling, injury, or general distress. When an alert condition is triggered, the system notifies designated caregivers automatically via text message, phone call, or email — enabling rapid response at any hour. One halter can be shared across multiple horses, making it cost-effective for stables and farms of any size. The platform serves multiple use cases: performance horse owners can monitor overnight wellness to tailor training programs; breeders can be alerted to the onset of foaling and be present at birth; and veterinarians can remotely observe post-operative or high-risk horses with objective data. It also supports long-term management of senior horses and those with chronic conditions such as cribbing or weaving. The companion mobile app provides an intuitive interface for reviewing historical data, setting alert preferences, and sharing insights with a care team. The Gen 2.0 version expands capabilities further with global connectivity. NIGHTWATCH is trusted by owners, trainers, breeders, and vets worldwide as a potentially life-saving tool for equine welfare.
Key Features
- Real-Time Biometric Monitoring: Continuously tracks heart rate, respiration, and activity levels while the horse is wearing the halter, day or night.
- Automated Distress Alerts: Sends immediate notifications via text, phone call, or email when the EDI® algorithm detects signs of colic, injury, or other distress.
- Foaling Detection: Monitors pregnant mares closely and alerts owners to early signs of parturition so they can be present at birth.
- Equine Distress Index (EDI®): Proprietary algorithm that objectively analyzes biometric data to score and flag distress levels, reducing false alarms and improving response accuracy.
- Multi-Horse, Single Halter Design: One NIGHTWATCH halter can be transferred between multiple horses, making it practical and economical for barns with several animals.
Use Cases
- Monitoring performance horses overnight to detect early colic or distress before competitions or training sessions.
- Alerting breeders to the onset of foaling so they can be present and assist during birth.
- Tracking post-operative or injured horses at home and sharing objective biometric data with the veterinary care team.
- Managing senior horses or those with chronic behavioral conditions such as cribbing, windsucking, or weaving.
- Providing remote wellness monitoring for horses when owners or trainers are away from the barn.
Pros
- 24/7 Peace of Mind: Owners, trainers, and vets receive immediate alerts regardless of the time, enabling faster intervention during life-threatening events like colic or difficult foaling.
- Objective Data for Better Care: Provides quantifiable biometric trends that help veterinarians and trainers make more informed decisions about treatment and training regimens.
- Versatile Across Use Cases: Equally useful for performance horses, pregnant mares, post-operative patients, and senior horses with chronic conditions.
Cons
- Hardware Purchase Required: Requires buying the physical smart halter device, which represents an upfront cost that may be a barrier for casual horse owners.
- Dependent on Connectivity: Real-time alerts and monitoring rely on cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, which may be limited in remote pastures or rural areas.
- Single Halter Availability: While one halter can be shared among horses, simultaneous monitoring of multiple horses at once requires additional units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the NIGHTWATCH Smart Halter monitor?
It monitors a horse's heart rate, respiration rate, and physical activity levels in real time, using these biometrics to calculate an Equine Distress Index (EDI®) score.
How does the alert system work?
When the system detects abnormal biometric patterns indicating distress, foaling onset, or health complications, it automatically contacts designated caregivers via text message, phone call, or email.
Can one halter be used for multiple horses?
Yes, a single NIGHTWATCH halter is designed to transfer between horses, so one device can monitor your entire herd sequentially.
Is NIGHTWATCH suitable for detecting colic?
Yes, colic detection is one of its primary use cases. The EDI® algorithm is specifically trained to identify behavioral and biometric patterns associated with early-stage colic.
Who is NIGHTWATCH designed for?
It is designed for horse owners, trainers, breeders, and veterinarians who need continuous, reliable monitoring of horses — especially high-risk, pregnant, performance, or senior animals.
