STALLWATCH: The Next Generation of Equine Video Surveillance
From adapting its video surveillance solution from 3G to 5G and beyond, StallWatch has been a trailblazer in the industry since it launched in 2000. It is a company that has evolved due to the everchanging horse sport needs and technology upgrades and is a division of WatchCorp LLC which has enabled it to grow its customer base along with adding additional capabilities. The Tech Equestrian caught up with Jackie Hale, a consultant and sales rep for StallWatch since 2009 to learn more about the company’s background and next chapter of this invaluable security service.
Expanding into Cross Disciplines and Events
“My husband and I raise and train American Saddlebred show horses and one of reasons they brought me onboard at StallWatch was to expand sales to other breeds and disciplines outside of the hunter/jumper world, where StallWatch was born,” shared Jackie. As a professional horse trainer and breeder, Jackie has a unique perspective and understanding of the need for this system. “When your mare is due to foal, or you are at an important competition, you need to keep eyes on what matters,” Jackie stated. “This is the only cellular-based camera system that offers 24/7 cloud streaming and playback for 30 days."
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, StallWatch started out servicing the hunter/jumper world and still supports individual camera systems for stables/owners/trainers. “Because our solution offers the ability to monitor hundreds of cameras, we have recently gotten into covering large-scale events - particularly in the thoroughbred racing industry,” said Jackie.
The Kentucky Derby Called
Due to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA), which was created to improve the safety of horseracing by requiring a uniform anti-doping and medication control program, Churchill Downs reached out to StallWatch to enforce this new legislation. “The Derby wanted a video surveillance system that didn’t need WiFi and they needed to view 100+ cameras at one time – they’ve got 2 cameras on every horse. We supported the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks in 2022, as well as several major stakes races at Del Mar,” shared Jackie. “We have the contract to do the Derby and Oaks again in 2023, so we are excited to be growing in the “event” coverage business.”
Proving its Worth
StallWatch is a portable equine video surveillance system that has a built-in, cellular WiFi signal. The two-camera system streams 24/7 to cloud storage, so you have both a real-time live view, as well as historic footage for the past 30 days. “This system not only helps you protect your horse and your equipment, but provides the forensic evidence needed to defend yourself in the event someone tampers with your horse during a competition,” Jackie highlighted.
“The Derby did catch someone last year doping a horse in the middle of the night – the horse was in the winnings, and they used this technology to eliminate them. It is a powerful tool not only to keep horses safe, but to maintain the integrity of the sport,” said Jackie.
“I’m keeping an eye on the development of HISA because the rules that they put in place for the horseracing world will very likely eventually trickle down to the horse show world.”
A turnkey solution that keeps an eye on what matters most.
Benefits Defined
StallWatch offers a 24/7 live view and cloud streaming for backup – the video is not ‘motion triggered’ but provides full coverage video which is unlike any other cellular based camera system. “We are focused on servicing larger barns and events that want the control and security of viewing horses in their stalls 24/7. We currently have an annual lease plan for our camera system (equipment) and service. Occasionally we have systems available for short term (month-to-month) lease for foaling season or for protection during a competition season.” Event-based pricing is contracted based on the number of systems needed to cover the competitors participating in the event.
Jackie reported, “Cellular service in general has dramatically improved – now we have 5G pretty much everywhere. The cell towers are better; the routers are stronger with better antenna strength, and the cameras have very high quality resolution.”
Mobile App Coming Soon
Major upgrades are planned this Spring with the development of the StallWatch app for Apple and Android. It will be custom tailored to the equestrians needs with better, real-time live viewing as well as the ability to “rewind” and view cloud storage/history for up to 30 days.
“The new app will give us the ability to offer to any business that wants to see a lot of cameras at one time, regardless of the camera brand. StallWatch is essentially evolving into a software company. “We aren’t the cellular service provider – that is a flow-thru expense for us; we are providing the software and viewing platform.,” shared Jackie.
As technology gets easier, it is becoming more attractive to equestrians. “We’ve learned that it must be easy to install and simple to operate in order to be attractive to this audience. StallWatch understands that, so we are making our product as simple to use for horse owners/barn managers to find value in the solution.”
StallWatch Website
Instagram: stallwatch
Facebook: StallWatch
The parent company, WatchCorp LLC, also owns a construction site surveillance company, SiteWatch, which provides the same cellular based video surveillance that is solar powered in instances when there is no permanent power supply yet. This concept would allow a farm to ‘watch’ an area of their property that has no power supply.