BARNCAT APP: A New Breed of Digital Horse Health
Part vet tech and part management solution – Barncat app is the latest newcomer to the horse tech health category that gives horse owners an advanced tool to monitor and track their horses’ health. The Tech Equestrian had a chance to catch-up with Natalie Martin, founder and CEO of Barncat app to learn more about her exciting digital entry as it officially launched this month.
The Modern Era of Horse Management
“I think one of the fundamental challenges we are trying to help solve is to bring the horse industry into the modern era,” said Natalie. Given that managing horses’ health can be complex, Barncat app is designed to keep everything organized, trackable and easy to reference. “It is also important, especially with how much money people are spending on their horses, to know where your money is going and what results you are getting. I want people to be empowered to make better decisions because they will be able to access the history using the app.”
The catchy name of the solution was a result of tying the brand to something that represented a useful, valuable, accessible service across all disciplines and breeds. “That's actually why we named it Barncat, because it characterizes something that is horse related, and is typically found in most barns,” Natalie shared.
Top App Features
Augmented Reality (AR) Hoof Photo
The ability to capture consistent photos over multiple trim and shoeing cycles is a game-changer when it comes to tracking your horse’s hoof condition over time. “The side-by-side comparison feature, thanks to the augmented reality tech we programmed into the app will make sharing photos with your vet and farrier simple and easy,” Natalie pointed out. The app will guide you on how to take the photos, so they are easy to view and compare. “We do hope to expand the augmented reality feature to use for the whole body.”
Digital Timeline
Getting organized is a breeze using the app’s digital timeline feature. Add any type of notes, photos, pdfs and use custom tags to categorize and manage using the search and filter function.
“We intentionally designed the app to be very open to whatever the individual wants to track. That was one of the issues that I had with some of the existing solutions, many of them want to categorize everything, however I felt like it clutters the user interface especially in the horse industry where you've got different terminology for different disciplines.” That is why Natalie and the developers designed the app with the hashtag system. “The hashtags make it easier to search and we encourage the users to take advantage of that,” she said. For example, when tracking an injury, you can use a specific hashtag for that injury, and then everything you post about that gets that tag, so when you need to review entries and a timeline – you’ve got it. “The solution needed to be customizable, but simple,” she added.
A Free & Subscription Service
“We offer a free version that will always stay free, which is ideal if you are only using the app to upload vaccine records and Coggins, the app has you covered.” There is also a premium subscription for the horse owners who are dealing with an actual issue they want to track. “I encourage users to take advantage of the photo analysis and advanced features we are adding to the solution especially if you have a current situation you are trying to manage.”
For instance, it would give a trainer the ability to manage a number of client horses on the app. The month-to-month subscription launching soon will include all of the features with a charge of $19.99 a month with a yearly fee of $199.
Sharing Data with Your Trainer
“We just launched a new feature which allows users to sync accounts, bringing another level of transparency and access to the people it matters the most.” Natalie shared that when she talks with equestrians at various horse shows and facilities, the trainers ask for this sort of product. As a horse owner you can share your horse’s data with your trainer – they would need to have the app – if they have the free version, they can only view what is posted. If both the owner and trainer are premium users, you can both collaborate and post to that horse's timeline. The app was developed to appeal to all horse owners from amateurs to professionals. Another feature she has discussed with her team is to add cost tracking for those equestrians who would like to keep track of expenses as well.
Future of Tech Adoption
After doing extensive market research back in 2020, Natalie was a little disappointed with the business owners responses when it came to being open about using technology for their business. Fast forward to today and she feels like the wave is starting now.
“I’ve taken the time to set up a table at events to talk to people and I'm finally hearing not only from the horse owners, but the trainers and barn managers who like what we are offering and I'm seeing that excitement build.” As the younger generation is used to their cell phone as their single source of truth, they are going to want a cell phone solution or a computer-based solution in every aspect of their lives, including managing their horse.
“I would say, in five years, we will see technology well integrated, and it will become more common than not as clients are going to start expecting it, especially when they are getting exposed to the options out there now. I’m also proud to give horse owners access to Barncat app that doesn't require their barn or professional to buy in at this time. I'm hoping they'll pull those professionals in, and show them firsthand how valuable it is,” stated Natalie.
Look for Barncat app at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) as Natalie and her team gear up to invest in sponsorships at WEC North as well as a table in vendor village – share your feedback and questions on a journey of horse tech that offers more data-driven insights for our four-legged friends and athletes.
Barncat app Website
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Facebook: Barncat App
Instagram: barncat.equinetech