Horse Training Services by Kyle Rothfus
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Easy Way to Add a Free Video Monitor to Your Horse Trailer or Foaling Stall

12/15/2016

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As I prepare for two very long upcoming trailer trips I wanted to be sure to install a video monitor in the horse trailer without breaking the bank or requiring electrical work in the trailer. After hours of research and several disappointing shopping trips looking at baby monitors and security systems, I was extremely excited to figure out a solution using a FREE App Called "Alfred" (this used to be called "Web of Cam") that didn't require me to purchase anything new or make any alterations to my trailer.

The other options were baby monitors and surveillance cameras that were not only expensive but would also have required me to either hard wire the camera to the trailer electric or purchase an equally expensive portable generator to power the camera portion of the system. My solution is giving life to two iPhone 4's I've had collecting dust in a drawer while also providing me the flexibility to use my Android phone as the monitor paired with one of the iPhones as the camera or even use a laptop as the monitor and a phone as the camera - and there are always affordable older model smart phones available on ebay and Craigslist. The even better part is that since this solution doesn't require a continual power source, I can also use this in the barn at home since my WiFi signal from the house reaches the barn.

The list of supplies

  • 2 WiFi enabled smartphones (can both be iPhone or Android or combo) or 1 WiFi enabled smartphone and 1 WiFi enabled laptop/tablet
    • Had two iPhone 4s collecting dust but could also easily purchase affordable used devices online
  • Free Alfred App (used to be called "Web of Cam") for iPhone and Android
  • Portable mount/tripod for smartphone
    • Have one for capturing videos of my rides. Picked it up for $5 at Five Below (Several options on Amazon for less than $15)
  • Option to turn phone into WiFi hotspot, separate hotspot device or WiFi through OnStar in truck
    • This is a paid service of course
  • Backup portable battery or phone charger for truck (optional)
    • I have collected several of these over the years (Lots of available options)
  • Wide angle or fish eye detachable lens (optional)
    • I have one of these for videoing my training sessions. Picked it up for $3 at Five Below (Also available at Best Buy for $19.99)

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Make Your Own Horse Measuring Stick for Less than $10

1/1/2016

5 Comments

 
How tall is my horse? We've all thought that question at some point or hypothesized about the answer. Most of us just rely on what the prior owner told us or an eyeball approximation because most people don't have enough horses to feel justified spending $40 on a fancy aluminum horse measuring stick.

Well for only $10 you can make your own dual-purpose horse measuring and jump height measuring stick with simple supplies you can purchase at your local hardware store. Here's how.
Supplies needed:
Picture
  • 6 foot (or longer) 1 inch by 2 inch piece of wood
  • 3/4 inch diameter wooden dowel 24 inches in length
  • ​3/4 inch x 3/4 inch x 1/2" PVC saddle tee​
  • ​Measuring tape
  • Pen/pencil
  • Permanent marker
  • Zip ties

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    By Kyle Rothfus

    This blog is dedicated to providing insight about OTTB re-training, Thoroughbred pedigrees and general equine care. You can also track the progress of horses I have for sale through posts here.

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