Our phones are arguably the biggest distraction we face in modern society, but they can also be incredibly useful tools. No matter what problem you need to solve, “there is,” they say, “an app for that.”
This is even true for those of us who want to take better care of our horses and horse properties. If you’re looking for some useful tools to help you with your horse keeping and land management efforts, try these handy apps.
Draw Maps
Draw Maps is an app that lets you draw, take notes, and add images to maps using satellite data. You can use the app to map out characteristics of your property, such as topography, wetland areas, surface water, different soil types, vegetation, etc. It would also be a great tool for planning out your native plant landscaping, cross fencing for rotational grazing, or even total farm layout on a new property.
Available for: iOS
Cost: Free with premium upgrade options
Bonus Tip
Soil Web
Soil Web was developed by UC Davis and provides access to USDA-NCSS detailed soil survey data for most areas of the US. This data can give you a feel for the different types of soil on your property and their respective drainage class, pH level, and composition. It can also help you see what areas are prone to flooding. While it’s no substitute for having a soil test done, it’s a great place to start.
Available for: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Seek
Seek is an excellent resource for identifying plants, animals, and fungi. It uses your phone’s camera to scan organisms and provide identification. You can also import photos into the app for identification. Use Seek to identify native and invasive species on your property (i.e. weeds), or to read your land based on the plants growing in different areas. Different plants can tell you much about an area’s drainage (including wetlands or seasonal drainage), compaction, and nutrient quality. This kind of information would be especially useful for those building or planning a horse facility.
Available for: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Fires – Wildfire Maps and Info
Fires is an app that provides maps, photos, and information about wildfires using data from InciWeb, CAL FIRE, NIFC, and the US Forest Service. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, this can help you keep track of nearby fires. You can also set it to send you notifications when a fire is reported within a certain radius from the address you supply.
Available for: iOS
Cost: Free with premium upgrades available
Free Firewise Resources
Equilab
Equilab is a multipurpose app for horseback riders. You can use it to track your riding, share your location and status with loved ones when you’re out on the trail, plan your farrier and vet appointments, and communicate with boarders, barn managers, and fellow riders.
Available for: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with premium upgrades available
Rideable Horse Riding Tracker
Rideable is another app for tracking rides. While it doesn’t include the communication or scheduling features of Equilab, it does include a library of groundwork and riding exercises to keep your training interesting for both you and your horse.
Available for: iOS
Cost: Free with premium upgrades available
Trailforks
If you’re looking for some new riding trails near you, or you want to keep an eye on current conditions for your favorite trails, try Trailforks. This app has trail maps and information for a variety of backcountry activities, including horseback riding, and users can leave helpful updates for others.
Available for: iOS and Android
Cost: Use the app free for the first 7 days and in your home region forever. Unlock all maps for $3/mo.
The Ride of a Lifetime
SmartPak Blanketing App
You’ll never have to mull over whether or not to blanket your horses with this handy app. Simply input information for each of your horses and the app will give you customized recommendations for each horse based on the local weather at your barn.
Available for: iOS
Cost: Free
