“HorseAlert” App: A Lifesaver for Colorado Ranchers and Their Horses
LONGMONT, Colo. — Colorado Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization, has developed an innovative app called “HorseAlert” to streamline the process of transporting animals during emergencies. This app is designed to save both animal and human lives by providing a more efficient means of evacuation.
“Fires are becoming increasingly common in Colorado,” said Katherine Gregory, CEO of Colorado Horse Rescue. “Horses are particularly vulnerable during these events.”
The need for such an app became evident after the organization had to evacuate 60 horses during the Marshall and Calwood fires. Many rescues and ranches lack sufficient trailers for their horses, relying on social media to seek help from neighbors. This can lead to chaos, with too many people obstructing roads and hindering first responders.
“They end up blocking roads, obstructing first responders, and preventing other evacuees from leaving,” Gregory explained.
In response to these challenges, the nonprofit collaborated with Initial Capacity, a software consultancy, to create “HorseAlert.” This app connects horse owners with the necessary number of trailers in their vicinity for efficient horse transportation.
The app is free and currently available across Colorado. While 660 horses are registered on the platform, there are only 50 drivers.
“HorseAlert provides us with the information we need in advance,” said Irina Rapport, one of the 50 registered drivers for the app.
Rapport described the app as a safer and more efficient method for transporting horses. During the Marshall Fire, she often arrived at locations only to find the horses already evacuated or spent excessive time stuck in traffic.
“I believe the current system is somewhat broken,” Rapport stated. “We often don’t know which horses have been evacuated from which locations, or how many horses are at specific sites.”
Though the app is still in its early stages, Rapport is optimistic about its potential to improve emergency response times.
“With HorseAlert, you can simply hook up and go,” she said.
