These handy devices alert EMS or contacts in case of emergency. Some feature fall-detection, GPS location and two-way communication as well—all useful tools and alerts for equestrians in case of an emergency.
Medical Guardian Pendant, Clip-on or Watch
Features GPS location and two-way communication.◆ Health monitoring: No
◆ Fall-detection: Yes, with pendant and clip-on (not available
with watch).
◆ Cell connection $40/month (advanced
features extra)
◆ Available at www.medicalguardian.com
Garmin inReach
Satellite communication messenger is perfect for remote areas without cell service. Features GPS location, SOS activation and texting, tracking.
◆ Health monitoring: No
◆ Fall detection: No
◆ $449.99; requires a subscription starting at $12/month ◆ Available at www.garmin.com
Kanega Watch
The primary function of this watch is fall detection. Alerts automatically or by voice or panic button on watch. Standalone device includes cellular connection. Features GPS location and two-way communication.
◆ $199 set-up and $60/month if paying for one year up front
◆ Available at www.unaliwear.com
Apple SE Watch
Features GPS location, two-way communication, SOS calling, compass.
◆ Fall detection: Yes
◆ Cell connection: Yes
◆ Apps: Apple products only (iOS system). Apps must first be downloaded onto iPhone.
◆ $249
◆ Available at www.apple.com
FitBit Versa 3
Features GPS location, two-way communication, health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, et cetera).
◆ Fall detection: Yes
◆ Cell connection: Yes
◆ Apps: Works with both Android and Apple. Apps must first be downloaded onto a smartphone.
◆ $169.95
◆ Available at www.fitbit.com
ACR Electronics Bivy Stick
Satellite messenger with GPS location, SOS activation, two-way messaging, navigation, and pre-loaded maps.
◆ Health monitoring: No
◆ Fall detection: No
◆ $249.95; requires subscription starting at $14/month
◆ Available at www.acrartex.com
ACR Electronics ResQLink 400
Personal locator beacon used solely to send an SOS via satellite in an emergency (there is no option to cancel the SOS). Does not send or receive messages.
◆ Health monitoring: No
◆ Fall detection: No
◆ Must register with NOAA Search and Rescue (no fee). $359.95
◆ Available at www.acrartex.com
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Features GPS location, two-way communication, health
monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, body
composition, sleep quality).
◆ Fall detection: Yes
◆ Cell connection: Yes
◆ Apps: Android apps only. Apps must first be downloaded
onto smartphone.
◆ $170-$400, depending on cosmetic features;
◆ Available at www.samsung.com
Apps & More
Horse Rider SOS
For iPhone and Android. Activate when you begin your ride. If you stop moving, it sends an alert, which you can cancel. Free; in-app purchases.
FallCall
For Apple products. A high-impact fall triggers alert to EMS. Low impact sends a message to your contacts list. FallCall Lite is a voice-activated system for Apple and Android. Subscriptions required. Free; in-app purchases.
Man Down
App for iPhone. It alerts if the app user stops moving. It can be configured to monitor heartrate, trip tracking, and other movement. Free.
RoadiD
App sends real-time info to a contact list of locations. Alerts if it detects non-movement. Wearer can also initiate an alert. Free; in-app purchases.
ID-MyHorse
ID-MyHorse provides two lightweight leather tags with a form for vital information about the rider and the horse. They can be carried on the rider and braided into the horse’s mane. $20; www.ID-MyHorse.com
This article about emergency alerts for equestrians appeared in the August 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!
