Protequus LLC, an Austin-based biomedical engineering firm, is pleased to announce the late-stage development of NIGHTWATCH™ (www.nightwatch24.com), the first and only equine distress & wellness monitor (patent pending).

NIGHTWATCH™ is an innovative smart halter/collar designed to continuously analyze real-time data on a horse’s biometrics (ie, vital signs) and behaviors (ie, activities, motions, and posture), and send a wireless notification to a caretaker on their mobile device when abnormalities or novel events indicative of distress are detected. All technology is embedded within the soft leather crown of either a breakaway halter or safety collar making NIGHTWATCH™ safe and comfortable for round-the-clock use on horses in stalls, in pastures, and while in transit.

For the first time equine enthusiasts can rest easy knowing their horse is being monitored 24/7. Horse owners, caretakers, and veterinarians alike can gain meaningful insight anytime into a horse's well-being, including that animal’s Equine Distress Index™ (EDI) score―an objective measure of relative distress, from the convenience of a smartphone or web dashboard. To maximize precision and benefit, proprietary algorithms are continuously being updated as each NIGHTWATCH™ halter/collar learns that horse’s unique biometric parameters and behavioral patterns.

NIGHTWATCH™ is among a new and growing class of IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled devices, which are devices embedded with electronics, software, and sensors that interoperate within the existing internet infrastructure. The enhanced ability for NIGHTWATCH™ to communicate over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks allows for maximum coverage within the United States, while GPS technology tracks and pinpoints the location.

Protequus is committed to making NIGHTWATCH™ available for preorder in the United States starting late 2015, and is aggressively working in collaboration with several strategic partners to deliver unprecedented results and value. Each partner is a recognized leader within their respective fields of veterinarian medicine & equine health, electrical engineering & artificial intelligence, and leather craftsmanship. These partners include Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (Lexington, KY), Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY), and Freedman’s (Toronto, Canada).

About Equine Distress

Nearly 40% of the estimated 9.2 million horses in the United States are used for performance (ie, racing and showing), which means more than 3.5 million horses are at increased risk for developing colic, getting cast, or experiencing other forms of distress. Unfortunately, signs of distress can be elusive and transient, and often occur overnight or at remote locations when/where caretakers are not present resulting in delayed intervention. Delayed intervention is a negative prognostic factor that has dire impact on survival and quality of life outcomes.

About Protequus

Protequus LLC (www.protequus.com) is a premier biomedical engineering firm based in Austin, TX dedicated to equine health & safety. Founded in 2013 by Jeffrey R. Schab, a two-time World Champion equestrian and biomedical engineer, Protequus is comprised of advanced degree science and technology professionals who share a relentless commitment to excellence and a passion for horses. Their pursuit to find a solution to combat the devastating impact of equine colic has put Protequus on the fast-track for success.