Case Study

CLIENT BACKGROUND

Situated on 30 acres of land within Calgary’s south city limits, this 60-year-old equestrian facility is home to over 40 horses and offers lessons, horse training and boarding. The property is comprised of an indoor riding arena, outdoor grass and sand rings, paddocks, a hay shed, equipment storage barn, and stables with a tack room, wash rack and grooming cross-tie area.

ISSUES

There were several areas of concern and frustration this client was experiencing. To begin with, having access to reliable, secure, and fast Wi-Fi was a priority. As well, they had ongoing security issues with trespassers and theft. Poor lighting on the property made it difficult in the winter months to finish daily chores and check on the welfare of livestock in the dark. Human error also caused concerns when doors were accidentally left open causing frozen water lines in the barn or horses to escape. They also expressed concern with the requirements to monitor horses when they were placed in quarantine. Typically, this required either their staff or the horse’s owner, staying overnight to monitor the horse’s well-being. The owners approached Digital Lifestyles for a solution that would solve their issues with networking, lighting, security, and their need for improved operational efficiencies.

SOLUTIONS

Our Rural Technology Team evaluated the property and collaborated with the necessary service provider to support the installation of our secure, high speed network. The property is now equipped with fast, reliable Wi-Fi access throughout all buildings and outdoor areas. High efficiency LED lighting has been strategically placed throughout the property, dramatically changing the ease and safety of nighttime chores, while ensuring the light does not aggravate the animals. This lighting further supports the security of the property. Sixteen, high resolution security cameras with colour night vision were installed, along with a trip wire alarm around the parameter of the property. The cameras provide remote visual access of all buildings and livestock throughout the property. To ensure the facility’s essential systems can be effectively monitored, we have installed sensors that indicate temperature fluctuations, water leakage, status of doors and gates, and motion detection. All of these automated systems have been seamlessly integrated into a single user interface that can be remotely monitored and operated 24/7, from anywhere in the world. Lights can be dimmed or turned on or off remotely. The monitoring system will send push notifications to a mobile device, alerting if there are any water leaks, temperature changes, doors left open or if unexpected motion has been detected. Finally, operational efficiencies have been implemented with the ability to remotely monitor the staff to verify that all necessary animal care has been completed. Quarantined horses can also be remotely observed 24/7, for any mental or physical stress. These technology innovations have made a significant impact in every aspect of daily life at this equestrian facility.