New mobile apps developed at the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension are designed to help horse owners more precisely plan hay purchases and evaluate horses’ body weight.

“Horses have evolved from work animals to recreational animals, with many leading leisurely lifestyles of limited exercise and access to lush pasture and grain,” said Krishona Martinson, PhD, U of M Extension equine specialist. “The recent shortage of hay, and the spike in prices, have forced many horse owners to reevaluate their feeding strategies.”

The U of M Extension’s horse team worked with researchers across the university and country to find solutions and Martinson’s group developed two mobile apps for iPhones and iPads designed to help horse owners plan their feeding strategies. Android versions of the apps are in development