Horse Software

There have been great strides in the development and use of software programs designed specifically to track horse records that horse owners benefit from. If you are considering the use of a software program, consider these pros and cons:

Pros:

• Records are in a central location and easy to access
• Updating information in one place automatically updates related places as well (such as an inventory list and a mare's Offspring record when a new foal is added)
• Helps be sure your data is correct and consistent (such as only allowing complete dates in date boxes, only allowing numbers in boxes that only numbers should be recorded in, etc)
• Flexible reporting options (easily sort entries and filter for certain criteria)
• Information can easily be backed up
• Reports are easily shared with others
• Reminder screens can be set to help you remember upcoming appointments, needed medications, etc

Cons:

• Some software can be expensive depending on your budget (prices range from $50 to several hundred dollars and more)
• There is a learning curve to understanding and using a software program
• Some software programs have limited record and report flexibility (require information you don't want to or need to track, can only use pre-set reports, etc)
• May need to pay for support or help is not easily accessible