Horse Software

Another common way of keeping records is the use of electronic computer-based processes. While there are a variety of ways to enter records on the computer such as word documents and databases, spreadsheets are the most commonly used method (not including software designed specifically for horses). Points to consider with spreadsheets:

Pros:

• Minimal cost to get started (just need a a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel)
• Fairly easy to get started if you have basic knowledge of the spreadsheet program
• Records are on the computer and in one location
• Information can be backed up (on a flash drive, CD, etc to have in the event of computer trouble)
• Records can be shared with others (such as by emailing to accountant, vet, consultant, etc)

Cons:

• Updating/making changes to records is cumbersome (must remember to update a horse's records in multiple locations)
• Difficult to make reports (first need to create the format of the report, then copy records that need to be on the report)
• Not an easy way to filter records (such as making a list of horses born during a certain date range, in a certain pasture, etc)
• Not a systematic way to be sure data fits within certain parameters (partial dates can be recorded, text can be entered in any fields including ones that should be numbers only, etc)
• Records must be updated in several locations (such as on a worksheet tab for inventory and a separate worksheet tab for the mare's Offspring when a new foal is born)