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Keeping an eye on equine assets

While many surveillance installations are intended to monitor potential criminal activity, there are instances where surveillance plays a more benign role. South African projects-based security technology solutions company Camsecure, which has forged a reputation as a ‘go-to’ company for many blue chip clients, is clearly not averse to thinking outside the box.

“In a recent application, though, we stepped out of the corporate world and put on our work boots and overalls,” said Francois Malan, MD of Camsecure.

When Laura Lee Farrand, owner of the Sundancer Stud near Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, expressed concern over her breeding stock, she caught the attention of Camsecure GM, William Muller.

“I moved from Johannesburg to the Midlands a few years ago and decided to embrace my passion for quarter horses by establishing a breeding farm two years ago. The quarter horse is an American breed that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other breeds of horses in races of a quarter mile or less; some individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 88,5 km/h. These horses are very expensive to import and I was concerned about their wellbeing during the breeding and foaling seasons,” Farrand explained.

Surveillance nursery

Muller suggested that Farrand consider the use of surveillance cameras to monitor the stables and foaling section. After visiting the farm, Camsecure analysed the niche requirements posited by Farrand. Work began in earnest to ensure that the 11 Vivotek IP8332 cameras were installed prior to the start of the foaling season in September.

Farrand points out that it was necessary to monitor the horses on a 24/7 basis to ensure that no harm befalls them. “One of the greatest benefits to us is that we can now remotely determine when a mare is ready to start foaling. The foaling process is fairly quick and we have found in the past that when we attend to the mare too soon in the process, she will often suffer from performance anxiety and delay her labour. This can be exhausting for both the mare and us. By being able to remotely monitor the mare’s progress and only attend to her when she has almost given birth, or if there are any birth difficulties, we save time and worry.”

Camsecure installed six cameras on 2-metre square tubing poles. “The poles were made on the farm by our technicians and provide the necessary height required to provide full coverage of the stalls. We believe that quality pays dividends and we utilised the same standard of tubing that we use in industrial applications,” said Muller.

Stable door management

A further six cameras are installed against the wall. The cabling for the cameras runs from the stables to the office, which is located about 150 metres away. Camsecure provided a 12-port Netgear switch and a UPS. The power brick for the wireless is mounted on the side of the stable building and another wireless receiver and a laptop were installed at the office. The system runs on Milestone XProtect Essential Video Management Software.

“We decided on one camera per two stables. We also required one camera in the passageway. This was necessitated after we discovered that the stallion and one of the mares were able to open their stable doors. Four cameras are dedicated to giving full coverage of the three foaling boxes,” said Farrand.

“We are extremely happy with the professional installation and service provided by Camsecure. The inclusion of the cameras in the stables has simplified our lives and ensures that our 13 horses receive our attention without the need for us to be in the stables on a constant basis,” Farrand concluded.

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