2016 Wrap-Up
2016 was nothing short of extraordinary for the Protequus® team behind the World’s first smart halter™, NIGHTWATCH®. Over the past twelve months, we travelled from show to show, where the horses and riders never ceased to amaze us. We are so grateful for all the memories we made with old friends and the new friends we picked up along the way.
We kicked the year off right at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We were thrilled to hear some of the greatest minds in technology voice their support of NIGHTWATCH® and then to be invited to have the device travel the states on the NXP Smarter World Tour.
In February, we braved the frigid Boston temperatures to spend time with our friends at UPHA, AHHS, AMHA, and ASHA at the Super Convention. It was an excellent time to get a diverse group of horse industry leaders in the same room to define solutions for the sport.
After a bit of a temperature shock, we settled into warm and sunny Scottsdale for the largest Arabian show in the world. As one of the first shows at which we accepted pre-orders, we were pleased with the support we were shown by the Arabian community.
We capped the month off at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. As horse lovers, we were not ready to leave after participating in the Innovation Expo and touring the breathtaking Double H Farm.
In April, we visited the famous Kentucky Horse Park as vendors at the Rolex 3-Day. We were lucky enough to walk the cross country course prior to the competition. It really put into perspective how athletic the horse and rider pairs truly are.
In May, we spent a great ten days at the historic Devon Horse Show. We were gifted with the most pleasant weather and enjoyed spectating a wide range of disciplines from Hunters and Jumpers, to Friesians and Saddlebreds, and more! As official sponsors of the McDevitt Exhibitor’s Lounge, we were able to spend quality time with competitors and build lasting relationships. We were so happy to hear how various caretakers plan to use NIGHTWATCH® as part of their programs.
In July, we enjoyed our time at Youth Arabian Nationals in Oklahoma City. As young competitors, these riders are the future of the horse industry and we were so proud to support them.
In August, we headed back to the gorgeous Lexington for the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship and International Hunter Derby Championship. We are thankful to have earned the support of the USHJA and for the quality introductions they made.
Just a skip away, we headed down to Louisville for the World’s Championship Horse Show. The legendary green shavings in Freedom Hall were a sight to see and the passes around the ring left goosebumps on our arms. As rewards for their hard work, we brought bushels of organic carrots to some well-deserving horses and their owners. It was so fun to see both the faces of horses and their owners light up with this tasty treats!
Despite being on the road throughout August, we enjoyed following the Olympics in Rio. These horse and rider teams truly represent the bond between horse and rider at the highest level of competition. A special shout out to France for winning the Team Jumping and Eventing, to Germany for earning the gold in Team Dressage and German Michael Jung for topping the Individual Eventing, and to Great Britain for Nick Skelton’s success in the Individual Jumping and Charlotte Dujardin in the Individual Dressage. We look forward to crossing paths with these and other exceptional riders in their future pursuit of more Olympic qualifications.
In September, we headed up to the Central Park Horse Show. We were amazed with the juxtaposition of Jumpers and Arabians competing beneath the beautiful New York City skyline!
We started the jam-packed month of October by returning to Oklahoma City at the Morgan Grand National. We loved watching over 1,000 stunning Morgan horses and their passionate owners compete for the esteemed roses.
Afterwards, we popped up to Columbus for a few days at the largest single breed horse show in the world, the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. We were shocked at the organization it took to assemble nearly 7,000 horses at a single show and we look forward to returning to this massive event next year.
At the end of the month, we spent more time with our Arabian-enthusiast friends in Tulsa at the 50th Annual Arabian and Half-Arabian US Nationals. We were honored to present a device to the champion of the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund Town & Country Night. It was truly humbling to see the industry come together in support of their fellow horsemen and women.
In November, we travelled north to Toronto for the Royal Winter Fair. From Jumping and Dressage to cattle judging and terrier racing, it was a true spectacle we hope all animal lovers can someday experience.
Lastly in December, we returned to Florida for the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention. After three full days of meetings with equine veterinarians from across the globe, we were proud to see so many health professionals recognizing the standout technology of NIGHTWATCH® and it’s ability to save a horse’s life. We look forward to supporting AAEP throughout 2017, including at the 12th International Equine Colic Research Symposium.
As our last event of the year, we flew over to Palm Springs for the USHJA Annual Meeting. After over a year of sponsorship with USHJA, we are grateful for their support and continually impressed with the integrity of the organization. We were honored to attend the Evening of Equestrians that consisted of an emotional series of tributes honoring standout individuals in the Hunter/Jumper community.
