Useful Android Phone Apps for Trail and Endurance Riders

It seems like a lot of riders these days have smart phones.  I resisted for a long time, but then when my phone started to die on the XP this summer I ended up getting a new Android phone while we were in Wyoming.  By that point I had already seen how useful they could be from other riders.  I’ve added a lot of apps to the phone that are fun, but there are also many that are practical and that I find useful.  Many of these apps are also available for iPhone.  For this post, I’m going to list my favorite FREE Andoid apps.

Before I get to the list I should mention that  many of the favorite apps that I use regularly came installed on the phone.  I’m not going to include those but will mention them briefly.  I simply love the voice activated navigation.  The camera and video are both easy and quick to use as is sending messages and images out to contacts, FB, Twitter, etc.  That all came set up on the phone.

1.  Life 360 Ultimate Safety App.  There is more than one variation of this app.  One of the ones I used also included the Sex Offender Search, just in case you want to see if any of your neighbors are in the sex offender registry.  The reason why I like these apps is because I can use it both for checking in, and also for sending for help.  Granted, if the phone works I can also call for help – however, this app will send the GPS coordinates with a link to a map that the recipient can click on and see exactly where you are.  I’ve not actually needed it for sending an emergency signal but I have often used it for ‘checking in’.  This way I can let others know where I am, either while traveling to a ride or while riding.  Should something actually happen where I can’t call for help, or end up needing help but have no signal later on somebody will at least have an idea of my whereabouts based upon my last check in point.

2.  Color Flashlight.  This is great for finding your way in the dark.  It works as a flashlight, can also do strobe and colors or flash a help text message.  I find it amazing how many things these phones can do.

3.  GPS Essentials.    This lets you navigate, manage waypoints, tracks and routes.  It is basically like having a dedicated GPS.  Only recommended to use for short periods unless you have a way to recharge your phone.  You could also use this app to find your coordinates in the event of an emergency – you could call for help the old fashioned way by dialing 911 and then reading them the waypoint information.

4.  Gas Buddy.  This is a great way to find the closest and least expensive fuel.  It also shows additional details like including details on which stations also have propane.  Very handy when traveling with horses in an unfamiliar area.  Hint:  When traveling with horses and you can’t find a fuel station that refills propane bottles, most Wal Mart’s do tank exchanges, so use your phone’s navigation to find the nearest Wally World.

5.  Scanner Radio.  In case something happens while you are traveling either at home, or where you are (if away at a ride) – you can now tune into the local police and/or fire radio and listen.  If you happen to get stuck in traffic you can tune in to see what the problem is and perhaps find out how long your delay might be.  With this app, you can listen to police and fire departments from all over the world.

6.  Knots Guide.  Ever forget how to tie a particular knot?  You just never know when something like that could come in handy; such as if you decide to tie up a high-line for your horse.  I know I need a refresher once in awhile on some types of knots.

7.  Simple Weather Alert.  I’m not sure I would have wanted to have had my Android phone and this app when we were in the tornado shelter in Oak, Nebraska this past May, or for the first two weeks of the XP ride.  Now though, I like that I get alerts for severe weather based upon my GPS location.  It’s been pretty accurate so far.  Right  now it’s telling me that storms are heading out way! (finally)

8.  iTriage.  I haven’t needed to use this app, but if I ever do it could be a lifesaver.   Here is a list of features, from the app page:

* Proprietary Symptom to ProviderTM pathway: search symptoms, learn about potential causes, and then be directed to the most appropriate treatment facility or doctor
* Find the closest facilities and doctors from your location
* Maps and turn-by-turn directions to all provider facilities
* Thousands of medical symptoms, diseases, procedures, and medications
* Clear, concise, and useful information
* The most updated and comprehensive national directory of hospitals, urgent cares, pharmacies, physicians, outpatient clinics, and community health clinics
* Wait times for select Hospital Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care facilities
* Pre-registration feature for select Hospital Emergency Rooms
* Emergency hotlines, and physician and nurse advice lines
* Save your personal healthcare facilities, doctors, diseases, procedures, medications, and health plan advice lines

9.  VETFINDER.    Try this out beforehand, as the reviews are only so-so and there aren’t that many of them.   More:  VETFINDER locates your position and finds veterinarians and veterinary hospitals near you.  Using the integrated filter tool, you‘re able to refine your search at any time.
Through that, VETFINDER locates experts and specialists, gives information on accepted payment methods, available parking and provided treatment options. Do you have an emergency? VETFINDER’s option will only show on-duty veterinarians in your area.

10  CRADAR.  This is another app that I haven’t yet actually used but if I ever need it, could come in handy.  This app will detect if you have fallen from your horse and will send a text message to an emergency contact.   More:  CRADAR (CRAsh Detection And Response) is a man-down application that uses the accelerometer to detect a fall and sends a text message alert to a specified emergency contact, using the GPS to include a link to a map with your exact location.

11.  Where’s My Droid.   If you are riding and traveling with horses, then this app is a good one to have.  You never know when you might drop or set down your phone and forget where.  Usually in the past when I haven’t been able to find my phone I’ve been able to call it from another line and listen for the ring.  Where’s My Droid will show you on a map where the phone is, and can also send a message to your phone that will cause it to set off loud alarm.  If you think your phone has been stolen this app also has a wipe feature to erase all of your personal information.

12.  Zedge.  If you’ve got a Droid, you need Zedge!  Pick your ringtones, alert sounds and wallpapers.  LOTS to choose from, including many really good horse related ringtones.  Most of my regular contacts all have their own dedicated ringtone.  When somebody calls that isn’t in my contact list I hear The Who singing “Who Are You?”, and sometimes change it to “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” — because it’s sure to be one of those! 

13.  Google Sky Map.  This one is just for fun.  Ever sit outside looking up at the stars and wondering what you were looking at?  I like this app because I no longer look like a dunce when I’m sitting in the hot tub with my husband at night and he asks me if I know what the brightest object is in the sky right then.  Just so long as I’ve cheated by checking my phone first, I can usually get it right and look somewhat intelligent.  Now he’ll read this and know my secret – oh well!

There are many, many more apps for both Androids and iPhones that endurance riders may find useful.  I haven’t installed very many of them – such as the one that helps you calculate your horse’s height and weight (because I’ve had all of my horses on scales, so know their weights) — or the one for tracking their health care (because I use Google Calendar for that stuff).   There are also fun games and even a really cool talking horse.   I have talking Tom Cat already, but may have to get the horse.

Most of my apps tend to be more useful to use while traveling and if others are interested I can do a post on some of those apps.  I try hard to keep battery useage down, and some apps are really hard on battery life.  Yes, there are apps for managing battery life.  Usually I find that if there is an app that I haven’t used and doesn’t appear that I ever will I’ll uninstall it.  I’ve been through a lot of different weather apps, as well as apps for finding local restaurants and other businesses.  The plain old voice navigation that came with the phone (that also does Google Search) is usually plenty sufficient.