If you have a dog or cat that is an escape artist with cross-country travel on its mind, you might want to consider a GPS pet--tracking device. The same technology that enables rangers to follow tagged animals will allow an owner track straying or lost pets. You can choose either a collar design or a backpack type that works with a harness.

Before you rush out to buy a GPS pet--tracking device you need to consider a few things. Firstly, in addition to system having a GPS receiver, a transmitter is required so animal's location can be reported. This usually means a service provider is needed.

Some pet--tracker systems are used with GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) that uses your GSM mobile phone and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card for tracking. Note SIM card provider needs to have a service in area where you'll be using device.

There are various ways of accessing information that your GPS receives. These include via home phone, Internet, and software installed on your computer. Phone access is not recommended and installed software limits your access to information. Internet access to your GPS data is recommended way to go. You just log on, enter your password and your pet is located.

In this article I compare results for average trail horse that is ridden about 2-3 times a week. I have used average feed and veterinary costs for my area (Austin, Texas), and drug and supplement costs from a major horse supply catalog.

I then discuss issues related to each area of care, including feed, supplements, vaccines, dewormers, and first aid. Stay tuned for different profiles in coming months, when I will compare horses in difference disciplines, young horses, older horses, and broodmares.

>>> Holistic Horse <<< Oats (2 lbs/day): $131 Hay (3 bales/week): $780 Super Blue Green Algae (1-2 tsp/day): $156 VEWT, West Nile Vaccinations: $48 Spectrabiotic Natural Wormer: $115 2 Fecal Exams: $32 Acidophilus (for occasional immune support): $7 TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $1269

>>> Conventional Horse <<< Oats (4 lbs/day): $262 Hay (2 bales/week): $520 Hoof Supplements and Dressings ($30/month): $360 VEWT, West Nile, Flue, Rhino, Rabies Vaccinations: $80 Dewormer (6 times/year): $92 2 Bottles Penicillin: $20 A Course of Sulfa Antibiotics: $32 Fecal Exams: $32 12 Grams Bute: $10 TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $1408

COST DIFFERENCE: Holistic care costs $139 less per year DAYS OFF FOR ILLNESS: 3 days for holistic care versus 21 days for conventional care

<><> Feed Costs <><> Grain is slightly cheaper to feed and easier to store than hay, which makes conventional horse slightly cheaper to feed on one hand. On other hand, holistic horse, which has access to more hay, stays happy and entertained and is less likely to develop expensive habits and vices such as chewing on wood, cribbing, or weaving.

<><> Supplements <><> In past, hay and oats provided all nutrition a horse needed, but these days common farming practices do not produce feeds that are high in vitamins and minerals. Hoof quality is first area to be affected by such poor nutrition, and few horses can maintain healthy feet on a diet of hay and oats alone. If you doubt this, just check any horse supply catalog. The one I checked offered 22 topical hoof conditioners and 28 separate supplements. Cell Tech’s Super Blue Green Algae offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants in a whole food form. It is inexpensive to feed, promotes healthy feet, and supports horse in all aspects of health.