Olivia and McKenzie Invent Carry-Cool to Help Horses

My sister, McKenzie (class of 2018), and I (class of 2014) invented and brought to market a product for the equine industry.

This idea came about while we were together with our parents at a horse show, and the heat index was very high. Our young horse was uncomfortable waiting in the heat for his second class and needed to be cooled, but there was no time to go back to the barn or take off his equipment.

The idea for a solution picked up momentum, and by the time we arrived home from the horseshow, we had a plan for our prototype. Within twenty-four hours, we had already tested our initial hypothesis on two horses, with great results.

What did you do?

Our invention is called Carry-Cool. It is a portable cooling kit that allows horses to be cooled anywhere, anytime. It is an adjustable wrap made from super absorbent material that fits around the neck of the horse and covers the cheek area (which is the targeted areas for equine thermoregulation).

The wrap is made wet and goes in a water-resistant sleeve that is placed inside a cooler tube lined with frozen icepacks. The icepacks transfer cold to the wrap until it goes on the horse.

The horse is cooled and experiences a healthy drop in heat-induced, elevated heart rate, respiration, and core temperature.

What organization recognized the achievement?

We are working closely with some of the International, High Performance, Show Jumping teams, one of which is already qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

How did homeschooling help you achieve your goal?

Homeschooling gave us the freedom to be creative without limits.

We invented our first product called Spell-A-Cadabra (a multi-sensory spelling tool) when we were 9 and 6 years old! We were always encouraged to dream big and go after our goals.

What are your interests?

Right now, we both are working hard to learn all the facets of being an entrepreneur and running our own business.

We enjoy the competitive side of the equine industry and balance our studies with sales and marketing to individual horse owners and retail stores.

What are you inspired to do with your life?

We are planning to remain connected to the equine industry while we grow our business, and are excited to give back in service.

What are your favorite subjects and why?

I have just completed my undergraduate business degree at Phoenix University and am beginning my MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship.

McKenzie will complete her undergraduate business degree from Phoenix University with a major in entrepreneurial studies in 2022.

The photo was taken at our home with our horses. I am on the right with “Hibacci,” and McKenzie is on the left with “Carracci Blue.” The lower picture shows our Carry-Cool wrap (bag(s) and icepacks not shown). Our website is www.equisources.com