Orion Energy Systems: Orion’s Equine Energy Efficient Lighting Chosen for “the Perfect Stall”
4/21/2004
Stephen Heins
Vice President of Corporate Communication
Orion Energy Systems
920-892-9340, ext. 226
sheins@oriones.com; www.oriones.com
Award Winning Author & Equine Veterinarian Dr. Karen Hayes Chooses Orion Equine Lighting
Plymouth, WI. Orion Energy Systems-- an energy efficient lighting manufacturer to the industrial, agricultural, educational, and hospitality markets-- has been chosen by Dr. Karen Hayes to provide lighting for her “perfect stall.” Released by Ironhorse Publishing of Hayden Lake, Idaho earlier this year, “The Perfect Stall” was written by Dr. Hayes to help horse owners with creating a “comfortable, safe, healthy, but not necessarily expensive” abode.
While researching her book, Dr. Hayes found one thing in common across the spectrum of horse care facilities: The most recognizable feature of horse care--the stall--has been done the same way for generations, for no other reason than that it is the way it has always been done. “From bare bones backyard sheds to mega-fancy show barns, the basic components in each horse’s stall are pretty much the same,” said Dr. Hayes. Her book gives horse keepers a leg-up to step outside the box and try a new approach that saves time and money, is environmentally friendly, and is healthier for the horse.”
“We specialize in designing lighting systems for show barns, stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, mare motels, and veterinary clinics,” stated Neal Verfuerth, President of Orion Energy Systems. “Therefore, it is a particular honor to be chosen by Dr. Karen Hayes for her perfect stall, because each product chosen was chosen on its merits alone.
As an energy efficient lighting product, the Orion equine stall lights use 36 watts of energy versus the 200 watts used by incandescent lights. In addition, the Orion product delivers a full spectrum light, burning at 5,000 Kelvin, which is the equivalent of sunlight at high noon. This is important because full spectrum light has been shown to prevent hair coating and also helps bring mares into their heat cycle. Other benefits include accurate color rendition for early disease detection and end of lamp life circuit protection.
Dr. Hayes points out that bad lighting impairs your powers of observation -- your first line of defense against health problems in your horse.” Remember,” she said, “as prey animals, horses are hardwired to conceal it when they are sick or hurt, so it is up to you to see past that I’m okay facade. Dim light, glare, and shadows make it impossible for you and your veterinarian to get a good, realistic look.”
”By the same token,” she added with a grin in her voice, “when a doctor comes at you with a needle, you want him to be able to see what he is doing.”
Orion Energy Systems’ “Illuminator” lighting platform has earned several U.S. patents and recently won Wisconsin's prestigious Spirit of Ecology Award and Manufacturer of the Year Award. The entire Orion product line provides a full-spectrum light while using on average 50% less energy than standard fixtures.
"With four other books already in print, and hundreds of magazine articles, Dr. Hayes has established herself as one of the leading experts on horse care," stated Neal Verfuerth, "plus, we like the fact that she has ties to Wisconsin, having been on the UW-Madison faculty and having received a post-doctoral degree from there. From one innovator to another, we are proud to be a part of Dr. Hayes’ perfect stall.”
About Dr. Karen Hayes
A 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Hayes was in private practice for several years, joined the faculty at Wisconsin’s veterinary school, earned a post-doctoral masters degree in equine reproduction there, then returned to private broodmare practice. She and her husband live in northern Idaho on a 100-acre farm (Ironhorse Friesians; www.ironhorsefriesians.com). They have raised Friesian horses since 1986. Dr. Hayes invites you to keep up with the latest Perfect stall improvements and innovations by checking www.theperfectstall.com. Author of: "The Complete Book of Foaling," "Emergency! The Active Horseman's Book of Emergency Care," "Hands-On Horse Care," "Hands-On Senior Horse Care," and "The Perfect Stall."
About Orion
Orion Energy Systems has been innovating in the energy business since 1996. The company recently won the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award in the Emerging Growth category, given by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association, the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award, was chosen as a "Success Story" for the 2002 Governor's Summit on Capital, and owns numerous patents.
Orion is an energy systems company, which manufactures and markets energy efficient lighting solutions for the manufacturing, distribution center, warehousing, commercial, school, and gymnasium market. Orion provides capacity displacement solutions for supply side management, transmission management, and demand side management for the electricity industry. For more information, visit the web site at www.oriones.com.
