Re: heartrate during competition

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/10/00 5:10:02 AM Pacific Standard Time, DebiG54 writes:

<< Tom,     
 
 This may interest you...I have won 100 mile races in record time and never 
observed the heartrate go over 145.  The race I'm referring to was an IAHA 
National Championship over moderate terrain in rainy, muddy conditions.  I 
really paid attention to the heartrate the whole race.  Lots of times I 
don't, because I just get caught up in the race and don't think about it.  
The winning time in that race was 8:43.  And, never, during my 11 years of 
competition have I observed the heartrate go over 200--even during the most 
extreme climbs and even during a 100 won in less than 8 hours.>

I don't think that most will try to compete at 200 HRs--just that they might 
pop up on a hill during a race. However, in order to challenge the 
cardiovascular system of the horse in practice, these numbers are 
necessary--for very short periods of time, in repeats, as Wolfgan has 
outlined.
 
>> I don't want to blow anyone's theories.  These are simply my experiences, 
and they are primarily with CBS Redman and Saizahra as my racing partners.  
Believe it or not, I rarely train with a heart monitor.  I just go by "feel." 
 I know it's very unscientific, but my "feel" has never failed me.  Debi 
Gordon >>

Things are going to get tougher. You may want to start getting used to some 
of the tools that will refine your judgement in the future. You're going to 
need every advantage you can get. Nothing wrong with good 
horsemanship--that's vital. But arm yourself now for bigger battles to come. 

Yesterday's experience, well-documented, is a huge tool. But it only points 
you in a direction for moving forward. If you stay where you are, you're 
headed for defeat.

ti