Re: Heart rate monitors for beginners

Truman Prevatt (truman.prevatt@netsrq.com)
Thu, 21 Nov 1996 09:25:54 -0400

>Just remember that those are generalizations tho - I thought the same thing
>before I realized I would have to be running the pants off of Embers to
>some of the rates mentioned in the booklet. He can trot _wide-open_ at 105
>or less and canter all day at 120 or less - to hit the rates they talk in
>the book I'd have to run him wide-open for I don't know how long which I'm
>not inclined to do :-). So I spent a couple of weeks finding out what was
>normal for Embers and then decided what I wanted my increasedrates for
>improvement to be based on his norms - not terribly scientific I agree but
>the suggested rates simply weren't feasible for this horse IMO.
>

In order to get the heart rate up to effective levels for conditioning and
not run the legs off then a few tricks can be used. Trotting or cantering
up long hills does wonders getting the heart rate up. Adding weight to the
saddle will help - more work required to carry a heavy load. Also sand is
very good for training (if you horse is conditioned for sand). Long
canters up a sandy hill will sure get the heart rate up.

Truman

Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL