Re: HRM's and HR's

Randy H Eiland (renegade12@juno.com)
Thu, 21 Nov 1996 14:18:50 EST

In answer to the observation that the horse works at a lower HR cantering
than trotting, we have observed this with our horses, too. We attribute
this to the fact the horses system works easier cantering than trotting,
that is, when the horse pulls it hind legs underneath it at the canter or
lope, it automatically causes the lungs to exhale with virtually no
effort from the horse, and the reverse is true on inhaling, as well.
This small savings from muscle exertion may be the cause of the lower HR.

In reference to the "belt system of HRM", we have found this system to be
easier and more convenient than the wire systems, and just as accurate.
The two major advantages are continuous readings, and not having to fool
with a wire that comes unplugged from the electrode, or wires that have
aged and shorted out which you don't find out about until actual use. We
have both types of HRM's and do use them every time we ride, regardless
as to whether it is conditioning, fun, or competition. Neither Carol Dee
nor I have any commercial relationship with any vendor or supplier of
horse products, so we are not pushing any one product, but in actual use
over many thousands of miles of endurance competition (close to 14,000
miles of actual races between CD & me) we highly recommend the Polar
products sold by EasyCare and have found the EasyCare folks to be most
helpful and available when needed.

Randy and Carol Dee Eiland