Sandy:
I agree with you that this request
<< If your not using one you shouldn't be riding. I've done P&R's for
several rides and have had many well meaning riders tell us we don't
know how to take Pulse and heart rates. Most of these riders do not use
HRM's. I have never had anyone using a HRM argue about the P&R checks. I
believe that they should be required on all AERC events.>>
is a bit outrageous to say the least.
Where am I coming from on this?? We had the first trade booth at an AERC
Convention that featured HRMs many years ago. I still have one but seldom
use it any more. I prefer to listen to the horse, not a monitor!
I see way to many people letting the HRM tell them what to do and the end
result is that the horse is neglected as the most important part of the team
. Many of the persons I ride with have HRMs and other than running
comparisons between horses they find them worthless (at least when riding
with us) don't work much of the time but they insist on having them on the
rigging.
This sport is becoming much to gadget minded what with HRMs Temp monitors,
special feed additives, chiros, massage and pit crews a race car driver
would kill for.
We will still give the pack a run for its money and we use none of the above
.
Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
------------------------------