Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Then what IS essential for a newbie?

a heart rate monitor is a great *tool* to be used in conditioning your
horse, and a great backup *tool* to verify your assessment of your horses
fitness to continue.  You cannot base your entire conditioning program or a
single event on the numbers, but I consider mine a valuable part of the
whole evaluation system.

...is he moving strong and sound?
...is he eating, drinking and well fueled and hydrated?
...is his attitude forward and 'want to go'?
...is his heart rate in a normal range?

Many times a slightly higher then normal heart rate can que you in to other
pending or potential problems before they become apparent on their own.
Especially on a new or young horse, as you are getting to know each other,
or extending the miles or increasing speed.  It definitely isn't a 'must
have', but it is indeed a 'mostly helpful' **tool** when it is used
properly.

Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas
www.TheOriginalSeries.com
www.BlueArabianHorseCatalog.org

"Good and Ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing
among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. "
-Aragorn, son of Arathorn


----- Original Message -----
From: Sarah W <crxtreem@xxxxxxxxx>
> I appreciate the feedback on HRM from both Liz and
> Deanna.  I, myself, am new to the world of cometitive
> distance riding and am looking for as much info as
> possible.  Not knowing any better, I was under the
> assumption that a HRM was a "must have" for me



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