ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] heart rates & respiration

Re: [endurance] heart rates & respiration

Joe Long (jlong@hiwaay.net)
Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:03:30 -500

Whether or not respiration is a criteria at a vet check depends on
what region you ride in.

In the Southeast, where humid conditions are the norm, there is no
number set for respiration at vet checks. Inversion is not
considered to be a problem; in fact, it is often the most fit horses
that are inverted (because their heart rates drop so low, while they
pant to help cool themselves). I believe a good endurance horse will
often learn to pant.

If a horse's respiration is high, the vets may take his temperature.
If it's not too high (such as, below 103 degrees) the horse may
continue; if it is high, they'll ask you to cool the horse and bring
him back for a recheck. I often took Kalhli's temperature myself,
and as long as it was below 103 I wasn't worried, but I wouldn't
leave a vet check with a temp over 103.

One of the famous SE horses of the 1980's was such a panter that he
sometimes left vet checks onto the trail with a respiration rate over
100. He is retired and healthy today with over 8,000 miles.

-- 

Joe Long Rainbow Connection Arabians PC/LAN Manager home of Kahlil Khai Calhoun Community College AERC Hall of Fame horse jlong@hiwaay.net 11,475 miles completed