Looking to purchase a heart monitor. New to the sport and don’t want to drop $500 but want something easy to use and economical to start. Any suggestions?
VMAX Horse Rate Monitors
RE: Heart Monitor
Hi,
A lot of the Endurance people use the V MAX heart monitor. It runs about $125.00 The guy who owns it has done a lot of Endurance riding. The Polar unit runs about the same, but the units batteries are not changeable. When they go dead, you buy a new handle unit. (unless they have changed it now).
I assume you want an on board heart monitor to hep you see where you are at training? The hand held units for vet checks and the like are a bit less, but not as handy for checking plse rates on the go. .
I have the Vmax, and used to have a Polar handheld. I really don’t use the monitor that much. We rely more on how they act and feel, than trying to follow certain numbers. I think if you were trying to be a top 5 rider and finish first, then a monitor could help. If you are just trying to complete, then you will be ok with just listening to your horse.
Paul N. Sidio
Spokane MO
Thanks Paul, I was kinda wondering if I really needed a heart monitor at this phase of the game. I ride a quarter horse and will be happy to be able to complete/finish 25’s then do the same in 50’s. I probably will not compete in 100 or if I do it will be done the road.
Thanks for your honesty
Orion,
Wow $500 is what you think a HRM will cost? Holy cow. I don’t even think the instant ones cost that much money. If any of these did, I doubt many endurance riders (we usually ride on a budget and not unlimited funds) would use them.
NO THEY DON’T cost that much.
Go here:
http://catalog.theaustralianconnection.us/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=51082
Then this is the one I have used for YEARS, like 10 years! Mine has a backlight not sure this particular one does. Only really need a backlight if you will be riding at night.
http://catalog.theaustralianconnection.us/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=493589
I have had the fancy one with all the bells and whistles. What a hassle. Also it quit working after a couple years.
This one you turn on, touch the watch to the pouch, and in a couple few seconds it reads the heart rate - FAST. Easy. Of course you have to hook it on the horse.
This one is $135. I have ordered from these folks alot.
You can start with a basic one, and if you think you want more options, then sell the one you have, and buy a higher model. I went the opposite way.
I prefer to have more options on my gps than on the hrm. I learned that over the years.
Like Paul I do not use mine that much, so the basic is fine. I do use it in competition, just so I can keep and eye on things. Every now and then I use for training. But never use it as a speedometer, or anything like that.
good luck
Apparently the ones I saw incorporated the GPS but even at that the pricing goes from $80-$250. After more thought I think I will just get my horse fit and check her heart the old fashion way. The more people I talk to the more I find it isn’t a necessity and there are other things I need more (breeches, buckets, another saddle pad, etc.). I just happened to find a used one and thought it might be a deal.
