Actually, you can get a GPS with a built-in HR monitor. You might want to check out the Garmen Forerunner 301. It is only $160 and has both functions in one, nice, neat package.
Believe me – it can be annoying wearing all these individual electronic devices as they march up your arm (or both arms!) 
gps and heart rate monitor?
Really:o I’ll definetely have to check that out! Especially since the gps I was getting cost a little bit more than that. Do you have to purchase anything special for the use of the heart rate monitor? What kind of features does it have?
I’m not familiar with that model because I have the 201. You might want to pull up the Garmon website and check out the features. 
I checked out all the info, it sounds pretty cool, I also liked the looks of the 305, but I really like the features in the gps I’m getting, so for now I think I will just stick to it!
I do distance riding with my Morab.
I finally got a HRM this fall, after borrowing one from a friend this spring. It might not be such a bad idea to borrow one, if available, and see how you like it.
My friend got a V-MAx, I got a Polar. I have no issues with my Polar- she has trouble regularly with her V-Max. Of course, EVERYTHING varies when it comes to horses!
Slypner Gear sells the Polars- the whole kits. They make it very easy to buy.
I talked to a bunch of distance riding buddies before I decided to get a HRM. Some preferred NOT to have one, for they wanted to rely on what their horse told them, and not a HRM. What it did for me was show me that I was not working my horse HARD ENOUGH- his rates were great, and showed me I could push him harder than I was. Our conditioning was much more successful after that. I did not use it all the time- a lot in the spring for legging back up after winter. And at times to check him out, and usually durng the actual rides.
AS for buying one- I kept an eye out on Endurance.net, and finally found a used one and saved $50. It was worth the wait!
Edited to add: I bought the Garmin 201 as well-used, great shape. I do wear it on my wrist. My HRM watch is attached to the swell of the pommel of my Tucker! Like a little dashboard!
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