HEART INDEX

Field Fitness Performance Evaluation by HR analysis

We use our own manufactured GPS/Heart Rate system, or we can help trainers/owners with use of other technologies that they may have purchased, such as ETrakka or polar systems. (See below for one system used by EH&F).

Trainers and owners understand the importance of heart capacity for their horse's performance. Equine Health & Fitness Pty Ltd provide the technology for a trainer to assess each horse's HEART INDEX by studies of HR at slow and fast work

EHF has developed its own research-based HEART INDEX. Horses with low HEART INDEX do not perform well.

EHF also provides CONSULTING SERVICES which use several slow and fast gallops to provide owners and trainers with information to assist with the training and weekly monitoring. The training and racing strategies can be individualised on the basis of each horse's individual speed and  HEART INDEX. This service can be based on HR+GPS technology provided by us, or on other technologies, such as the Polar Equine RS800.

The consultancy evaluation of each horse covers:

1. Estimate of relative heart size - the HEART INDEX

   Knowing the HEART INDEX can assist with future decisions on the horse's training and racing

• If the horse has inferior HEART INDEX we can advise on methods of training to try to increase stamina
  
• If the horse has poor racing performance we can advise on how its HEART INDEX might be limiting its success       
  

2. Estimate of speed at which the horse exhausts its HEART (aerobic) energy supply (an estimate of the horse's stamina) 

3. Guidance as to ideal training speeds in that horse for development of muscle fitness

4. When combined with an understanding of the 400-600 metre sprint time we can also advise on race tactics and suitable race distances

5. Evaluating HRs during slow gallops after races are used to assess how the horse has recovered after its race

Total Lactate Testing.

The use of TOTAL LACTATE TESTING has revolutionized human sports science but until recently has not been able to be applied to horses simply and reliably . EH&F have developed a method to test horse blood for Total Lactate that can be used reliably in the Equine Athlete.

Exercise Science

This helps owners and trainers of equine athletes adopt scientifically based training programs to produce and sustain peak fitness. These programs also potentially reduce injuries.

Poor Performance Evaluation

This service is offered in co-operation with standard techniques offered by the trainer's veterinarian. EH&F specialised techniques may include use of field, treadmill and laboratory evaluations, with particular emphasis on fitness assessment.

Treadmill training design

How do you get the most out of high speed treadmills to promote fitness and easily measure changes from week to week? How do you know that you are not overtraining ? Only expert use of heart rate and blood lactate measurements can do this.

Individualised Exercise Programs.

We develop exercise programs and fitness testing for elite equine athletes in all performance sports, including Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, eventing, endurance, showjumping and dressage. All programs are tailored to suit each individual client.