VetGate

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As VetGate when is Endurance , refers to a veterinary check, followed by forced break, which does not count the riding time. The rider must present his horse to the veterinarian within 20 minutes of arrival (arrival time). During veterinary checks it is important that the horse's heart rate is below a limit of 64 beats per minute. A well-trained horse reaches this value within a few minutes, while the heartbeat of an overstrained horse does not fall below the limit value within the given time, which leads to disqualification. Since the break time, which is deducted from the total time, only begins when the vet confirms a pulse value of or below 64 (in-time), well-trained horses that are not overburdened have a clear advantage. After measuring the heart rate, the vet checks the horse's overall impression, metabolism and gait. If irregularities occur here, the horse will be removed from the ranking. Rider and horse must take at least one mandatory break from in-time. If this time is up (out-time), the couple can go back on the track.

Sample calculations

Optimal

  • Arrival time 10:32 h ⇒ go to the vet by 10:52!
  • the horse is fit, the pulse drops quickly
  • On-time (In-Time) 10:36 h ⇒ 30 min break
  • the vet checks pulse values, etc., everything is fine
  • Out-Time 11:06 at the earliest now the couple can continue.

What happens if...

  • the rider presents his horse to the veterinarian later than 20 minutes after arrival?
    • disqualification
  • the vet measures a heart rate over 64?
    • the rider can wait a little before presenting his horse to the veterinarian again, the time until then counts as riding time
    • the rider may only have a second chance to introduce the horse with pulse 64, i. H. If the horse's heart rate exceeds 64 also during the 2nd measurement, it must wait until the full 20 minutes have elapsed
  • the couple does not leave the break on time for the out-time?
    • The rider may extend the break at any time if he stays within the maximum time, so this has no consequences


Creation of the VetGate

The VetGate is the more modern form of pause on endurance rides, first used in the USA, and has been increasingly used in Europe since the 1990s, and is even mandatory for some types of competitions. The aim of the VetGate is to separate the strong from the weak horses of a group entering the control at the same time, as the latter usually take longer to reach the limit value 64, as well as to extend the effective break time, which is beneficial for the horse's recovery. Before the invention of the VetGate, it was not uncommon for horses with high pulse rates, e.g. B. around 100, were ridden in the break, then with a little effort were cooled down to pulse 64 within 20 minutes by the supervisor or rider and were allowed to leave the stop again after another 10 minutes. This is effectively prevented by a VetGate with a 30-minute break. It also educates the rider to better assess his horse, as he himself (within the above limits) determines the point in time when he introduces his horse.

VetGates without a break

In a somewhat imprecise use of the term, pulse controls on the route without a break, during which the horse is only allowed to continue when the limit value 64 is reached or undercut, are sometimes referred to as VetGates. The official name for VetGates without a break is "VetCheck". In the case of unannounced pulse checks without a break (for usually the ceiling 72, applies unless otherwise provided by the tender) is the term speed trap consistently because one wants to seven by the ride line as in the same traffic controls "speeders" here. However, without a subsequent break, the benefit of such a control is rated as low.