What is a CRI (Cardiac Recovery Index), when is it used and how is it done?
The Cardiac Recovery Index: The ability of the horse’s circulatory system to accommodate the level of exertion experienced at the event is monitored by use of the Cardiac Recovery Index (CRI). The CRI is not necessarily used to eliminate a horse from competition; the entire clinical picture is used to assess the ability of a horse to continue in the event. The CRI may be performed at all vet checks at endurance rides, and Competitive Trail Ride/Drives including the finish line vet check. In Endurance competition, the horse is not presented until it has met recovery criteria established for that ride, usually of 64 bpm or less. In a CTR/D the horse is presented to the CRI teams 10 minutes after he/she crosses the finish line.During a CTR Ride, the horse is presented to a CRI Team, and a resting heart rate is taken. Then the horse is trotted 125 feet out and 125 feet back. At exactly one minute from the time the horse started the 250 foot trot out, the heart rate is taken again. Most hor
