Equipment for field lactate testing

Portable lactate analyser

Handheld meters that use test strips give a reading from a drop of blood in under a minute. Pick a model that has been checked against lab methods, and look after strips as the maker says, especially keeping them out of heat.

Heart-rate monitor

An equine girth-strap monitor with electrodes, paired to a watch or phone. Wet the contact points well so the readings stay steady.

GPS speed logging

Most equine heart-rate systems include GPS. A dedicated tracker gives more reliable stage speeds than a stopwatch and marker posts.

Sampling kit

• Sterile lancets or needles (jugular samples are usually taken by a vet)
• Gloves, alcohol swabs and gauze
• A sharps container
• A notebook or phone app for recording on the spot