Heartbeats, Heat Scores, and Horse Tech—What’s Next for Riders?

One of the things I love about our riding community is how much we share—whether it’s favourite exercises, reflections from the arena, or the latest bit of kit that makes life easier. Horse technology has come such a long way since I first clipped a Polar monitor under the girth back in my competing days in New Zealand. Back then, heart rate lines on a conputer screen felt revolutionary.

Fast-forward to today, and Garmin has just unveiled the Blaze Equine Wellness System—a wearable that uses a tail wrap to measure heart rate, gait, skin temperature, distance, strides, and even something they call a “Heat Score” to help riders judge safety based on weather.

The tail wrap is what caught my attention. Until now, most wearables (like Enduro, Polar, and Horsepal) have sat under the girth. They’re tried and tested, but sometimes fiddly, and occasionally horses object to them. A tail wrap is innovative—but I can’t help wondering whether some horses will accept it as easily as others. Just as some tolerate a tail bandage, while others swish until you take it off, I think Blaze will spark some interesting conversations in the yard.

How We Got Here: From Girth Straps to Global Apps

I’ve had the chance to try a few of these systems in different contexts:

• Polar – my first heart rate monitor in New Zealand; basic but brilliant at the time.

• Enduro – Sarah uses this on the gallops here at the stables; easy to fit, reliable, and useful for tracking fitness.

• Horsepal – I tested the very first version, and it’s since evolved into a slicker, app-connected system.

• Equilab – my everyday app, which makes tracking rides simple and accessible. (They even offer discounts for members, which is a lovely bonus.)

• Pivo– not a wearable, but an essential part of my toolkit. Having video to review schooling sessions or share progress adds a whole new dimension.

Each one has brought something different, and what I’ve noticed is that the best tools are the ones that actually fit into a rider’s routine—not the ones that look flashiest on a spec sheet.

Why Garmin Blaze is One to Watch

So, where does Blaze fit?

• The tail wrap approach means no interference with tack.

• The Heat Score is an interesting move towards wellbeing as well as performance—especially in summer.

• Garmin’s background in human sports science suggests their algorithms could add real depth to equine data.

• And with smartwatch connectivity, riders could see live updates as easily as checking the time.

It’s intriguing, even if I’m reserving judgement until I see how horses react in practice.

Where Equestrian Heroes Fits In

At Equestrian Heroes, our goal is to combine feel with knowledge. That’s why the Rider Lounge is full of conversations about apps like Equilab, tools like Pivo, and now this question of whether a tail wrap could be the future of equine wellness monitoring.

Our online riding club is designed to bring riders together around exactly these kinds of topics. With free resources, a personal hub for notes, and space to share reflections with riders around the world, it’s the perfect place to explore how tech like Garmin Blaze might fit into everyday riding life.

Because at the end of the day, it isn’t about gadgets—it’s about how we use them to keep our horses healthy, happy, and progressing in a way that feels good.

What’s Next?

Whether you’re a gadget enthusiast or someone who prefers to ride by instinct, it’s hard not to be fascinated by how fast horse tech is evolving. From girth straps to tail wraps, from video to app-based training diaries, we’re stepping into a new era where riders have more insights than ever before.

I’ll be keeping an eye on Garmin Blaze. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you:

What’s been your game-changer when it comes to horse tech?

👉 Join the conversation inside the Equestrian Heroes App our Rider Lounge is open to riders everywhere, and your perspective could be just what another rider needs to read today.