History_lesson

V-MAX EHRM MONITOR

A HISTORY LESSON

Which company came first, who did what?

The use of human HRM components was developed in 1985 initially by TOM IVERS. A few others in Finland and Australia copied his ideas. Tom and Dr G Mayland coined the 'name' V-MAX for their tool. Others were called HIPPOCARD and PER (I think).

In 1989 I acquired one of Tom's V-MAX systems. Short version, by late 1989 I was marketing the V-MAX EHRM.

In early 1990 a rider in CA, Bob Waltz established his EHRM business (added to his great stirrup line). It was almost the same thing Tom and I had going. The major change was the type of electrodes. Both of us knew the stickon electrodes would NOT work well for most riders. By late 1990 my V-MAX and Bob's EZ-PULSE were the only 'real' EHRM monitor systems on the equine market.

Others came along in TX and a few weak wantabes, but eventually it was me and Bob W.

Bob got out of the business as he sold his stirrup business to EASYCARE who became SPORTACK. Part of the deal was Bob's EHRM system. Some period of time later, Steve Elliot picked up the balance of Bob's company EQUINE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS.

Steve began marketing his version of an EHRM under a few trade names in the mid 90's.

Eventually SPORTACK dropped out of the EHRM business (late 98-99?). For a number of years it has been my company V-MAX and Steve E.

A new comer is POLAR. They are a HUMAN HRM 'BIG' company. They were offered the V-MAX in 1995 but turned it down since they did not see a market with EQUINE HRM. How times change. They (the company) really do not know much about the use of HRM with horses except the feedback from a few riders and others? Call them about problems with your EHRM and find out. I also believe the design is flawed.

As for who did what first, it really does not matter, I know what I did and when. I tried many alternative concepts long before others put them on the market. If some failed to work for me it never made to the market. I wonder at times if some of the products offered were really tested well on horses by riders before they came to the market. A few examples: the handheld, I offered it in about 94, but it used a transmitter (Polar) without a replaceable battery and a plastic handle that would break. I had to find a better transmitter and handle. I did that. Then there is the belt-on system, the one you ride with. I have tried the versions on the market and attempted to develop my own version. I found the results to be unacceptable. Therefore we do not offer a belt riding system.

I believe there are significant differences between my products and the others. Of course it is MY product.

Since I will take the self imposed credit for being the pioneer with the use of these tools, I take a paternalist position. IT'S Business and yes folks I try to make a profit.. It is how I afford to do the sport and SPONSOR riders, rides, and organizations.

What I want to point out here is, I have been in this business longer then any other 'manufacture' of EHRM. Yes, I do have all the components made to my specifications. We do the final kit assembly here. Read my other editorial papers herein.

The other point you want to consider is both Steve and I ride and are in the sport. I market what works well for me, I believe my years and miles of use of these tools makes me an expert. I offer the best product at a fair price with knowledge of HOW to make it work and HOW to use it. You can add in the great customer advice and service also.