What is one way to evaluate a horse's fitness level?

Evaluating a horse's fitness level can be effectively assessed by observing its recovery rate after exercise. This method provides insight into the horse's cardiovascular efficiency and overall stamina. A fit horse will show a quicker return to a normal heart rate and respiratory rate following exertion. Monitoring how quickly a horse recovers allows instructors and trainers to gauge their conditioning and performance capabilities.

While measuring a horse's weight, checking its coat condition, and counting heartbeats per minute can provide useful health information, they do not directly assess fitness in the same way. Weight can indicate nutritional status and body condition but doesn’t reflect exercise capacity. Coat condition relates more closely to grooming and health rather than fitness per se. Heart rate can show immediate responses to exercise, but the recovery rate is a more comprehensive indicator of long-term fitness levels.