How it Works: The Importance of Core Strength
Core musculature stabilizes the horse’s back in movement. Core strength helps to prevent the development of back pain and injuries. The Equiband™ system has been designed specifically to stimulate receptors in the horse’s skin and hair follicles. In response to this stimulation, the abdominal, oblique, sublumbar and deep neck and back muscles are activated. These muscles stabilize the spine, and engage the hindquarters during movement. Regular use of the Equiband™ system strengthens this core musculature, making it easier for the horse to work with an optimal posture, which reduces the risk of pain and injury due to hollowing or instability of the joints in the neck and the back. The Equiband™ system (est. 2011) is a completely unique design that promotes continuous core activation during ridden, lunging, or in-hand exercise. It is suggested for use with a program of ground-based core activation and strengthening techniques, and only with veterinary and/or licensed therapist guidance.
The Equiband® system can be used during ridden or groundwork exercises. It comes complete with one saddle pad, two pre-threaded sets of Equiband® (two shorter abdominal bands and two longer hindquarter bands), as well as a tape measure and user guide. For safety, it is essential to follow the guide on how to fit and use the Equiband® system.
The Equiband® is made of a unique latex-free resistance band, specifically designed for use on horses. The Equiband® system uses either one or both bands on the horse.
Made in the USA.
Abdominal Band (AB):
The shorter band attaches the left side of the saddle pad to the right, passing under the abdomen. The band sits well behind the rider’s leg. Its function is to stimulate the abdominal and oblique musculature during locomotion. The abdominal musculature supports the horse’s back. The position of this band is especially indicated for horses that have recovered from a colic surgery, have poor (inverted) posture, and in clinical cases such as diagnosed conditions of the back, including ‘kissing spines’.
Hindquarter Band (HQ):
The second and longer Equiband® attaches at an oblique angle from the left side of the saddle pad to the right, passing under the tail, behind the horse’s hindquarters. It will settle in the point of least resistance, anywhere above the hock and just below the level of the stifle. Its function is to make the horse aware of the position of his hind limbs in locomotion, and to enhance proprioception. Use of this band is especially indicated for horses with asymmetrical hind limb movement, poor engagement, and poor development of major muscle groups such as biceps femoris (which is associated with movement), as well as horses recovering from diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological conditions (such as EPM).
Saddle Pad:
The saddle pad is available in multiple sizes to achieve optimal muscle activation for all breeds of horses and ponies. It is ergonomically shaped to prevent any restriction in the wither or lower back regions. The clips that attach Equiband® to the saddle pad are designed for durability and safety. The saddle pad is designed for use with jumping, dressage and western saddles, as well as surcingles.