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Equicore Concepts LLC was founded in 2011 in the USA, when it first marketed its signature product, the Equiband® system.

Now known as Equiband® Pro, synonymous with Equicore Concepts, this unique system has since been integrated globally into core strengthening and conditioning programs for equine athletes at every level of performance, and as a preferred implement in equine rehabilitation for various clinical conditions.

Equicore Concepts has become an established brand name in numerous equestrian disciplines, and the Equiband® Pro system is used by riders and trainers from novice to Olympic level. The Equiband® Pro system is globally endorsed and sold by leading equine sports medicine veterinarians and licensed equine therapists.

Equicore Concepts prides itself on the fact that the Equiband® Pro system is, to date, the only equine resistance band system on the commercial market whose benefits are backed by multiple independent peer-reviewed clinical research projects.

In 2018, the Equiband® system was short-listed as a nomination for the Welfare and Performance Ambassador Award from the United Kingdom’s renowned Saddle Research Trust.

Equicore Concepts products are sold directly through the Equicore Concepts website, and through numerous specifically-appointed individual and commercial outlets throughout the world.

The Equiband® Pro System

Your Equiband® Pro system can be used during ridden or groundwork exercises. It comes complete with one saddle pad, two pre-threaded sets of Equiband® Pro (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® Pro system.
Click here for fitting instructions

The Equiband® Pro is made of a unique latex-free resistance band, specifically designed for use on horses. The Equiband® Pro system uses either one or both bands on the horse.

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® Pro 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® Pro 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.

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®Pro 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®Pro 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®Pro system (est. 2011) is a completely unique design that promotes continuous core activation during ridden, lungeing, or in-hand exercise. It is suggested for use with a programme of ground-based core activation and strengthening techniques, and only with veterinary and/or licensed therapist guidance.

The Core and More

The Equiband® Pro system can be used on horses of any age or discipline, providing they are free of any undiagnosed lameness or neurological disorder. The Equiband® Pro system is not a substitute for veterinary care, and when in doubt veterinary advice must be sought prior to using the Equiband® Pro system.

The Equiband® Pro system is indicated as ideal for:

Young Horses

Use the Equiband® Pro system when the horse is being trained in hand, on the lunge ,or with long lines/reins before the horse is introduced to work under saddle. The goal is to strengthen the core muscles in preparation for ridden work, and thus avoid potential injury due to weakness in early exercise under saddle. The Equiband® Pro system should continue to be used once ridden work is introduced, but the frequency may be reduced to a couple of times a week once the horse is strong enough to carry himself and his rider in a consistently optimal posture.

Aged Horses

To maintain spinal stability and core strength. Horses should use the Equiband® Pro system in addition to an appropriate program of ground-based core activation exercises.

Retraining

Every horse that is being brought back into work after a period of inactivity will benefit from 4-6 weeks of training with the Equiband® Pro system to strengthen the core musculature, prior to recommencing ridden exercise. This is especially indicated for broodmares, and for overweight horses whose core muscle tone is underdeveloped.

Rehabilitation

Horses that have been rested following an injury or colic surgery will benefit from core training exercises from the ground during the period of inactivity, followed by a 4-6 weeks of movement retraining with the Equiband® Pro system. The system is specifically indicated for rehabilitation for horses with diagnosed Kissing Spine issues, and following colic surgery.

Athletic Performance

Expert riders have the skills to support their horses’ backs during work, but not every rider is able to produce this desired posture. The Equiband® Pro system teaches the horse to round up through flexing the spine, and allows the rider to develop a feel for this ideal frame. The goal is for the rider to learn how to activate the core musculature independently. As the rider’s skills improve, the Equiband® Pro system can be used less frequently.

IMPORTANT!

The Equiband® Pro system is not a training tool or gimmick! The concept of its use for core strengthening and movement retraining in the horse is based on scientifically-researched and validated techniques used in human conditioning and rehabilitation, and on results from peer-reviewed published studies of use of the Equiband® Pro for equine core strengthening and movement retraining. These studies include the use of resistance bands in core muscle activation, along with individually-designed exercise programs by veterinarians and professional therapists. Click here for more details on these studies.

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