STEP-BY-STEP FITTING GUIDE

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1. Desensitize the Horse to the Touch of Equiband® Pro

Gently rub Equiband® Pro across the horse’s abdominal and hindquarter regions on both sides, and under the tail.
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2. Fit the First Band

For this stage, have a helper present. Fit the Equiband® Pro slowly and carefully, with sufficient tension to not hang loose. Handwalk, jog and lunge the horse. Even sensitive horses will rapidly accustom to the sensation of Equiband® Pro. Some horses will show more difference in back flexion with the abdominal band, and others will be more reactive to band around the hindquarters. To start, apply only one band at a time and repeat the same process when introducing the horse to a second band.
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3. Adjust the Band for Optimal Tension

To adjust for optimal tension, access our Band Length Calculator.

Adjust the tension of the band prior to mounting. Equiband® Pro is delivered pre-threaded and is adjusted by shortening or lengthening the band below the safety clip band through the triglides (below the safety clips) that attach the band to the saddle pad. Excess can be trimmed using scissors.

Using the tape measure supplied, measure the distance between the two clips on the pad (between left and right sides: either along the hindquarter region or under the abdomen). The clips on the actual band can then be measured to roughly 2/3 of the distance between the clips on the pad. For example, if the distance between the two clips on the pad (left to right side) is 1.00m/39 “, the clips on the band should be no less than about 66cm/26” apart. Excess tension will inhibit movement.

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4. Handjog and/or Lunge the Horse Prior to Mounting

Before mounting, handjog and trot or lunge the horse. Have a helper present when mounting the horse for the first time after fitting Equiband® Pro. Allow the horse to accustom to the feeling of Equiband® Pro at walk before moving into trot or canter.
8

5. Adding or Adjusting Equiband® Pro

To add or swap to second band repeat steps 1 and 2. Only fit Equiband® Pro without the rider on the horse. Always dismount when adding or swopping Equiband® Pro and have a helper present until the horse is fully accustomed to use of the Equiband® Pro system.
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6. Usage

The Equiband® Pro system is intended for in-hand work, and during lungeing and riding. Use the Equiband® Pro system at the start of a workout graduating to use for a full session. Ensure that the horse receives regular breaks as the increased engagement of the core musculature will cause earlier fatigue in work. If the horse appears unlevel with use of the Equiband® Pro system, cease use immediately and seek veterinary evaluation and/or advice. Use Equiband® Pro from the start of work, emphasizing transitions between and within gaits. Reduce full riding time by half as increased core muscle engagement may cause fatigue.
7

1. Desensitize the Horse to the Touch of Equiband® Pro

Gently rub Equiband® Pro across the horse’s abdominal and hindquarter regions on both sides, and under the tail.
7

2. Fit the First Band

For this stage, have a helper present. Fit the Equiband® Pro slowly and carefully, with sufficient tension to not hang loose. Handwalk, jog and lunge the horse. Even sensitive horses will rapidly accustom to the sensation of Equiband® Pro. Some horses will show more difference in back flexion with the abdominal band, and others will be more reactive to band around the hindquarters. To start, apply only one band at a time and repeat the same process when introducing the horse to a second band.
7

3. Adjust the Band for Optimal Tension

To adjust for optimal tension, access our Band Length Calculator.

Adjust the tension of the band prior to mounting. Equiband® Pro is delivered pre-threaded and is adjusted by shortening or lengthening the band below the safety clip band through the triglides (below the safety clips) that attach the band to the saddle pad. Excess can be trimmed using scissors.

Using the tape measure supplied, measure the distance between the two clips on the pad (between left and right sides: either along the hindquarter region or under the abdomen). The clips on the actual band can then be measured to roughly 2/3 of the distance between the clips on the pad. For example, if the distance between the two clips on the pad (left to right side) is 1.00m/39 “, the clips on the band should be no less than about 66cm/26” apart. Excess tension will inhibit movement.

7

4. Handjog and/or Lunge the Horse Prior to Mounting

Before mounting, handjog and trot or lunge the horse. Have a helper present when mounting the horse for the first time after fitting Equiband® Pro. Allow the horse to accustom to the feeling of Equiband® Pro at walk before moving into trot or canter.
7

5. Adding or Adjusting Equiband® Pro

To add or swap to second band repeat steps 1 and 2. Only fit Equiband® Pro without the rider on the horse. Always dismount when adding or swopping Equiband® Pro and have a helper present until the horse is fully accustomed to use of the Equiband® Pro system.
7

6. Usage

The Equiband® Pro system is intended for in-hand work, and during lungeing and riding. Use the Equiband® Pro system at the start of a workout graduating to use for a full session. Ensure that the horse receives regular breaks as the increased engagement of the core musculature will cause earlier fatigue in work. If the horse appears unlevel with use of the Equiband® Pro system, cease use immediately and seek veterinary evaluation and/or advice. Use Equiband® Pro from the start of work, emphasizing transitions between and within gaits. Reduce full riding time by half as increased core muscle engagement may cause fatigue.

Notes from Equicore Concepts:

If the abdominal band slips back or if the hindquarter band rides up, check the tension – it is often too loose. For optimal postural fit, ask for an abdominal lift when fitting the abdominal band, and ensure that the horse is standing under itself with the hind legs when fitting the hindquarter band.

Always use the band system at the start of a workout, and remove the bands if necessary. Do not add the bands after warm-up or during a riding/training session: this defeats the objects of neuromuscular stimulation. Neuromuscular activation is best achieved at the start of a session, particularly during the warm-up phase. We recommend use of the abdominal band before adding the hindquarter band.