Complete User Manual

Last Modified

October 10, 2025

The Complete Equiband® Pro System

Introduction

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.
Tips and Tricks

always consult your horse’s veterinarian prior to initiating a new exercise program

Ask for abdominal Lift when measuring for the abdominal band

and ensure that the horse is standing squarely under itself with the hind legs when fitting the hindquarter band.

Neuromuscular activation is best achieved during the warm-up phase

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 in the middle of a training session: this defeats the objects of neuromuscular stimulation.

Start with the abdominal band only before introducing the hindquarter band

We recommend use of the abdominal band before adding the hindquarter band.
Fitting the equiband pro for the first time

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.

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.

3. Measure the horse to determine optimal band length

Band Length Calculator

Ensure horse is standing square.

With the saddle pad on the horse, measure the distance between the right and left clips on the pad.

Use the calculator above or multiply your measurement by 0.67 and 0.87 to find the ideal range for your band lengths.

4. Adjust the length of the equiband pro bands

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.

5. 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.

6. 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.
Caring for your Equiband® Pro System
- For optimal care of your saddle pad, Equicore Concepts® suggests delicate wash in cool water with a mild detergent with low tumble dry or air drying after washing. Avoid frequent machine washing in order to preserve the longevity of your pad.
- The Equiband® Pro resistance bands can be washed with petroleum-free soap, rinsed, and left to air-dry before storage
- Do not leave bands exposed to full sun/extreme cold
- Do not use fly spray over the bands or over any area where the bands are in direct contact with the horse
- Brush the horse thoroughly where the bands will lay, to remove any debris
- For best storage, roll (do not fold) the bands
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a specific exercise program I can use with the Equiband® Pro?

Since the needs of each individual horse varies, we are unable to provide specific exercise and training regimes. The use of the Equiband® Pro System for each horse is at the discretion of the owner, rider, veterinarian and/or equine sports therapist. When determining your horse’s ideal exercise routine, please take a look at the other FAQ below, as it may help guide your program.

Additional Resources:

We offer a free course through our partner, OAES, that includes a detailed discussion of how the Equiband® works, specific and general use cases, and more.

You can also find some more advice for specific conditions on our blog, as well as our social media pages.

Instagram

Facebook
How often should I use the Equiband® Pro System?

The Equiband® Pro system is recommended for initial daily use, however, the goal of the system is to reduce use over time to one to two sessions per week as the horse learns to maintain his own core muscular strength.

The Equiband® Pro system recruits muscles that many horses do not recruit naturally. To avoid fatigue and muscle soreness, the system must be used for short periods of time with regular walk/rest breaks during the session. Duration of use can be increased gradually as the musculature strengthens.

Neuromuscular activation is best achieved at the start of a session, particularly during the warm-up phase. Always use the band system at the start of a workout, and remove the bands if necessary.

We typically recommend use of the abdominal band before adding the hindquarter band It is known that neuromuscular adaptation to new exercise takes four to six weeks, and it takes up to three months to gain full strength and condition.

Once the horse is fully conditioned, use of the Equiband® Pro system can be tapered down to weekly or biweekly use for maintenance of core muscle function.

Individual results may vary, and if any gait irregularity is noted, use of the Equiband® Pro system must be ceased immediately and veterinary attention must be sought.

Should I use the abominal band, the hindquarter band, or both?

If using both bands in a workout, you may attach them to the saddle pad in any order. It is up to you as to which band to use first and for how long.

Anecdotal experience dictates that the horses are able to perform better if their abdominal muscles are stimulated and the spinal and lumbopelvic flexion can be maintained prior to hindquarter band use. Because of this, we typically recommend to start with the abdominal band. Many people begin with both at once. Others choose to start with either the hindquarter or abdominal based on individual need. 

Should I start with groundwork, or can I ride right away with the Equiband® Pro?

How do I adjust the bands to fit my horse?
How do I care for the Equibands®, and how often will I need to replace them?

Always inspect the Equibands® carefully for integrity prior to each use.

We have found humidity control to be very important for the material integrity and very humid and very dry conditions (as well as extreme cold or heat) should be avoided.

Use of chemicals on the horse such as fly spray should be avoided – this will cause failure of the bands.

Please keep the horse clean where the bands will lay, as a small piece of sand or dirt under tension can begin to cause a “weak” spot in the bands that can stretch and weaken with each use.

Make sure the tension is even around the entire length of the band when on the horse.

Of course, avoid trauma and sharp objects around the bands. 

The lifespan of the bands can vary from horse to horse and with storage conditions, use conditions, tension, climate, etc. They will periodically need replacement when they show signs of wear or damage. This is why we include two pairs with each complete System. Many customers report they can get 6-12 months from each band set with daily use. When it’s time to replace your Equibands®, you can do so here: Additional Equiband® Pro Set
What research has been performed using the Equiband® Pro?
Safety Precautions
- Follow all care instructions
- Prior to use, Equiband® Pro must be securely attached to the saddle pad via the safety clips and triglides
- Always ensure that each Equiband® Pro is unclipped on both sides, prior to loosening the surcingle or girth after work
- Examine Equiband® Pro before each use, checking for tears or punctures that may cause the band to break; if the band appears flawed, cease use, and discard immediately.
- Avoid the use of sharp spurs directly over Equiband® Pro – blunt spurs can be used, but rider leg position must be checked to ensure that there is no direct interference with the abdominal band.
- Equiband® Pro resistance bands will need to be replaced periodically. A spare band is provided with the Complete Equiband® Pro system, and additional Equiband® Pro sets can be ordered here.
Warning

Equiband® Pro should only be incorporated into ridden work when the horse is fully accustomed to the feeling of Equiband® Pro (as outlined in the step-by-step fitting instructions). Carefully check the tension as over- or undertension of Equiband® Pro will not promote the desired core strengthening effect.

Failure to take due care may lead to serious accidents or injury. Always wear a helmet when riding with the Equiband® Pro system. Equiband® Pro is not for use on horses with an undiagnosed lameness or clinical condition. When in doubt, veterinary advice must be sought.

Disclaimer

Neither Equicore Concepts® nor any authorized distributor or retailer of the Equiband® Pro system will be held liable for any personal accident, injury or damage resulting from the use of the Equiband® Pro system. Full responsibility lies with the individual who chooses to use the Equiband® Pro system for the horse under his or her care.