Equiband - anyone tried one?

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Barlow

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my FB news feed is currently full of adverts for the equiband, and I wondered whether anyone had actually tried one and would be willing to share their thoughts? They seem quite expensive for something straightforward...
Thinking about using one when lungeing and also potentially the odd schooling session but my horse hates stuff behind him (tolerates a crupper but terrified of travel boots)....
 
Not an equiband, but have used a stretchy tail bandage round his back. Secured the ends to the d rings on the back of the saddle. Only lunged with it so far.
 
I can't see much difference between a tail bandage or resistance band around the bum (and even under the stomach), well certainly not enough to justify the cost.

One physiotherapist who also acts as a sales agent couldn't give me a particularly convincing answer to the dfference either. I'll stick my tail bandage, personally.
 
Massively expensive for what they are, the bands are much more resistant than a tail bandage, but if I wanted one I'd probably buy some physio bands and attached them myself to a saddlepad as I cannot see what the circa £200 really gets you...

However they do work and really help engage a horses core, so not pointless but just expensive.

One of mine hated a pessoa but was fine with the equiband, I think as there was nothing attaching the hind legs to the bit she accepted it better.

To add I've used a tail bandage and Equiband and the Equiband was more effective, but I think any resistance physio band would be...
 
I use the tail bandage with pretty good results. But just wondering with the resistance bands, as they are rubbery do they not rub the hair and make the horse uncomfortable? Just from personal use I wouldn't use them on naked legs *ouch*
 
They haven't rubbed the two on my yard (mine and my friends), one horse is ridiculously prone to rubbing so they seem to be ok!
 
They are expensive .
There's much more resistance than you get with a tail bandage and there's no way you can get a tail bandage to sit like the equiband under the belly I know because I have tried it .
I have one in fact I am about to start using it on Fatty .
I think they are expensive but I think they do help to want they say they do and have a place in a planned work programme
It's a Complete pain to fit the bands properly which is a nuisance when you are using it on more than one horse .
 
I've rigged up my own version using a resistance band bought off ebay (going for the strongest available). I've been told by someone else that the original band that comes with the kit is about twice the thickness of anything you can buy for humans, so I'm not sure my cheapo band gives the same resistance.
I've used it on and off as part of a (not very structured) programme to help my horse with back problems build/maintain topline. He tolerated the bands very well (no problems with rubbing, though used primarily at walk). I did find that the numnah keeps riding back though when used with just a roller (and girth not pulled super tight). I imagine that would be less of an issue under a saddle. I've been using it with just the belly strap at times, too. Can't really say from my limited use how effective it might be long term, or compared to all the other stuff I'm doing (massage, raised poles, stretches...).
You can get a set of "replacement" bands for £40 though if you wanted the real thing at a cheaper cost, and rig the rest of the kit yourself. I simply cannot see how a numnah with a few buckles can be worth the remaining £145...
 
Goldenstar said:
They are expensive .
There's much more resistance than you get with a tail bandage and there's no way you can get a tail bandage to sit like the equiband under the belly I know because I have tried it .
I have one in fact I am about to start using it on Fatty .
I think they are expensive but I think they do help to want they say they do and have a place in a planned work programme
It's a Complete pain to fit the bands properly which is a nuisance when you are using it on more than one horse .
Click to expand...

I've two horses - and the kit comes with two sets of two bands. So I have them rigged up to each horse. It is still a royal pain to adjust as started 25% tension, and worked up to 50% tension, per physio instructions.

50% tension does seem VERY tight.

I bought mine second hand, so under 1/2 price. A set of 2 replacement bands are £40. I bought clips and physio band and webbing from ebay to make one, but then sold this stuff and bought second hand.

No rubbing, does sweat under it.

I don't think any physio band I've seen is a strong as the equiband with as much resistance. Tail bandage / lighter band is more proprioception, and less actual resistance.

If can sew and are resourceful, I'd buy replacement bands for £40, use existing numnah, buy clips, and webbing from Ebay and make.

I'd not skimp on proper bands though if want resistance effect.
 
Thank you, this is really helpful!

Unfortunately I'm not confident enough to make my own :(

Good to know that it doesn't rub as my horse is ridiculously thin skinned so much so that I can only use one type of girth! Goldenstar I would be interested to see how you get on with it and whether you feel it makes a difference. If I did buy one I would probably only use it once or twice a week-not sure if that's enough to feel an effect?
 
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