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Equicore Concepts LLC THE UNIQUE DYNAMIC CORE MUSCULATURE CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR HORSES Core musculature stabilises 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 stabilise 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, 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 Equiband Pro system: the ONLY researched resistance band on the equine market, with independent peer-reviewed studie...
16/09/2024

The Equiband Pro system: the ONLY researched resistance band on the equine market, with independent peer-reviewed studies. We are committed to the science of the horse. It's what we love!



MUSCLE MONDAY:  Longissimus Dorsi ➡️Longissimus Dorsi (LD) is the longest superficial muscle of the back! LD is divided ...
09/09/2024

MUSCLE MONDAY: Longissimus Dorsi ➡️

Longissimus Dorsi (LD) is the longest superficial muscle of the back! LD is divided into multiple compartments, and attaches to the vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar spines.

The thoracic segment of the LD is the largest of the epaxial muscles, and is responsible for spinal and trunk stability. Together with re**us abdominis and transversus, the oblique trunk muscles, and the deeper psoas complex, LD helps provide a stable structure to facilitate the horse's movement.

LD is responsible for :

✅ Spinal extension and support

✅ Contributing to core activation and postural stability (static and dynamic!)

✅ Lateral flexion of the trunk

👉Fun fact: longssimus dorsi attaches most cranially in the lower neck of the horse. If LD is in constant contraction/spinal extension, this will affect not only the back, but the neck, too! Watch out for hollow-backed and -necked horses! Suboptimal saddle fit is one of the many factors that can adversely affect LD function.

A 2021 study showed that therapeutic exercises, such as ground pole work and use of the Equiband Pro System, can increase muscle activation of LD, and significantly increase activity in the re**us abdominus.

Given that these muscles work together, and that everything in the body is connected, we must take these results seriously so that specific training modalities, such as use of the Equiband Pro system, can aid the development of your horse's strength and stability!

The more you know...😉



Designed intentionally FOR horses and their people BY horses and their people. 💜🧡                                       ...
26/08/2024

Designed intentionally FOR horses and their people BY horses and their people. 💜🧡



Unpopular Fact: Dynamic stability is one of the most underrated traits of top-level performance horses. We don’t talk ab...
19/08/2024

Unpopular Fact: Dynamic stability is one of the most underrated traits of top-level performance horses. We don’t talk about it enough in the horse training world. We are advocating to make ‘dynamic stability’ a buzzword! 😂 💪

🧡SUMMER LOVE💜The equestrian lifestyle is a team sport. We have the greatest group of horse people following this account...
05/08/2024

🧡SUMMER LOVE💜

The equestrian lifestyle is a team sport. We have the greatest group of horse people following this account, so let’s share the love!

Tell us where you and your horse train with your Equiband Pro system! Comment below, then watch comments to find a new barn buddy in your area!

You can even share your Equiband training programs with one another and keep each other accountable on the conditioning journey 🙌

‘Driving from behind’ is a term used in training circles that has to do with the horse engaging their hindquarters to dr...
29/07/2024

‘Driving from behind’ is a term used in training circles that has to do with the horse engaging their hindquarters to drive forward with power and propulsion.

The alternative is a horse that works ‘on the forehand,’ which is a less efficient and weaker pattern of movement, where the horse’s weight is carried more on the front limbs.

In order to ‘drive from behind’, the horse must engage their core FIRST, using their abdominal and oblique muscles, to support the spine of the back with symmetrical stability.

Think about it this way: if you got on all fours, and got into the yoga “cow” position where you are stretched out with a hollow back, you would not be able to move forward very comfortably or effectively, no matter how much you pushed with your legs.🐄

However, if you got into the yoga “cat” position with a rounded back and engaged core, you would be able to move forward much more effectively and comfortably.🐈

Perhaps this is why it is rare to see cows running, but we see wild cats easily out-run many animals?🤔

To promote your horse’s ‘driving from behind,’ the Equiband Pro System is an excellent training tool! The Equiband system is proven to strengthen the core and stabilise the spine in movement, so that the horse can engage its hind limbs efficiently in forward propulsion. In other words, the Equiband system helps to get the key movement muscles on the same page of functional STRENGTH.💪

That is just what says too:

“I love using the Equiband to ensure my horses are working the correct muscles and driving from behind! I place a big importance on strong horses and this product helps me to achieve just that!”

Let’s give her and her unicorn a clap! They look awesome!🦄👏


Dr Michelle Anderson, PT, has launched a great new series on all aspects of equine health care & rehab. Here is a clip a...
16/07/2024

Dr Michelle Anderson, PT, has launched a great new series on all aspects of equine health care & rehab.
Here is a clip about the Equiband system.
Bonus: each invited speaker is asked to nominate a charity of his/her choice. Join me in supporting the Rooster Run Foundation!

This is the Sport Horse Rehab Podcast. In this episode, Nicole Rombach explains what the Equiband System is and how it can help your horse.Her choice of char...

We have a winner! Congratulations to Carson and her horse on their new Equiband Pro System. We can’t wait to hear about ...
10/07/2024

We have a winner! Congratulations to Carson and her horse on their new Equiband Pro System. We can’t wait to hear about your journey.💪

And thank you to everyone for your support of this giveaway! We appreciate you being in our little corner of the equine industry.💜


01/07/2024

We’re giving away an Equiband Pro System to celebrate the first half of 2024 with a bang!💥

To ENTER:

👍Like this post
🫶Follow us
✌️Tag 2 of your best barn pals!

➕Additional entry on our Instagram page

Sweepstakes ends July 7th at 5 AM EST. Winner will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages on July 9th. View the official rules here: https://bit.ly/m/Equiband

*Entries from USA only, must be 18 and older to enter.*

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

Ever wonder if the human health buzzwords “mind-body training” and “nervous system regulation” apply to horses? We asked...
24/06/2024

Ever wonder if the human health buzzwords “mind-body training” and “nervous system regulation” apply to horses?

We asked Equicore co-founder and world-renowned equine therapist Dr. Nicole Rombach for her thoughts, and in short, the answer is ...

YES!

Training and conditioning is as much about motor control and developing efficient muscle activation as it is about building strength.

Applying exercises that target both strength AND motor control is 🔥 for your horse’s performance.

You can read more on our most recent blog through the link in our bio.

And tell us, what exercises are you going to try with your horse this week? 👇



BEFORE & AFTER ➡️“This is JJ, an 8 year old OTTB. I have used the Equicore bands ever since my vet, Dr Kerri Belsito fro...
17/06/2024

BEFORE & AFTER ➡️

“This is JJ, an 8 year old OTTB. I have used the Equicore bands ever since my vet, Dr Kerri Belsito from Circle Back Farm in Colorado, highly recommended them. We use them in both flatwork and cavaletti, and it has helped JJ learn to work underneath himself and push from his hindquarters over his top line! We are rehabbing from an injury right now and are incorporating the bands in our rehab plan. I’m excited for his future career in eventing, and using the Equicore Pro System has been a huge help in getting him fit!”

When we look at these photos, we see a more developed, more balanced, and more physically confident horse.

Great work to and JJ! We are so grateful to be on this journey with you!🧡

Try your Equiband today through the link in our bio ➡️

MUSCLE MONDAY: Multifidus💪The multifidus muscle runs along the horse’s spine from the upper neck to the lower back, offe...
03/06/2024

MUSCLE MONDAY: Multifidus💪

The multifidus muscle runs along the horse’s spine from the upper neck to the lower back, offering support and stability to the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

The multifidus muscle cannot be palpated when you run your hands along your horse’s back: This is the deepest dorsal muscle layer and attaches directly to the facet joints in the spine, thus very important for dynamic stability.

Horses with a dysfunctional or weak multifidus muscle may display:

❌Back pain and weakness
❌Lack of stability and balance
❌Poor performance
❌Low core strength
❌Reduced flexion of the spine
❌Reduced lateral bending of the spine
❌Lameness in front or hind limbs

That’s right: Back pain and weakness, specifically when related to the multifidus muscles, has been directly associated with forelimb lameness.

🌟So how do we support the strength of the multifidus muscle, and our horse’s athletic longevity?🌟

First and foremost, we train with the Equiband Pro System! This system helps increase core strength, as well as the strength of the multifidus, to reduce risk of injury and improve performance! This has been shown in a number of independent peer-reviewed studies.

Second, use of baited activations that target the neck and back, are known to strengthen the multifidus - again, as shown in research!

Third, when riding, adding gymnastic or different proprioceptive exercises to the training program can assist in strengthening the deep and superficial core muscles.

The Equiband is the perfect way to target a multitude of muscles, including the multifidus. How many times each week are you training with it?😉



In the wild, horses naturally have the optimal mental wellness plan.✅Unlimited social interaction in their herd✅Constant...
30/05/2024

In the wild, horses naturally have the optimal mental wellness plan.

✅Unlimited social interaction in their herd
✅Constant movement and foraging
✅Complete freedom and space
✅No interference with their natural rhythms and schedules

We are obviously NOT suggesting that we should not own horses.

We ARE suggesting that it is our job as horse owners to help prioritize our horses’ mental wellbeing in our management and training programs.

🌟Our new blog interviews Equicore Co-Founder Dr. Nicole Rombach (a horse owner herself!) on how she personally manages her horses to ensure their positive mental health.🌟

Here’s a snippet:

“From a management perspective, I give my horses as much time outside as possible, with access to social interaction with other horses.

Getting to know each horse’s likes, what makes them feel good is important. For example, one of mine likes to roll immediately after work, so we go to the lunging arena. Without fail, they all like to drink as soon as they are done, so I set up a big water trough in the courtyard of the stables so they can head there as soon as I dismount...”

Head to the Equicore Library through the link in our bio to read more - she has some FANTASTIC tips!


The summer sweat and fly control poses a few threats to the Equiband Pro system. Not to fear, follow these pro tips for ...
13/05/2024

The summer sweat and fly control poses a few threats to the Equiband Pro system. Not to fear, follow these pro tips for best results:

☀️Use a thin, white saddle cloth underneath your Equiband pad during training sessions. It’s much easier to rinse the saddle cloth than the Equiband pad.

☀️Do NOT use fly spray with the Equibands! Use a wipe-on fly cream on the flanks and under the belly FAR away from the bands.

☀️Rinse your Equibands in cold water (no soaps or chemicals) and hang them to dry out of bright sun or extreme cold before rolling up and storing.

SAVE these tips to keep the summer strength training going strong. 😉


🔥Pro Tip For Our Western Equiband Users 🔥Always place the Equiband saddle pad UNDERNEATH your regular Western pad for be...
29/04/2024

🔥Pro Tip For Our Western Equiband Users 🔥

Always place the Equiband saddle pad UNDERNEATH your regular Western pad for best band fitting results!

Placing the Equiband pad over your Western pad will likely result in the bands “riding up,” especially the hindquarter band.

Scroll through for your complete fitting guide! And remember, we are always here to help if you are experiencing any issues. Just email us at [email protected]🧡

Your Most Frequently Asked Question, Answered! Save this for later when you are out at the barn! ⭐️Remember, you can ALW...
16/04/2024

Your Most Frequently Asked Question, Answered! Save this for later when you are out at the barn!

⭐️Remember, you can ALWAYS email us at [email protected] for personalized assistance!

Try these steps first and you’ll be ahead of the game.

What other questions do you have about using the Equiband Pro System? Comment below and we may just answer it! 😉



💪MUSCLE MONDAY → The Quadriceps FemorisThe quadriceps femoris muscle group is located at the front of the horse's thigh ...
08/04/2024

💪MUSCLE MONDAY → The Quadriceps Femoris

The quadriceps femoris muscle group is located at the front of the horse's thigh on their hind legs.

What we refer to as the "quads," is made up of four main parts: re**us femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius.

Re**us femoris begins on the ilium of the pelvis, whilst the three 'vastus' heads begin on the femur. They insert to the patella (knee cap) of the stifle, and also function to stabilise the patella in a locked position.

The quads are a large muscle group, incredibly powerful, and mainly responsible for:

1️⃣Extending the stifle joint
2️⃣Flexing the hip joint

The quads are essential for powerful forward motion through flexion of the hip, which brings the hind limb forward.

As part of the stifle joint, the quad muscles help "bring the horse together" behind. If this muscle group is weak, a horse might look ‘strung out’ behind, and have less power in forward motion.

If you've ever ridden a young, green horse, you have likely noticed their wiggly nature. This is partially due to undeveloped quad muscles, which, once developed, help horses maintain straightness, power, and connection from behind.

We can help strengthen the quads with time, patience, and slow increases and additions to training.

Some training additions you might gradually add include:

1️⃣Hill work - particularly downhill work!
2️⃣Transitions between and within gaits during riding
3️⃣More 'collected' work with the horse shifting the weight to the hindquarters

AND, the Equiband Pro! Use of the abdominal and hindquarter bands help strengthen the hind end of the horse, as well as the core, which stabilizes all 4 limbs.

It's your ideal muscle retraining system. Not just one for one body part, but for the whole horse.💪

💥NEW RESEARCH WITH EQUIBAND PRO and EQUESTIC💥Our recent research collaboration with  has some exciting new data!1️⃣You c...
01/04/2024

💥NEW RESEARCH WITH EQUIBAND PRO and EQUESTIC💥

Our recent research collaboration with has some exciting new data!

1️⃣You can measure your horse’s progress AT HOME with the Equiband Pro System and the Equestic SaddleClip (how cool is that?!)

2️⃣The Equiband Pro System significantly improved landing force symmetry, and improved push-off force symmetry, rhythm symmetry, and impulsion. This was all measured by the Equestic SaddleClip and shows how the Equiband can change movement patterns within just 2 weeks 🤯

3️⃣This new data suggests that the Equiband Pro System can help decrease compensatory movement and promote return to symmetrical movement patterns. This is useful for both horses recovering from an injury AND sound horses in training who may favor one side over another.

⭐️Head to our library (link in bio) to get the full details! This is one you won’t want to miss!➡️

For a fun, enjoyable Merry-Go-Round ride, you want the horse to move up AND forward, right? 🎠Of course! You might not re...
25/03/2024

For a fun, enjoyable Merry-Go-Round ride, you want the horse to move up AND forward, right? 🎠

Of course!

You might not realize, but this is propulsion and impulsion in action. Propulsion is the ride moving forward in a circle, and impulsion is the fake horse moving up and down as the ride moves forward simultaneously.

Obviously, both components are needed for the best Merry-Go-Round ride, just like with your real, breathing horse!

🌟Our newest blog is all about IMPULSION, the horse’s ability to push upward with energy and quality during movement.🌟

Learn more about the defining characteristics of impulsion and how muscular strength is related on the Blog! Link in bio.➡️



We are proud to sponsor this great series to share veterinary knowledge with horse owners, professionals, and enthusiast...
18/03/2024

We are proud to sponsor this great series to share veterinary knowledge with horse owners, professionals, and enthusiasts. Join Tuesday March 19 at 5PM Eastern Standard USA time, for a free lecture from Dr. Nicole Rombach and the chance to win an Equiband Pro System! There are more great topics in this series, so make sure to follow My Horse University and MSU CVM Equine Health Day!

We are thrilled to announce Dr. Nicole Rombach's presentation on Tuesday, March 19th, titled "My horse is injured, now what?". The presentation aims to provide valuable insights into therapeutic options for horse rehabilitation. Dr. Rombach is a director at the Academy of Animal Sport Science - AASS, an education company committed to developing high-quality curricula for licensed professionals in the animal complementary healthcare field. She has extensive experience working with elite equine athletes, including Olympic competitors. Note that the webinar is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Sponsors for this event are Equicore Concepts LLC and Zoetis Equine. Register Now at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

What is “engagement,” REALLY? 💭When horse people use the word, ‘engagement,’ they are typically referring to the horse’s...
04/03/2024

What is “engagement,” REALLY? 💭

When horse people use the word, ‘engagement,’ they are typically referring to the horse’s ability to carry itself in an uphill fashion, taking more weight on the hind end than the forehand.

An engaged horse will place its hind legs further underneath the trunk during movement, allowing its weight to shift back and lift the fore end (thoracic sling).

Now, engagement is a scale of relativity. For a young horse getting started under saddle, the work is to encourage free forward motion, straightness, and balance, which sets them up for engagement later on.

For the advanced performance horse, engagement is included in finely tuned transitions, lead changes, and skilled exercises such as piaffe, hill work, or leg yields at different gaits.

Engagement can also be used to describe emotional and mental engagement, where both horse and rider are in tune with one another. An engaged pair might look like both parties anticipating each other’s cues and responses before these even happen!

Engagement requires patience, determination, and constant conditioning.

AND, it obviously requires core and hindquarter strength!

We bet you know where this is going 😉 Adding the Equiband Pro System to your conditioning program at least 2-3 times per week will go a long way to improving your horse’s ability to engage the hindquarters during training, no matter their age or experience level. It’s like a consistent structure that supports in bringing your horse’s brain AND body up to speed!

Photos from the lovely Equiband user 📸

Propulsion refers to the power that is needed to generate forward movement➡️, while impulsion refers to the impulse that...
26/02/2024

Propulsion refers to the power that is needed to generate forward movement➡️, while impulsion refers to the impulse that is generated by the horse’s feet pushing upward against the ground⬆️.

You can think of it like this: Propulsion propels the horse forward. Impulsion gives the horse the “spring” in their step.

While slightly different, both of these desired qualities in a horse’s movement are HUGELY impacted by correct movement patterns.

In other words, the horse must be set up correctly in order to have power and pizazz.

⭐️Our favorite words - engagement, dynamic stability, suppleness, balance, and core strength - are the building blocks to propulsion and impulsion.⭐️

Our newest blog is all about propulsion (check it out on our Library page!), perhaps we should add an impulsion one next? 😉 Let us know if you like learning about these topics!





MUSCLE MONDAY 💪 Biceps Femoris ➡️Biceps femoris is one of three muscles that make up the horse’s hamstring muscle group....
12/02/2024

MUSCLE MONDAY 💪 Biceps Femoris ➡️

Biceps femoris is one of three muscles that make up the horse’s hamstring muscle group. It originates at the sacral spine, the 1st caudal vertebrae, and the gluteal fascia, and inserts at the lateral patellar ligament of the stifle, the tibia, and on the common calcaneal tendon of the hock.

Based on its size and attachments, biceps femoris plays a major part in both hind limb movement and stability.

Most notably, biceps femoris is responsible for:

⭐️Flexing the stifle joint
⭐️Extending the hip joint
⭐️Retracting and abducting the hindlimb
⭐️Stabilising the limb when the foot is on the ground

*Remember, to abduct is to move the limb away from the midline of the body.*

When horses have problems with the biceps femoris, they show a shortened stride, less propulsion from behind, or they simply might just feel more labored during exercise.

Collected movements are more challenging, and the horse may resent working on inclines, starting out of the gate (racehorse), or with jumping push-off.

Performance horses, particularly those who rely on their hind end for power, are negatively impacted by hamstring muscle weakness.

How do we help strengthen biceps femoris?

🌟The Equiband Pro Hindquarter band!🌟

The Equiband Pro Hindquarter band is perfectly suited for horses with asymmetrical hind limb movement, poor engagement, and insufficient development of major muscles such as biceps femoris.

In fact, researchers at the University of Georgia found that just 4 weeks of the Equiband Pro System (which includes the HQ band) helped improve hindlimb symmetry!

Just more science in motion. 😉

Read more on our website under the “Research” tab ➡️

When people ask us how the Equiband compares to competitors, we tell them there is no comparison! We did not create this...
05/02/2024

When people ask us how the Equiband compares to competitors, we tell them there is no comparison!

We did not create this system as a gimmick or even a training tool, per se.

The concept of its use for core strengthening and movement retraining is based on scientifically-researched and validated techniques used in human conditioning and rehabilitation, and on results from independent peer-reviewed published studies of use of the Equiband Pro System in clinical trials with horses.

Equicore Concepts spent a number of years on R&D of the Equiband Pro system. The substantive difference between the original product and copies lies in the quality of the unique material used for manufacture of the bands. The specific composition promotes a continuous proprioceptive input through a light but constant contact with the horse’s coat.

You can read more about these independent studies on our website under the tab “Research.”😉



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