Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015.
Authors: Simons V, Weller R, Stubbs N C, Rombach N, Pfau T
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Core stabilisation training has emerged as a cornerstone of equine rehabilitation, yet evidence supporting specific conditioning techniques remains limited. Simons and colleagues investigated whether the Equiband™ system—a saddle-mounted resistance band apparatus designed to provide proprioceptive cueing—could enhance recruitment of the abdominal and hindquarter stabilising muscles during ridden work. By combining biomechanical analysis with the system's novel approach to constant tactile feedback, the researchers sought to establish whether this tool could meaningfully improve vertebral column dynamic stability, a critical factor in both performance and injury prevention. The findings suggest that strategically applied resistance during motion does encourage targeted muscle engagement, offering farriers, physiotherapists, and coaches a potentially valuable addition to evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. For practitioners developing individualised training and recovery programmes, this research underscores the value of proprioceptive input in optimising core function—particularly relevant for horses returning from injury or those demonstrating poor axial stability during work.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Incorporating resistance band training systems may enhance core stability and muscle engagement during work
- •Proprioceptive feedback devices offer a non-invasive approach to encourage recruitment of stabilizing musculature
- •Consider rehabilitation protocols that target core strength for horses with vertebral column stability concerns
Key Findings
- •Core muscle strengthening training improves dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column
- •The Equiband system provides proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage abdominal and hindquarter muscle recruitment