Bestsellers
Equine Balance Bands | Emmers Equestrian
Equine Balance Bands are a saddle pad system built for core conditioning: two soft, latex-free resistance bands fit around the hindquarters and abdomen and clip into a specially shaped pad worn under the saddle or lunging roller. As the horse moves, the bands give continuous, gentle feedback that encourages them to lift through the back and engage their core, rather than hollowing away from it.
The pad comes shaped for either a jumping or dressage saddle, so it sits either way correctly, and the bands themselves can be used for groundwork, lunging, long-reining, ridden work, pole exercises, or even hacking. It's a training tool rather than a quick fix, and it works best as part of a gradual, structured program rather than dropped straight into full work.
Tips for Choosing
- Match the pad shape to your saddle type; jumping and dressage versions are cut differently to sit correctly under each.
- Start gradually: most horses begin with shorter daily sessions for the first few weeks before building up to two to four sessions a week.
- The bands are designed to stimulate, not restrict; a properly fitted band gives light, continuous contact rather than pulling tight.
- If you're using it to support a horse coming back from a specific issue like sacroiliac discomfort or stifle weakness, loop in your vet or physio so the program fits their recovery, not just general conditioning.
- The TPE material is built to handle sweat and regular use, but rinse and air-dry the bands after sweaty sessions to keep them comfortable against the skin.
Frequently asked questions
What do these bands actually do?
They give the horse light, continuous feedback through the skin as it moves, which encourages the core and back-rounding muscles to engage rather than the hollowing extensor muscles.
How long before I see a difference?
Most training guidance suggests several weeks of regular, gradually increasing use before topline and engagement changes become noticeable; it's a conditioning tool, not an instant fix.
Can I use this on a horse recovering from an injury?
It's used to support horses coming back from things like kissing spines or sacroiliac issues, but any rehab case should be guided by your vet or physio rather than the bands alone.
Do I need the jumping or the dressage version?
That depends on your saddle, not your discipline preference, choose the pad shape that matches the saddle you'll actually be riding in.
Is it suitable for young or green horses?
Yes, many riders introduce it during early conditioning work, but as with any horse, start with short, light sessions and build up gradually.
Can I use it while lunging as well as riding?
Yes, the system is designed to work across groundwork, lunging, long-reining, and ridden sessions.
You'll find the Equine Balance Band system, in both jumping and dressage fits, at Emmers Equestrian.