Equine Therapy Systems® Resistance-band EquiTrainer System
The ETS® EquiTrainer System is a training aid that can be used either on the lunge or under saddle. It is designed to help your horse lift its back and develop its core and back muscles.
It is an excellent rehabilitation device for horses with kissing spine, lordosis, those who have gone through colic surgery or have tight muscles in the lumbar region. It is also great for horses showing hind limb asymmetry when moving as well as PSD (Proximal-Suspensory Desmitis) or tightness in their hamstrings.
The rebound effect from the band itself encourages the horse to take a longer stride. The even pressure from the band also helps to balance and encourage the horse to take an even stride.
It was developed by Equine Therapy Systems® through in-depth research and testing to encourage the hind leg and abdominal lift. Horses that tend to lift through their abdominals and engage through their hind legs, naturally drop into a "long and low" outline as this is what they find most comfortable. Horses that usually rely on the rider’s hands for support can learn how to support themselves by working correctly behind and using the right muscles rather than relying on someone or something to support them. It can be used either with or without side reins.
This system comes with a special saddle pad with clips and three high-resistance latex free rubber bands that can be used independently of each other or together. It is fully adjustable so you can increase the tension as you feel necessary.
The shorter band stretches under the abdomen, sitting well behind the rider’s leg and stimulates the abdominal muscles to activate during exercise. The second and longer band attaches at a slight downward angle from the side of the saddlepad, passing under the tail behind the horse’s hind quarters. It should rest well above the hock, stimulating forward movement of the hindleg. This will encourage the horse to engage his hindlegs equally. The third band attaches around the front to ensure adequate tension throughout the system.