Equiband Alternative – More Comfort & Style | CORE by D
From Equiband to CORE by D – More Comfort, More Style, More Possibilities
Equiband is a well-known training system used to strengthen a horse’s core, improve balance, and build symmetry—often in rehabilitation after an injury.
CORE by D is built on the same elastic band principle, but takes it further with better comfort, multiple colours, comprehensive training guides, and a strong focus on injury prevention and varied training.
Price advantage: CORE by D is approximately 120–150 Euro cheaper than Equiband thanks to direct-to-rider sales (no resellers), while maintaining premium quality.
What is Equiband—and why many riders choose CORE by D instead
Equiband uses elastic bands to activate a horse’s muscles and improve symmetry. The bands themselves are similar in quality—the biggest differences are in comfort, design & colours, price, and training philosophy.
Main limitations of Equiband
- Relatively thin cotton saddle pad that may be less comfortable for the horse
- Focus on rehab training, rebuilding muscle
- Only available in black with limited material choices
- Higher price due to reseller distribution
What CORE by D offers instead
- More padded saddle pad with a stopedge for better fit and comfort
- Multiple colours and premium materials for an exclusive feel
- Training programs designed for variety and long-term performance
- Comprehensive guides & education for riders and trainers
- Direct pricing: about 120–150 Euro cheaper than Equiband
Why CORE by D works for every horse
CORE by D is more than equipment. It’s a complete training concept for:
- Injury prevention before problems occur
- Balance & symmetry
- Muscle development
- Variety in training across dressage, jumping, groundwork, hacking, and more
- Clear, consistent cues so your horse understands and relaxes
Evidence & mechanism — why elastic-band training works
- Established technique: elastic bands add gentle, consistent resistance and clear proprioceptive cues, creating a meaningful training stimulus for postural/core muscles and symmetry.
- Research exists: Equiband has published studies. As typical in equine sports science, sample sizes are smaller than in pharmaceutical trials, but they show effects on muscle activation and movement with elastic bands.
- Proven practice: CORE by D builds on the same technique and extensive field use, refining comfort, usability and training guidance to apply what already works.
Note: Equine studies are generally modest in size versus medicine/pharma RCTs. Our approach combines the available peer-reviewed evidence for elastic-band training with sound biomechanics and real-world outcomes.
Equiband vs CORE by D — quick comparison
| Feature / Function | Equiband | CORE by D |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle pad comfort | Relatively thin, cotton material | Softer, more padded, with a stopedge; better fit |
| Band material | Elastic bands similar to CORE by D | Elastic bands similar to Equiband |
| Colour & design options | Only black | Multiple colours & premium materials |
| Evidence / research basis | Published research available. Relatively small studies, but show effects on horse muscles with elastic bands | Built on proven practice, no specific formal studies yet |
| Training philosophy | Primarily rehab | Prevention, rehab, everyday training & variation |
| Educational material | Basic | Comprehensive guides & training |
| Price | Higher via resellers | 120–150 Euro cheaper (direct sales) |
FAQ
Is CORE by D the same as Equiband?
Both use similar elastic bands, but CORE by D offers a more comfortable saddle pad, more colour options, a better fit, and a complete training concept focused on prevention and variation, at a significantly lower price.
Can I use CORE by D for rehab?
Yes. CORE by D supports rehab, but its core strength and philosophy is preventing injuries by building balance, symmetry, and strength in everyday work.
Does CORE by D fit all horses?
Yes, from Shetland ponies to large horses, for everyday training and competition. It’s quick to put on and remove, so it fits right into your normal routine.