Most horses experience some degree of back pain either from a saddle that doesn't fit perfectly, a rider who isn't completely balanced or just sore muscles from exercise. This back pain reduction taping is a very easy way to decrease your horse's pain and support the muscles along your horse's back during exercise!
What do you need?
4-inch and 2-inch Kinesiology Tape
Scissors to cut the tape (recommend teflon coated scissors because the glue on the tape will "gum up" your scissors)
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How To Apply It:
Start by cutting a piece of the 4-inch tape long enough to run from behind your horse's shoulder blade (at their withers) to the high point on their hind end
Cut a second 4-inch piece of tape the same length as the first piece (you can use the 1st piece to measure the second)
Starting behind your horse's shoulder blade on the left side of the horse, place the tape down about 1-2 inches from your horse's spine (running parallel to it)
Do the same thing on the right side of your horse
Cut 2 2-inch pieces of tape long enough to go across your horse's back, over the 2 strips of tape with 1-2 inches overlapping on each side
Place one piece perpendicular (directly over) the 4-inch pieces just behind your horse's withers
Place the second piece in the same manner on your horse's lower back
What To Do Now?
Ride and work your horse as you normally would - the tape stretches as your horse moves which triggers the pain reduction response and minimizes muscle spasms
Your horse can be saddled over the tape, but make sure to work your horse on the ground first when the tape is first applied so they can get used to the feeling before riding
The tape is waterproof, so you can still hose your horse down after a ride
This taping will normally stay on for 1 week and can be worn during turnout or under a blanket or sheet
Reapply as needed and make sure to always remove it along your horse's hair direction, not against it
There will be some hair that comes off with the tape, but it is hair that was ready to naturally shed off, so no worries
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