The Equine Taping Manual is a perfect way to familiarize yourself with some great taping techniques for both rider and horse.
Foreword by Gillian Higgins, founder and presenter of Horses Inside Out
"As a therapist, anatomist, biochemist, coach and horse owner, I am always looking for ways to support the health and comfort of horses. The philosophy of Horses Inside Out is understanding anatomy improves performance and reduces the risk of injury. For successful performance it is essential to understand movement. The horses' muscular system is made up of over 700 surfaces and deep muscle, tendons, ligaments, fascia and connective tissue. For smooth, fluid, comfortable, efficient movement these structures need to work in perfect harmony. As in the human body, there is always scope for these myo-fascial units of chains to become strained, stiff or sore. I have found that in addition to manual, physical and exercise therapy techniques which I use, the principle of kinesiology taping, gives me another tool for supporting the horse in his role as an athlete, affecting the fascial system and improving sports performance."
Abbreviated Table of Contents
RockTape Applications for the Equine... pages 22 - 62
Equestrian Postural Correction Methods... pages 64 - 77
Equestrian Regional Taping (for specific body parts)... pages 78 - 98
Equestrian Power Taping (for muscle chains)... pages 100-105
RockTape can be used for both horse and rider. Some benefits include pain management, reduction of pain, decreased swelling/edema, increased joint range of motion and normalized muscle tone. RockTape can help maintain a level of functionality and comfort for the horse throughout the rehabilitation process. It can also be used to assist the rider/athlete to maintain functionality and comfort in training and assist with injury recovery.
RockTape may assist the following treatments and activities:
- Muscle Strain or Tear
- Muscle Stiffness
- Post Acupuncture/Body Work Inflammation
- Prolong the Effects of Myofacial Release
- Tendonitis, Tendonopathy or Desmitis
- Rehabilitation, Management and/or Prevention of Movement Dysfunctions
Safety: It is important to note that some horses may behaviorally react to the RockTape, just as they would a nuisance fly on their skin. This is due to the horse’s highly evolved proprioception mechanism that is regulated and monitored from receptors located in the muscles, tendons and joints. Always position yourself in a safe place in relation to the horse when applying RockTape Equine. It is advisable to lunge the horse after the tape has been applied to determine the effect of the tape on the horse, prior to riding.
“For me, every little opportunity counts. It’s about always being an unrestricted participant, never missing a chance, finding new ways to do something better, and living life to the fullest. RockTape isn’t going to make me taller, lose 5kg’s, or turn me into an Olympic triathlete…
However, using RockTape has given me back my upper body strength by helping rehab my tennis elbows, corrected my posture on a horse so I ride more effectively, and allows me to help my horses by correcting their gait when I can’t explain it to them in English! RockTape is easy, non-invasive, and proven… It’s all about the things that help me stay in the game!”
-Amanda Rossindividual Competitor Sydney Olympics, 2000