Equine Kinesiology Taping: Supporting Horse Performance Through Therapeutic Taping

Colourful Strips of Support

Watch a dressage horse warm up and you might notice strips of bright elastic tape running along his hindquarters or shoulder. The tape moves with each stride, stretching and releasing as muscles contract beneath. This is equine kinesiology taping — a technique that borrows from human sports medicine to address musculoskeletal challenges in horses.

The colourful elastic strips aren't just decorative. Applied in specific patterns over muscle groups, tendons, or problem areas, they're designed to provide subtle support whilst allowing natural movement. Unlike rigid strapping, the tape mimics skin elasticity, moving with the horse rather than restricting motion.

From Human Athletes to Equine Performers

Kinesiology taping emerged in the 1970s when Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase developed elastic therapeutic tape for human patients. The technique gained widespread attention during the 2008 Olympics, when athletes sporting colourful tape strips brought the method into the spotlight.

Equine practitioners began adapting these principles for horses in the early 2000s. The transition made intuitive sense — horses, like human athletes, experience muscle strain, joint stress, and performance-related injuries. However, applying taping techniques to quadrupeds required significant modification of patterns and approaches.

Today, equine kinesiology taping is most commonly seen in disciplines requiring athletic performance: dressage, show jumping, eventing, and racing. It's also increasingly used in rehabilitation settings and by physiotherapists working with horses recovering from injury.

How the Tape Works

The elastic tape is applied directly to the horse's coat (or clipped skin) following specific patterns that correspond to muscle groups, fascial lines, or areas of tension. The tape's key property is its elasticity — it can stretch to 140% of its original length, closely matching skin's natural give.

Proponents suggest several mechanisms: the tape may provide proprioceptive feedback, helping the horse better sense body position and movement. It might influence lymphatic drainage in the taped area, potentially reducing swelling. The gentle lift created by the tape's elasticity could alter pressure on underlying tissues.

From a conventional veterinary perspective, any benefits likely stem from the tape's mechanical effects — providing mild support to overworked muscles or encouraging subtle changes in movement patterns. The tape remains in place for several days, continuing to provide whatever influence it exerts throughout normal turnout and exercise.

Common Applications

Equine kinesiology taping is most frequently used for muscle-related issues. A horse with tight hamstrings might receive tape along the hindquarter muscles. One with recurring shoulder tension could have strips applied following the muscle fibres across the chest and shoulder.

Performance horses often receive preventive taping before competitions or intensive training. Event horses might have supportive taping applied to the hindquarters before cross-country phases. Dressage horses sometimes receive taping to encourage better posture or address asymmetries.

The technique is also used during rehabilitation. A horse recovering from soft tissue injury might receive taping as part of a broader physiotherapy programme, alongside controlled exercise and other treatments. Some practitioners apply tape to support areas of chronic stiffness or to address compensation patterns that develop after injury.

What to Expect

A typical session begins with assessment of the horse's movement, muscle tension, and any specific concerns. The practitioner evaluates posture, gait, and areas of sensitivity before determining taping patterns.

Application takes 15-30 minutes depending on the areas treated. The horse's coat may be clipped in the relevant areas for better tape adhesion. The practitioner applies the tape with specific tension and direction, often asking the horse to move or stretch particular muscles during application to ensure proper positioning.

The tape typically stays in place for 3-5 days, gradually loosening as the horse moves and the adhesive weakens. Owners monitor the taped areas for any skin irritation and remove the tape if problems develop. Most horses tolerate the tape well, though some initially react to the unfamiliar sensation.

The Evidence Picture

Research on equine kinesiology taping remains limited, with most studies involving small numbers of horses or lacking control groups. Some preliminary research suggests potential benefits for pain management and improved gait parameters, but findings are not yet robust enough to draw firm conclusions.

A few small studies have examined effects on muscle function and movement patterns, with mixed results. Some show subtle improvements in stride length or muscle activation patterns, whilst others find no significant differences compared to untaped controls.

Most evidence currently comes from practitioner reports and owner observations. Many describe improved movement, reduced apparent discomfort, or better performance following taping. However, these subjective assessments can't account for placebo effects or other variables that might influence outcomes.

Finding Qualified Practitioners

Equine kinesiology taping should only be performed by practitioners with proper training in both taping techniques and equine anatomy. Many qualified practitioners are veterinary physiotherapists, chartered physiotherapists working with animals, or experienced equine bodyworkers who have completed specific taping courses.

Look for practitioners registered with professional bodies such as RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) or ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy). Some may also hold certifications from recognised taping course providers.

Sessions typically cost £40-80, depending on location and the practitioner's qualifications. Many practitioners offer taping as part of broader physiotherapy or bodywork sessions. Always ensure your horse has been evaluated by a veterinarian for any lameness or performance issues before seeking taping treatment, as proper diagnosis remains essential for addressing underlying problems.