Jockeys and equestrians have to consider the safety of themselves and their horses. The comfortability of the riders as well as the health of the horses must also be taken into consideration. With the use of rubber bands, jockeys and equestrians can create a more comfortable experience, while also maintaining the health of the horse.
Safety Rubber Bands for Equestrians and Jockeys
One of, if not the most important piece of safety equipment for a jockey is a helmet. Rubber bands can be used to ensure that the helmet cover stays secured. The rubber band wraps around the brim of the helmet and ensures that the skull cap of the helmet cover does not move about. This, in turn, keeps the helmet dressed with the helmet cover while riding and prevents the jockey from having to fumble with or worry about lost helmet covers.
Another use of rubber bands that involve the safety of the rider is rubber wristbands. Rubber wristbands are used to make sure accidents don’t occur due to the riders’ silks. Silks sleeves are loose; therefore, rubber wristbands are used to ensure that riders have a clear pathway to successfully jockeying.
Rubber Bands for Adaptive Horseback Riding
Another unique way rubber bands are used in horse riding is during adaptive horseback riding. “Adaptive Riding” is recreational horseback riding and horsemanship lessons adapted to meet the unique needs of a child or adult with special needs. The idea of therapeutic riding was brought to the United States from Europe in the middle of the twentieth century. According to NCEFT (National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy), “Horseback riding often improves a client’s quality of life by providing them with an opportunity to bond with their horse, instructor, side walkers, and peers.”
Rubber bands are used in adjusting the tack and equipment to best fit the rider. An example of this tactic being used is securing the stirrup to the rider’s foot with a rubber band. The rubber band will help the rider to keep the stirrup in place.
Horse Braiding Rubber Bands
One of the most popular uses for rubber bands in the equine industry is ponytail, braiding, and grooming. The popular braid used in horse racing is called the lattice plait. The lattice plait is used to take care of a long mane. Two rubber bands will be used to hold the end of the original two sections together.
In fact, the practice of braiding a horse’s mane and tail has an interesting history. Check out this article published by Horse Journals to learn more about the different types of braids. It covers everything from Hunter Braids to Jumper Braids and includes helpful instructions and images.
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As a custom rubber manufacturer in the U.S. since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company provides a wide array of solutions specifically designed for the needs of the Equine Industry. Want to learn more? Fill out our contact form!
