ProSix enhances strength through isometric and concentric exercises, harnessing the natural movement of the horse combined with the gentle resistance of the elastic bands. Unlike restrictive devices, ProSix allows for full range of motion, adapting to the horse’s varying speeds—from standing still to full gallop. As the horse moves, the elasticity stretches, providing progressive resistance that increases tension as the range of motion expands. This continuous engagement activates muscle fibers, promoting muscle strength, size, and fat reduction.

Resistance band training with ProSix is an effective method for toning, strengthening, and conditioning a horse’s muscles. The way the elastic bands are positioned around the horse’s body creates targeted isometric and concentric pressure, resulting in low-impact muscle contractions. The outcome of this resistance training is a noticeable increase in overall strength.

ProSix was specifically designed to build core strength. The abdominal band encourages the engagement of the abdominal muscles to support the back and spine, much like the natural rounding of the horse’s back when a thumb is run under its belly. The rear portion of the main body band promotes hind end engagement, helping the horse’s hind legs reach further under its body for better back support and an uplifted back. This lift is maintained with ProSix, even during movement. Strength training is essential for a horse to safely support the weight of a rider, ensuring their body can perform the tasks asked of them without risk of injury. It is our responsibility to ensure our horses are strong enough for the challenges we ask them to face.

Proprioception, often referred to as the "sixth sense," is the ability to sense the position of your body in space, even without visual cues. For a horse, this means knowing the position of its feet at any given moment, thanks to feedback from sensory receptors. These receptors are found in the skin, fascia, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, and they send information to the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Disruptions in communication between these receptors and the CNS can occur due to injuries, spinal or brain trauma, arthritis, infections, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, or diseases affecting the CNS—such as those caused by parasites like EPM, or viral and bacterial infections. Without proper feedback, a horse may stumble, drag its feet, step on its own hooves, or struggle to lift its legs to clear obstacles.

So, how does ProSix help? The resistance and deep pressure from ProSix stimulate proprioception! The wide, knitted elastic bands apply pressure to the receptors, providing a fresh, strong signal to the brain. Horses wearing ProSix often show immediate improvement in their ability to move purposefully, especially in their hind feet and limbs. This is particularly beneficial for horses that have experienced EPM or other neural deficits. When a horse is at higher risk for falls and injuries, it is crucial to begin ProSix therapy early to restore lost neural connections, improving stability and balance. Additionally, it’s important to note that stress can negatively impact proprioception.

ProSix is the calming, supportive tool that helps reconnect the brain with the body!

Horses naturally carry more weight on their forehand due to the heavy structure of their head and neck, which are designed for grazing. To improve movement and support the rider’s weight without causing spinal injury, horses must be trained to shift more of that weight to the larger, stronger muscles of the hindquarters. The first step in this training is to develop full-body awareness and support, which can be achieved with ProSix.

Horses are naturally asymmetrical, with most favoring their left side and preferring counter-clockwise movement when working in circles. They tend to feel more comfortable working on their stronger side and may hesitate to engage their weaker side. What canter lead does your horse prefer? Additionally, horses can develop imbalances and asymmetrical muscle development due to accidents, injuries, or illness, which can cause them to favor their stronger side or offload weight to a stronger leg. These compensation patterns often persist even after the injury has healed. ProSix helps retrain your horse’s balance by supporting equal weight distribution.

ProSix encourages proper posture by supporting the horse in balancing its weight more evenly across all four feet. With four strategically placed bands that wrap around the body from fore to hind, ProSix promotes the lifting of the lower abdominals, which helps support the spine. Unlike other training aids, ProSix connects the entire horse with wide knitted elastic bands that provide support and stability without limiting movement.

Additionally, ProSix facilitates mental balance by applying gentle, consistent pressure. This deep touch pressure helps alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a calm state of mind. A calm horse is better able to process new information, adapt to different situations, and relax. ProSix provides calming benefits similar to those of swaddling, weighted vests, blankets, and compression wraps.

ProSix links the horse’s forehand to its haunches with the mid-body strap. No other training aid connects the horse in this manner. This aids the horse and therefore Trainer in many ways.

ProSix improves gait. The horse takes a step forward and is reminded to step forward with the hind and bring the haunches along. The horse responds to the gentle resistance of the elastic by reaching his hind legs under his body, yet pushes against the resistance with the fore. Thus, an increase in length of stride and an improvement in rhythm results.

ProSix encourages straightness and aids to eliminate postural impairments and asymmetrical development. ProSix will help balance your horse’s dominant and weaker sides. This will resolve inabilities to pick up certain leads, improve sloppy spins, improve lateral movement in both directions. ProSix does not create dependence wherein the horse leans into, braces, or depends on the product for straightness, posture, etc. but instead creates muscle and strength to continue in good frame and movement when not wearing ProSix.

ProSix will create a stronger core with emphasis on abdominal support for a stronger back and rounded top line.  Developing the core muscles will make your horse a better athlete and reduce the chance of injury. The lift of the abdominal strap also encourages the horse to lower his head naturally, a goal of some trainer’s which doesn’t have to be addressed.

​​ProSix creates focus and decreases nervousness, distraction, spooking and avoidance behaviors. Focus makes learning easier and training progress faster.

Reconditioning is essential when introducing a horse to a new discipline, such as retraining an off-track Thoroughbred for jumping or pleasure riding. These horses often exhibit significant asymmetry from side to side. Another example of reconditioning would be transitioning a horse from a life of pasture relaxation to a new program focused on performance training.

Reconditioning also applies when shifting between different training programs, as each may involve unique techniques and equipment. ProSix can be a valuable tool when increasing the demands of your training regimen—whether it’s enhancing strength to improve speed (for racing or barrel racing), boosting agility (for team penning or trail rides), or increasing endurance (for endurance trail rides or eventing). One often overlooked use of ProSix is providing older horses with a stronger, healthier retirement.

ProSix is an equine body wrap made from knitted, ventilated elastic that connects the horse’s body from front to back and side to side. This connection enhances the horse’s body awareness, leading to natural changes in posture. These changes activate underused muscles while relieving strain on muscles that were previously overworked. The goal is to achieve muscle symmetry across the body. ProSix supports the horse’s movement without restricting any part of its body.

Important Note: During the process of reconditioning, it is common to notice temporary changes in gait or what may seem like lameness as the horse adjusts its posture, weight distribution, and movement. It’s crucial to monitor progress and look for signs of balance in the movement. If you have concerns about any changes during this transition, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

ProSix can play a crucial role in kick-starting most rehabilitation programs by supporting your horse with minimal effort—simply by wearing it. It can be used during stall rest and supervised turnout for short periods, with gradual progression over time. While wearing ProSix, your horse benefits from enhanced proprioception, improved posture, and better weight distribution, all while experiencing the comforting deep touch pressure from the elastic bands. Click here to learn more in our Equine ProSix Brochure.