Equine Taping Case Study: Proprioception & Hind End Rehab in a Dressage Mare – EquiTecs

Case Study: Jordan — 12-Year-Old Quarter Horse Mare (Dressage, 2nd/3rd Level)

Summary

Background & Clinical Assessment

Presenting issues (as documented)

• History of hind-end trauma (suspected tail block; caudal sacrum through coccygeal region)
• Pelvic asymmetry/misalignment reported; radiographs reportedly negative for fracture
• Fibrotic myopathy in left hamstring region
• Hindquarter muscle asymmetry (areas of relative hypertrophy/atrophy)
• Proprioceptive deficits in both hind limbs (left hind more affected; reported forging close to shoeing)
• History of negative palmar angle (left hind and right fore) addressed with remedial shoeing
• Widespread neurosensory concerns reported: right ear droop; reduced cervical lateral flexion (especially left)
• Multi-region soft tissue tightness; increased reactivity to PEMF in neck region
• Scintigraphy: activity noted at proximal sesamoids (all four limbs)
• Ultrasonography: chronic enlargement of suspensory branches (hind limbs, left hind emphasized); mild pedal osteitis (front feet)
• Recurrent pelvic tilt pattern (right ilium ventral) despite repeated adjustments
• Hyoid asymmetry; history of upper molar extractions
• Stocking up behind, particularly when pelvic dysfunction increased

Management context

• Training: full dressage program with cross-training (hacking, lunging); not showing until January
• Diet (as documented): forage (grass, coastal, alfalfa), Renew Gold, Platinum CJ

Case Objectives

• Support proprioceptive function and neurosensory input (hind limbs and axial skeleton emphasis)
• Address recurrent pelvic tilt pattern and provide adjunctive support for suspensory branches
• Improve cervical and hind limb range of motion (ROM) and comfort during training
• Reduce hamstring hypertonicity and support recruitment of gluteals, biceps femoris, and quadriceps
• Maintain compatibility with an active work schedule (applications timed around riding)

Clinical Timeline & Taping Protocols (2-Way Stretch Tape)

November 24, 2019 — Initial assessment & application

• Fan-cut fascial-style application with decompressive intent over lumbar region for neurosensory/proprioceptive support (sacrum/tailhead region)
• Nuchal ligament relaxation-oriented application (left side)

• Tape removed prior to riding and reapplied post-session
• Surface preparation emphasized due to short/shiny coat and adhesion limitations

November 25, 2019 — Follow-up

• Repeat lumbar fascial-style fan-cut application using intermittent stretch/release patterning (as documented)
• Lumbar decompression-focused placement
• Nuchal ligament I-strip applications bilaterally (light tension)
• Fetlock applications (all four limbs) and hind coronary band applications for proprioceptive/support input

• Fetlock applications considered compatible with work
• Fascial-style applications prioritized for downtime (removed before riding)

November 27, 2019 — Ongoing support

• Continued fetlock applications
• Added cervical relaxation-oriented long I-strips with light tension, applied with the neck positioned into contralateral flexion during placement (as documented)

• Relaxation-oriented cervical applications removed prior to riding

December 2, 2019 — Progress check

• Repeat fan-cut fascial-style applications to cervical and lumbar regions using stretch/no-stretch sequencing (as documented)

• Left on overnight; removed prior to work

December 10, 2019 — Increased reactivity

• Long I-strips over longissimus dorsi region (light tension through mid-portion; no-stretch anchors; extended anchors positioned to remain compatible under tack)
• Shorter I-strips for lumbar decompression intent (moderate tension through mid-portion; no-stretch anchors; curved caudal anchor as documented)

• Designed to remain in place during regular work/turnout

December 10, 2019 — Veterinary assessment (concurrent)

December 13, 2019 — Chiropractic assessment (concurrent)

December 20, 2019 — Notable improvement

• Advanced fan-cut applications with decompressive intent over lumbar region
• Fascial-release oriented placements to abdomen/hamstring region using stretch/release sequencing with no-stretch anchors (as documented)

• Removed before riding; reapplied after

December 23, 2019 — Best performance to date

• Longissimus dorsi: long I-strips, light tension through mid-portion
• Brachiocephalicus: long I-strip, applied with head/neck positioned into contralateral flexion (as documented)
• Nuchal ligament: long I-strip, applied with head/neck positioned down (as documented)
• Hamstrings: long I-strips with light-to-moderate mid-portion tension

• Short/shiny coat required meticulous prep for adhesion
• Relaxation-oriented applications could remain during time off (removed prior to work as needed)

Outcomes & Practitioner Observations (as documented)

• Progressive improvement reported in proprioception, gait quality, and pain response over >4 weeks
• Stocking up resolved during the period of consistent taping plus concurrent manual/veterinary management
• Increased tail movement and improved topline suppleness reported under saddle
• Taping was implemented without discontinuing training, using remove/reapply timing around rides

Key implementation considerations

• Adhesion was consistently influenced by coat condition; surface prep was repeatedly emphasized
• Protocol selection and wear time were adapted to the training schedule
• Chronic, multi-factorial cases required iterative reassessment and protocol modification

Key Takeaways

• In complex, chronic presentations, a multimodal plan (taping + veterinary care + chiropractic/manual therapy + farriery + conditioning) may be required to address overlapping contributors.
• 2-way stretch tape applications were used as an adjunctive strategy and were integrated into an active training program through structured timing (pre-ride removal and post-ride reapplication when indicated).
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of placement, tension, and application timing were central to maintaining tolerance and functional carryover.