Read Time: 8 minutes
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Alyssa Schaefer
I’m thrilled to share this reflection on my journey with Equiband, something I’ve been exploring and posting about for nearly a year now. When I first introduced Equiband into Fuego’s routine, it was with the goal of rehabilitation. But as time went on, I discovered its benefits extended far beyond just rehab.
In this post, I’ll answer the big question: was it worth it?
In February 2021, I started using Equiband when Fuego was rehabbing from an injury. Like many of you, I was given the tool with high hopes but little guidance. Even though the vet provided a basic plan, I felt the gap between having a plan and executing it effectively. Determined to find answers, I turned to the internet but found the information lacking. That’s why I began sharing my experiences and tips through videos – to help others in the same boat.
Initially, my focus was solely on rehabbing Fuego. I wanted him to recover and regain his strength. I’m happy to report that Equiband exceeded my expectations in this regard. Through various rehabs, I've seen firsthand that nothing matches Equiband's effectiveness in aiding recovery.
When Fuego first started using the Equiband, we were in the early stages of his rehab journey. I had hopes and dreams that this tool would make a significant difference, but I was also filled with uncertainty. Would it really work? How would I know if I was using it correctly? These were the questions running through my mind. Equiband seemed promising, but without clear guidance, it was a daunting task to ensure I was getting the most out of it.
The initial phase was a learning curve. I experimented with different settings and routines, always observing Fuego’s responses. It was a time of trial and error, but gradually, I began to see the benefits. Fuego started showing signs of improvement. His strength was returning, and he was moving more comfortably. The Equiband was doing its job in helping him recover, and that was a huge relief.


As I continued using Equiband, I started noticing benefits that went beyond rehabilitation. I wondered why more people weren’t using it. My horse trainer pointed out that I was the only one with a structured program. This revelation was key. Equiband’s true potential is unlocked through consistent and progressive use.
Equiband helped Fuego not just in recovery but also in overall body strength and alignment. For example, Fuego was always a bit crooked, favoring his right side. Equiband helped him learn and maintain straightness, reducing the constant struggle I faced. This tool took over the job of holding his body in line, freeing me to focus on other training aspects.
One of the standout moments came about four or five months into Fuego’s rehab. By this point, he was nearly back to his regular workload, and I realized that Equiband was contributing to his overall strength and not just his injury recovery. It became clear that this tool had broader applications than I initially thought. It was not just for injured horses but also for those needing to improve their overall fitness and body alignment.
This revelation was transformative. I began incorporating Equiband into our regular training sessions, using it to build Fuego’s strength and improve his body alignment. The difference was noticeable.
He became straighter, more balanced, and better able to carry himself. This had a positive impact on our training, making each session more productive and less stressful for both of us.
Recognizing the lack of comprehensive resources, I decided to create an online course. This course compiles all the information and strategies I developed over the months. I’ve been sharing nuggets of this program through videos, but the course offers a complete guide on fitting, scaling, and using Equiband effectively.
Creating the Equi-Course Bootcamp was a natural progression. I wanted to help others who, like me, were struggling to find reliable information on Equiband. The course includes detailed instructions on how to fit the Equiband, how to gradually increase the intensity, and how to incorporate it into a comprehensive training program. It’s designed to be a step-by-step guide, providing all the tools and knowledge needed to get the most out of Equiband.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have taken the course and shared their success stories. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my experiences and insights are helping others achieve similar results with their horses. The course has become a valuable resource for equestrians looking to improve their horse’s strength, alignment, and overall fitness.
Absolutely. Equiband not only helped Fuego rehabilitate but also strengthened him in ways I didn’t initially anticipate. It improved his body alignment, strength, and overall performance. When I stopped using it for a few months, I saw that the improvements were lasting. This convinced me of Equiband’s value not just as a rehab tool but as a vital part of any horse’s training regimen.
As I prepare Fuego for the upcoming show season, I plan to reintroduce Equiband into his fitness plan, focusing on strength building alongside endurance. The benefits I’ve seen make it clear that Equiband is a tool I would buy again without hesitation.
Stopping the use of Equiband for a period allowed me to evaluate the long-term impact of the tool. The improvements in Fuego’s strength and alignment persisted, which was a testament to the lasting benefits of Equiband. It wasn’t just a temporary fix; it had genuinely helped to build a stronger and more balanced horse.
As we look ahead to the upcoming show season, Equiband will once again be an integral part of our training regimen. This time, the focus will be on enhancing Fuego’s strength and endurance, preparing him for the challenges of competition. Equiband has proven to be a versatile tool.
The benefits I’ve seen make it clear that Equiband is a tool I would buy again without hesitation.
If you’re curious about Equiband, whether for rehab or regular training, I invite you to check out the free training I’ve put together. It’s packed with valuable information to help you get started. And if you want a more detailed, hand-holding approach, consider investing in the course. It’s a one-time fee for lifetime access, including updates.
In conclusion, my year-long journey with Equiband has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a tool that delivered on its promises and provided additional, unexpected benefits. I hope my experiences inspire you to explore Equiband and see the difference it can make for your horse.
Thank you for being part of Team Fuego! Feel free to comment on YouTube – I love engaging with this community and helping others succeed.



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Real talk on horse training, riding improvement, and the equestrian life from a CCI3*** eventer who's figured out a few things the hard way.

Professional Amateur Three Day Eventer
Hey, I'm Alyssa! 🤠
Northern California based eventer, Equiband obsessive, and the person behind Hashtag Team Fuego. I have been competing and training horses for over 20 years, bringing approximately 15 horses along from their first show up to the CCI3*** level.
The short version of my story is that I bet everything on horses at 18 and never looked back. The longer version involves a lot of early mornings, a tendon injury that could have ended Fuego's career in 2020, and a comeback that took us to a 4th place CCI3*S finish and the Adult Amateur Reserve Champion title at Intermediate in 2022.
These days I spend my time competing, developing my young homebred prospects, and creating training resources that help everyday equestrians get more out of their horses. The Campfire Chat is where I share what I am learning in real time: the wins, the work, and everything in between.
Grab a drink and pull up a chair to the next campfire chat. 🔥


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