Kinesiology tape is a flexible, elastic tape that promotes movement and mobility. Usually, kinesio tape is applies after a massage to prolong the effect of the massage. Kinesiology or kinesio taping is often also called medical taping.

When

• After a massage
• Fascia tape: to relieve pressure on the fascia and provide relaxation, many horses yawn from this
• Decompression tape: to make scars heal better and faster
• Lymphatic taping: when there is an accumulation or poor drainage of lymphatic fluid: stable legs, sigh (fluid on the abdomen), after a stomp, swelling after an injection, edema, … When lymphatic taping is applied correctly it creates convolutions, these are slight undulations in the tape that can slightly elevate the skin and as a kind of flowing undulating pumping movement for better circulation and drainage of the lymphatic fluid. Lymphatic taping is ideal in combination with a prior manual lymphatic drainage
• Support: to temporarily support sensitive tendons, to give sensitive knees more support, to create more stability on hindquarters
• Biomechanical tape: targeted taping to specific muscle groups to make them tense or relaxed and influence biomechanics
• Postural tape: in young foals, the legs are sometimes taped to correct poor leg position

How long?

How long the tape sticks depend on several factors. Such as the location, the stretching strength, how clean your horse is, whether your horse is shedding hard, … usually you can count on a few days, but this varies from a few hours to a few weeks. So, it is recommended to give your horse a good brushing beforehand  😉

Why not

• When there is a sudden lameness that you do not know the cause of, it is important to consult your veterinarian first
• When the horse is afraid of the tape, when a horse reacts fearfully to the tape unfortunately taping cannot be done

Tape at competition

Kinesio Tape is not allowed by FEI during warm-up or while riding the test. Several smaller organizations follow FEI regulations. Horses in stalls are allowed to be taped.

Scientific research

Correction of stance abnormalities with foals. Research presented by Dr. Solange Mikail

Thermographic scan by Dr. Solange Mikail, “within an hour of applying VetkinTape, you can see that blood flow has normalized for a horse with peripheral vasoconstriction”