Episode #139: The Power of Equine Balance Pads

Ever stepped onto a wobbly balance board and felt your brain scramble to keep you upright? That’s exactly what equine balance pads do for horses!

In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I dive into the magic of these foam mats that create a slightly unstable surface under a horse’s hooves. They’re like a brain gym, firing up sensory signals (hello, proprioception!) to boost balance, coordination, and muscle strength. I break down the science, so you’ll understand exactly how these pads send new afferent information to your horse’s brain to help them move smarter and feel better.  

From initial wobbles to sighs of relief, these pads can spark relaxation or engage those tiny stabilizing muscles, depending on the horse and pad type. We’ll explore how they increase body awareness—helping horses use all four legs evenly—and why some horses might need a gentler intro to avoid feeling like they’re on a tightrope! 

Check out this link to my recent Instagram reel explaining how I recently used balance pads in a unique way to help a client’s horse.

Please consider rating, reviewing and following the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast. This will help us reach more people and more horses, to support their journey and relationship together.

Please note: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Judith Rathbone