Equi-Tape® Tape FAQ

Equi-Tape® is engineered exclusively for horses, not just a modified human tape, using a proprietary fabric blend that delivers optimal stretch and breathability. Its medical-grade adhesive ensures applications stay secure through movement, sweat, and even turnout.

Yes! Equi-Tape® is safe to use on any mammal with hair, not just horses. It’s been successfully used on dogs, cats, bunnies, kangaroos, wallabies, giraffes, goats, sheep, cows, and bulls. If you’re considering using Equi-Tape® on a non-domesticated animal, please be safe and use appropriate handling or consult a professional. Always monitor for skin irritation and, when in doubt, check with a veterinarian.

Yes! We offer video tutorials for a variety of common taping techniques. You can access these through the Equi-Tape® App (available on Apple, Google Play, and web) or visit our website’s Education section. If you need help finding a specific tutorial, email us at sales@equi-tape.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Equi-Tape® is the original elastic kinesiology tape designed specifically for horses—not just a stickier human tape. It features unique fabric, stretch, and adhesive properties tailored for equine skin and movement.

Equi-Tape® is a versatile tool for supporting your horse’s health, comfort, and performance. It can be used for:Injury Support & Recovery

• Reducing swelling and inflammation after injuries or surgery
• Supporting joints, tendons, and ligaments (fetlock, hock, stifle, etc.)
• Aiding in muscle recovery and reducing soreness
• Minimizing scar tissue and adhesions during healing

Performance & Conditioning

• Activating and supporting major muscle groups (like the gluteals for impulsion)
• Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage for faster recovery after work
• Providing support during training, competition, or travel

Fascia Health & Myofascial Release

• Gently releasing fascia adhesions and encouraging proper tissue alignment
• Improving hydration, nutrient delivery, and toxin removal in connective tissue
• Reducing friction, inflammation, and drag in fascia lines
• Preventing injuries by maintaining healthy fascia

Pain Relief & Comfort

• Offering gentle, non-restrictive support for horses with chronic discomfort or sensitivity
• Soothing irritated skin and providing a physical barrier that may discourage flies

Rehabilitation & Preventive Care

• Supporting post-injury or post-surgical recovery (decompression, muscle relaxation, joint support)
• Preventing re-injury during return to work
• Aiding horses with neurological issues (e.g., stringhalt, EPM) or chronic conditions (e.g., navicular cases, fibrotic myopathy)

Special Applications

• Safe for use under boots, wraps, and even saddles (after proper application)
• Can be used almost anywhere on the body—including legs, back, poll, TMJ, and more
• Suitable for all mammals with hair (dogs, cats, bunnies, goats, cows, and even giraffes!)

Education & Training

• Used as a teaching tool in accredited Equi-Taping® courses for horse owners and practitioners
• Video tutorials and protocols available for common issues and advanced applications

Key Benefits:

• Non-restrictive, allows full range of motion
• Stays on through turnout, sweat, and regular activity
• No medications—safe, natural support

If you want guidance on a specific condition or taping technique, check out our educational resources or contact us for personalized advice!

When properly applied, Equi-Tape® typically lasts 5 - 7 days, even through regular activity and turnout.

Anyone can use Equi-Tape® with our included instructions and online resources. For advanced techniques or specific conditions, we recommend our accredited courses or consulting a certified practitioner, or emailing us.

No, but the area should be clean and dry. Very long or thick winter coats need a little more stretch than normal.

Yes, Equi-Tape® can be used under boots or wraps, but it’s important to let the tape fully adhere to the horse’s coat before applying anything over it. Wait at least 30 minutes after application, and always check that the skin stays clean and dry underneath. If you notice any irritation, remove both the tape and the boot/wrap.

Gently peel the tape back in the direction of hair growth, never pull straight up, it's not a Band-aid. For sensitive areas or longer hair, you can use a little water or coat conditioner to help release the adhesive. If the tape resists, go slow and support the skin with your other hand to avoid discomfort.

No, Equi-Tape® is designed for single use only. Once removed, the adhesive will not stick properly. Always use a fresh piece for every application.

• Start with a clean, dry coat—remove all lotions, sprays, and debris.
• Cut tape with rounded ends.
• Separate the paper backing by stretching and tearing.
• Anchor both ends (2"-3") with no stretch.
• Apply tape with stretch; use proper stretch for the application.
• Rub tape to activate the adhesive.

Yes! Find step-by-step videos and downloadable guides here:

• Application Tutorials
• Tips & Tricks Guide

Leave Equi-Tape® on until the reason for taping is resolved or the tape naturally releases. Reapply if the tape loses stretch, collects debris, or comes off.

Equi-Tape® is used for injuries, swelling, pain relief, support during training, and to promote healthy movement and recovery. See our Research & Resources for details.

Equi-Tape® is safe for competition horses, but always check your discipline’s rules before use in competition.

Shop directly on our website, through approved retailers, or via our Where to Buy page.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain adhesive quality.

Currently available in multiple colors. Color choice does not affect function.

Most applications use 1–2 strips per area. For multiple horses or ongoing use, consider purchasing in bulk.

Yes! Contact us for details on professional and distributor pricing.

No, you received the correct tape! In late 2024, new research revealed that printing a logo on kinesiology tape can interfere with both the tape’s stretch consistency and the adhesive’s performance underneath the logo. To ensure the best possible product for you and your horse, we removed the logo entirely.

What to expect with the new tape:

• Feel: The tape may feel different because there’s no logo restricting the stretch. Without this resistance, it’s easy to accidentally overstretch. We recommend backing off your usual stretch by about 10–15% until you get used to it. When over-stretched, the tape will come off the horse; this is to ensure the horse's safety and comfort. 
• Adhesion: The adhesive is now more effective, so you’ll likely notice longer-lasting applications.
• Elasticity: While the tape may stick longer, the elastic properties remain the same. Once you notice the tape isn’t recoiling as well, simply remove and reapply as needed.

If you have any more questions or need help with proper application, we’re always here to support you!

• Use a shammy or microfiber cloth to remove debris.
• Ensure the coat is completely dry.
• For oily coats, use a 70% or higher rubbing alcohol.

• Clean and dry is critical: Even if your horse looks clean, a dirty brush can put oils right back on the coat. Start with a truly clean, dry area, sweat and humidity are still considered wet! If you’re struggling with humidity, use rubbing alcohol to remove moisture from the hair.
• No oils allowed: Make sure there’s no residue from fly spray, conditioning shampoo, conditioner, detangler, Show Sheen, Cowboy Magic, or similar products. Oils will prevent the tape from sticking.
• Don’t touch the adhesive: Try to avoid touching the sticky side after you peel the backing.
• Less stretch is more: Most people use way too much stretch, apply less than you think you need.
• Swelling? Tape falling off is a good sign: If you’re taping a swollen area and the tape falls off in less than 24 hours, that means you did it right, the swelling reduced. If there’s still some swelling, just reapply.
• Loose or baggy tape: If the tape gets loose or baggy, it means it did its job quickly. No worries, just reapply as needed.

For extra help, email us at sales@equi-tape.com, or check out our app. You can download it from Apple or Google, we have lots of free and help info there!

• Over-stretching, poor surface prep, or applying over dirty/oily hair can cause lifting.
• Avoid taping over moving joints with excessive stretch.
• Use anchors (extra strips) if needed—tape sticks to itself.

Yes! Equi-Tape® is hypoallergenic, latex-free, medical grade, and safe for all breeds. Always follow our application guidelines for best results.

• Do not apply over infected areas, open wounds (unless protected with a non-stick pad), or active skin conditions.
• Avoid use on horses with tape allergies (extremely rare, we have never seen a case of this).
• Always consult your veterinarian for serious injuries or conditions.

Yes. See our Practical Solutions Series for specific protocols. Consult your veterinarian as needed.

Yes, we provide protocols for:

• Capped hocks
• Headshaker syndrome
• Stringhalt
• Fibrotic myopathy
• Navicular cases
• EPM
  Find protocols in our Education Courses or contact us for guidance.

Yes! See our Practical Solutions À LA CARTE Video Series for support with trailering, allergies, muscle relaxation, chiropractic support, and more.