What are the benefits of balance pads for my horse and pony?

Balance pads may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but when your horse steps onto them, tiny stabilizing muscles wake up, and over time your horse begins to discover a new sense of balance and calm.

It's more than just “standing still”. Balance pad training quietly transforms the way your horse carries itself, moves, and even relaxes. In case you need a reminder on what Balance Pads are and how you can use them, you can read our in-depth article here.

Whether you’re aiming for peak performance, helping your horse recover from injury (with veterinary supervision), or simply supporting long-term comfort and confidence, Equimove Balance Pads are a valuable addition to daily care.

Let’s look at the 5 main benefits and the science behind them:

1. Strengthens the core muscles 

When standing on the firm but springy, unstable form of the EquimoveBalance Pads,the deep back and abdominal muscles (such as the m. multifidus) are continuously activated. This supports your horse's muscle development around the spine and joints, contributing to a more stable posture (Cathcart, 2024; Ellis & King, 2020).

2. Promotes body awareness (proprioception)  

Proprioception, or your horse's “6th sense”, teaches your horse’s body and brain to naturally know where its legs and joints are without looking. With simple balance exercises, the nervous system learns to react faster and move more smoothly, which makes the horse steadier when turning or walking on uneven ground (Colla & King, 2025). 

3. Maintains supple joints

The gentle rocking on balance pads engages stabilizing muscles and encourages small, controlled joint movements, which can help maintain joint flexibility and support supple movement (Kadam et al., 2022).

4. Promotes relaxation

Balancing on the pads helps your horse focus and relax, often shown by licking, chewing, or deep sighs. Your horse will focus on their foot placement, redirecting nervous energy into their movements, making your horse calmer after just a few minutes (Beckstett, 2021).

5. Supports safe rehabilitation 

In case of injuries (e.g., tendon or back problems), balance pad exercises may help to gently reload muscles and tissues without hard shocks (Johnson, 2024). It’s always important to consult your vet when trying new techniques during rehab.

To be effective, balance pads need to provide just the right amount of give: firm enough to be safe, yet springy enough to force those micro-corrections which activate those deeper muscles and reflexes.

That’s where Equimove Balance Pads make the difference

What makes the Equimove Balance Pads so effective?

Not all pads are created equal. Open-cell EV foam or low-density foams compress unevenly, absorb moisture, and lose shape easily. Whereas Equimove Balance Pads are made from high-quality closed-cell EV foam, specially chosen for durability and horse safety.

Here's what makes these pads special:

• Water and moisture-proof: keeping pads hygienic and light.
• Shock and vibration-absorbing: distributing pressure evenly.
• Resilient: quickly returning to shape even after repeated use.
• Lightweight yet strong: designed to safely hold a horse’s full weight.

Together, these features make Equimove Balance Pads more than just training equipment, they’re a safe, durable, and horse-friendly tool that delivers consistent results session after session.

Ready to put these benefits into practice? Our guide on using balance pads walks you through safe preparation and an eight-week progression plan.

Conclusion

Balance pads offer a wide range of benefits, from building core strength and proprioception to support your horse's joints, rehabilitation, and relaxation. They’re a simple tool with a big impact on your horse’s well-being. Whether you’re working with a performance pony or a retired companion, Equimove Balance Pads help every horse feel more balanced, more aware, and more at ease.