Short crop. Tape a weight to it. Then you can put your hands TOGETHER rather than apart. Much cheaper.
I’ve used it also. I’m pretty fit and used to keeping my core on, and found it too light to make much difference to my core engagement.
It was useful for keeping my hands really even - but for that, the crop is definitely the cheaper option.
I’ve used it myself and with students. You only need one for the whole barn. We leave it out and people can pick it up and put it down when they like. The first time I used it and woke up the next day I couldn’t figure out why my arms were sore. Then I remembered.
Cool! This looks really interesting. I do a lot of Pilates, so I don’t know if it will help with the core, but my left hand drifts up and my right hand drifts out, so I’m giving it a shot! Frankly, with what I spend on my riding, $79 is not a lot if its helpful…
My core is strong, but I don’t always use it correctly. I found about 10 minutes with the cube made me feel my shoulders and core more correctly. I found it harder to keep a steady contact while holding it, but loved how connected I felt to the outside rein when doing LY/TOF. The next day (without it) had a great ride 
I do think even off-the-horse training with it could be helpful - off the horse you might need a heavier weight. The thing is durable enough to drop in nice arena footing without a problem.
My first reaction was this seemed “gimmicky” and geared towards riders who want a short cut. But after reading the reviews it really sounds like it can be a useful method for properly engaging your core and steadying your hands - both things I have been working on. And when you consider what we pay for training, clinics, etc. it starts to look more cost effective.
It’s ordered. Will report back how it goes. I have a strong core but getting the abs fired up is some days more difficult than others and I would like to build a solid muscle memory.
[QUOTE=Roni4444;8028990]
It’s ordered. Will report back how it goes. I have a strong core but getting the abs fired up is some days more difficult than others and I would like to build a solid muscle memory.[/QUOTE]
do post your feedback after you’ve tried it out. I too have been curious about it, but don’t want to spend $79 unless it the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
I have used this in a lesson last year we have one through our trainer at our barn and I was so suprised how much I was using my hands to steer you think you are way quieter than you really are. It was helpful and I’ll use it again once my new baby horse is going with more consistent contact his steering right now isn’t so good. It does feel heavy but I didn’t think it was too much and it’s very sturdy construction so I think it would last forever. Not something you would use every day but maybe periodically or when your warming up for a few minutes as a good reminder.
I got it, and used it today. First, I will say, don’t try it the first time with a double bridle with rubber reins, carrying a whip! Its tough to adjust your rein length with all that going on!
Because I do a lot with my core already, it had no real affect there, but I do 6 hours of Pilates a week. If you don’t, I’m pretty sure it will fire up your abs. I didn’t find it heavy, but I did have to bend my elbows more than usual to clear the withers. No real problem, there.
Where it really affected me was the hands. O.M.G. I didn’t realize how I much I was allowing my horse to run through my half halts by “softening” him with my fingers! When my hands were completely still (couldn’t widen or deepen them, and couldn’t really move my fingers), and I pushed him up to the contact, he really had to give in the poll come through, and soften because the contact was solid. Then I would push both hands forward, and he stayed right there! It was cool, and I got a new feeling. I love getting new feelings!
To those of you who think you could get this by putting weights on a crop, I would say, no, I really don’t think it would give you anything like this. The interesting thing, is that I think different people will get vastly different information from this device, depending on their personal weaknesses. I used it for about 10 minutes, put it down, then picked it back up for about 15 min.
Every good rider is interested in learning–that’s what keeps us going. I’ve ridden Grand Prix for 25 years, been on the USET, blah blah blah. But it still lights me up to learn something new on my current GP horse! Hats off to the inventor!
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dressagegirl - that was VERY helpful! thanks!
there is one of these at my barn…gonna try it when my sprained thumb is no longer an issue!
I used to ride with the inventor’s daughter (Anni Grandia), so we were using it before it was available. It is a solid, gel-filled cube and every level rider found it helpful in some way. For me, it helped with sitting trot and keeping my elbows at my sides. I work out regularly and my abs burned after using it for 15 mins. Shortening your reins can be challenging. Most horses do fine with it, mainly because you are riding better, but a few hot house flowers get irritated if you fiddle with it. My new barn has it laying around and I regularly see riders using it.
It’s way different than a crop…its about 4-5lbs, about the size of a big grapefruit.
I’m thinking the steering wheel from my niece’s Wii system Super Mario Cart game would work just as well, and if I wanted more weight, I could duct tape a weight to the center. Total cost, about $20. 
I tried mine out yesterday during our walking warmup. Traps started to feel very stiff and sore – this is supposed to HELP the rider relax and drop the shoulders, right? I will try it again, review the literature and the on-line video, in case it’s faulty technique on my part.
interesting! reasonable cost imo for something that actually works
Yeah, its an awesome product! I don’t own one but I know the person who designed it through friends and have got to try out the product. I am big on correct eq and even though I have good hands for the most part, my right wrist likes to cock in and I think overtime the Equicube could solve this. I could see how someone riding an unpredictable/spooky horse or younger, fresher horse might be a little cautious about riding with one because you definitely will have your hands full. Pun intended haha.
I use the equi-cube on and off and love it! My trainer suggested it to us and now I have one of my own. I found it really helped in keeping my hands still and quiet, as well as with keeping a steady connection with the outside rein. I would not use it all ride, every ride, but find it really helps if you use it occasionally, but when needed.
For those that have used it - what are your thoughts about using it during seat lessons? Would it be beneficial for a rider on the longe? Is it only helpful if the rider is holding the reins?
[QUOTE=DownYonder;8042910]
For those that have used it - what are your thoughts about using it during seat lessons? Would it be beneficial for a rider on the longe? Is it only helpful if the rider is holding the reins?[/QUOTE]
While most longe lessons are done without reins, I have found it helpful to do the occasional longe lesson while holding the reins, so I would think the Equicube could be used for that.
Thought I’d bump this thread with a review article if anyone is still interested
http://www.horsenation.com/2015/06/09/product-review-the-equicube/
