Making your own Equicube?

[Dr_Doolittle]

Years ago there was a “hack” I found somewhere online to make an Equicube: it used a large plastic container about the size and shape of the cube (I have one), filled with sand or equivalent - and with do-it-yourself handles on the sides.

Obviously it wouldn’t be a “perfect replica”, but I did see them in use in pictures, and riders seemed to derive some benefit.

I tried Google and Pinterest seemed to have a tutorial?, but they insisted I first log in, didn’t recognize my password (I already have a PASSWORD with them?), and then have not e-mailed me with a way to reset my password, despite their promises.

Harrumph.

So, anyone, anyone?? TIA!

[luvmyhackney]

Here is the link to the only Equicube hack I could find…hope it helps.
http://codexdressage.blogspot.com/2015/07/first-faux-equicube-ride.html?m=1

[MissAriel]

I found this on Pinterest:
http://codexdressage.blogspot.com/2015/07/first-faux-equicube-ride.html?sm_au=irVD7sHTJttbTPkq

I haven’t tried it, but I’ve been tempted. Now that my horse is much less prone to random teenaged bucking spells, I am a bit more inclined to give it a try.

[MissAriel]

I guess we posted at the same time!

[Mondo]

I think they are too big and too heavy to be of much help. When I am dealing with hand, rein, contact issues, I have the rider hold a sippy cup. Does the same thing. And, I read where Carl Hester uses a sippy cup as well, so I must have a good idea!

[Dr_Doolittle]

Thanks you guys, not sure whether I want to inflict this much “construction” on my long-suffering husband, who already does enough by setting fences, tearing down jump courses for me, videotaping me, helping me at the crack of dawn at horse shows, etc., etc.

He DID build me a well-constructed mounting block out of spare wood at my last boarding barn (still standing after 12 years of 24/7 exposure) but he is not a carpenter – and neither am I! GOD no.

Maybe I should just suck it up and pony up the bucks for the real thing :sigh: I can use it for my students, so bonus!

[endlessclimb]

@Mondo

I think they are too big and too heavy to be of much help. When I am dealing with hand, rein, contact issues, I have the rider hold a sippy cup. Does the same thing. And, I read where Carl Hester uses a sippy cup as well, so I must have a good idea!

Could you describe this a little more? I’d like to give it a go!

[Suspiria]

I made my own by glueing a couple pieces of wood together and putting drawer handles on the sides. I echo the poster who said it was too big and heavy to be of much use in teaching steady hands, although I’ve only used my redneck version and never a real one so YMMV.

[SnicklefritzG]

The big question is what he filled the sippy cup with :lol:

@Mondo

I think they are too big and too heavy to be of much help. When I am dealing with hand, rein, contact issues, I have the rider hold a sippy cup. Does the same thing. And, I read where Carl Hester uses a sippy cup as well, so I must have a good idea!

[Jackie_Cochran]

I have an Equicube.

One BIG advantage to the Equicube is that nothing breaks when I have to drop it, it also can stay out in the weather without harm, and my riding teacher REALLY likes how it works at straightening my back, something she had given up on (I have MS, I am very weak physically, and I’m elderly.)

Yes it is heavy. I can only carry it for a minute or two during my lesson, but the good effects seem to last all of my lesson.

As far as I am concerned my Equicube is worth every penny that I spent on it. The only downside is that since it is dark brown, it can be hard to find when it is sitting on a dark brown fence post as it blends in very well.

[Dressage_Strider]

I carried a dumb bell, but it’s super awkward and is difficult to coordinate with the reins. I really like the idea of a sippy cup, am going to buy this one right now and will fill with concrete most likely: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZXO4C/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B000HZXO4C

[Dr_Doolittle]

@Dressage_Strider

I carried a dumb bell, but it’s super awkward and is difficult to coordinate with the reins. I really like the idea of a sippy cup, am going to buy this one right now and will fill with concrete most likely: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZXO4C/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B000HZXO4C

This looks like it might actually work pretty well, thanks! And cheap, bonus.

[Myout]

First I have heard of this, now I am intrigued! I wonder if those strap on wrist weights would work as well?

[Dr_Doolittle]

@Myout

First I have heard of this, now I am intrigued! I wonder if those strap on wrist weights would work as well?

I think the advantage of the Equicube design is not necessarily about the weight, but more about where it’s centered: it requires you to ride “from your core to your hands” and helps riders carry their hands and keep them together/even. It’s a real core and back workout from what I gather, and also helps with posture.

They have one for boarders to use at one of the barns where I teach (LL dressage), I just found out about it on Wednesday so plan to use it briefly in my next lesson there.

[netg]

@Myout

First I have heard of this, now I am intrigued! I wonder if those strap on wrist weights would work as well?

They work and are safer if you have a concern with safety on your horse - just get them small enough to stay near your hands!

[soloudinhere]

@Mondo

I think they are too big and too heavy to be of much help. When I am dealing with hand, rein, contact issues, I have the rider hold a sippy cup. Does the same thing. And, I read where Carl Hester uses a sippy cup as well, so I must have a good idea!

The point of the equicube is that carrying the weight helps train the core and shoulder muscles. The hand position training is nice but it’s reallt a side effect of carrying the weight and carrying the hands. Because you are supporting the weight it also teaches you how to carry a connection and use the fingers to manipulate it versus using your whole hand, and how to develop the softness from the elbow instead of the wrist.

i guess a sippy cup would work for some of that, but the weight is really what trains the position.

[Dr_Doolittle]

@Dressage_Strider

I carried a dumb bell, but it’s super awkward and is difficult to coordinate with the reins. I really like the idea of a sippy cup, am going to buy this one right now and will fill with concrete most likely: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZXO4C/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B000HZXO4C

I think the sippy cup would work if it were filled with something heavy, the original DYI Equicube was supposed to be filled with sand or another heavy material.

Not sure about concrete!?, but I’m thinking sand or beans would work. The weight is important to the whole concept!

[netg]

@Suspiria

I made my own by glueing a couple pieces of wood together and putting drawer handles on the sides. I echo the poster who said it was too big and heavy to be of much use in teaching steady hands, although I’ve only used my redneck version and never a real one so YMMV.

Somehow the page didn’t show me a few of the comments before so I missed this.

It’s not about teaching you to keep your hands still - it’s about teaching you to use your core correctly, so your hands end up steady as a side-effect of it. You need it heavy enough to make the rider feel the correct core muscles to use. (My trainer put a brick on my forearms, and it gave the same effect.)

[MissAriel]

For reference, the Equicube weighs just over 4 lbs.

[Dr_Doolittle]

Good to know, thanks!