Form Ratings Free Strategy Guide

Horse Accessories

Fort Larned wins Breeders Cup

Horse accessories is a subject that few horse racing enthusiasts concern themselves with but when you think about it, what goes on behind the scenes prior to a horse reaching the racecourse could well impact on how well it performs.

One feature that will have most impact on the performance of a horse is headgear and one which most discerning punters and readers of the Racing Post will be aware of. Quite a few concern the horse’s vision.

On Course Horse Accessories

Blinkers - a hood with cups around the eyes to help the horse focus and not be distracted by what is going on around it

Visor - similar to blinkers but with a slit on the side to allow some lateral vision

Cheekpieces - usually a piece of sheepskin on either side of the head to restrict vision to the rear and helps prevent the horse from jumping at shadows on the ground

Nose Bands - helps to keep the horse's mouth closed which ensures they breathe through the nose, which is preferable, and to keep the bit in place.

Bridle - consists of a headstall, a bit and the reins which allows the jockey to control the horse. Sometimes includes a nose band to help prevent a horse from pulling too hard and by keeping the mouth closed encourages the horse to breathe through the nose

Ear plugs - made of cotton, foam or rubber and used on nervous or highly strung horses to reduce noise levels created by racegoers

Saddle - seat for jockey to sit on and usually small and light but able to carry weights to ensure the horse will carry the allotted weight for the race. This is checked by the ‘clerk of the scales’ when the jockey weighs in at the start of the race

Caring for the horse in training is an important part of its welfare to ensure it arrives at the racecourse as fit and well as possible.

Stable Horse accessories

Horse Rugs - keep the horse warm and cosy whether in the stable or out in the paddock. National Hunt Racehorses especially appreciate a rug as their coat is clipped short when racing over jumps in the winter. A good example is weatherbeeta-rugs.

Fly Masks - protect the horse against irritating flies

Boots and Bandages - for protecting a horse’s feet especially while travelling to and from the racecourse

Lungeing and Training - special rein and bridle apparatus that helps train and correct a horse while training

From the above points it can be seen that a lot of apparatus and gear is required to not only ensure a racehorse arrives at the track in peak condition and enables it to perform to its best ability but also to to train and house the horse at the trainer’s yard.

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