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Pick Pony | March 21, 2024, 1:48 p.m.
Below are common equipment changes observed in horse racing. Some changes are tactical improvements, while others may be necessitated by a horse's declining health.
Blinkers are eye shields attached to a horse's bridle to keep it focused forward. Horses have excellent peripheral vision due to their eye positioning, which allows them to see behind them. Blinkers help maintain their focus on the race and enhance their concentration.
Typically, untested horses run without blinkers until it is proven necessary. The jockey may observe that the horse is easily distracted and not interested in the race.
Blinkers come in various types, each differing in how much they limit the horse's peripheral vision.
Full-cup blinkers - These are typically used on horses that need to take the lead quickly. The horse can hear the surrounding noises but cannot see what's behind, making them run forward more rapidly.
Half-cup blinkers - These aid horses that require more focus and concentration. They provide some peripheral vision but not enough to disrupt their concentration.
Quarter-cup blinkers - These allow the horse a greater amount of peripheral vision.
Cheater blinkers - Trainers use these to accustom the horse to blinkers. They help the horse stay focused while still allowing them to see most of their surroundings.
Bits are metal bars attached to the reins and fit into the horse's mouth. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including rubber. An uncomfortable bit can hinder a horse's performance, especially if the horse has a tender mouth or an overbite.
Most bits are snaffle bits, which are broken in the middle. This design allows a left pull to only affect the left ring of the bit and a right pull to affect the right, providing a clear signal for the rider's directions.
Similarly, a horse might wear a cloth tongue tie if it tends to "flip its palate", meaning it swallows its tongue easily.
Bandages aren’t always bad, especially if worn only on the hind legs.
Horses can suffer from "run down" or burn their heels on sandy racetracks. Bandages with a patch at the bottom, known as rundown bandages, can be used on their rear legs. These bandages provide extra support and enhance the horse's push-off power. Horses that do not wear rear bandages, often referred to as "clean legged," are typically sound, well-bred racehorses.
It's worth noting that the Daily Racing Form does not mark rear bandages.
Front bandages can serve as a warning sign, as they are frequently used to bind a horse's ankles. However, some trainers may use front bandages to deter others from claiming their horse.
In the Daily Racing Form, front bandages are denoted with an f.
f
Lasix is a diuretic that reduces the body's fluid content by increasing salt and water excretion through urine. It helps to reduce or prevent internal bleeding. However, it can be harsh on a horse's system, causing significant water loss. A licensed vet administers the Lasix shot to the horse four hours before the race.
Mud caulks, or stickers, include a block at the back, similar to a cleat, which helps horses gain traction on wet surfaces.
Bar shoes provide additional support to the hoof. However, their usage often indicates foot problems such as bruises or injuries.