TYPES OF HEADGEAR

BLINKERS

Cut out rear and side vision to help make a horse focus, cutting out distractions.

VISOR

Another concentration aid but has a ‘peep hole’ cut into blinker cup to give limited vision especially to help see a challenging rival.

CHEEKPIECES

Work on the same principle of aiding focus but less severe than blinkers.

HOOD

Acts as a pacifier to nervous horses, particularly reducing unsettling noise from the crowd by covering the ears.

SHEEPSKIN NOSEBAND

Another concentration aid used particularly on Flat to make a horse look forwards.

TONGUE TIE

Secures tongue at the base of the mouth, ensuring airflow to the lungs is not restricted. Often used on horses which have had breathing issues.