okay i have a general question

[bdw0617]

i have seen this for a while and i have always wondered this.

in Australia when i watch racing sometimes the horses will have this, the only way i can really describe it is head gear. it's like this big block on their heads, kinda like blinkers but more exaggerated if that make any sense

what is that and why don't they do that here? just more curious as to what it is and what is it supposed to do than anything.

[Bast]

i have seen this for a while and i have always wondered this.

in Australia when i watch racing sometimes the horses will have this, the only way i can really describe it is head gear. it's like this big block on their heads, kinda like blinkers but more exaggerated if that make any sense

what is that and why don't they do that here? just more curious as to what it is and what is it supposed to do than anything.

If it covers the ears, it is to muffle the sound. I see them a lot in Japanese racing. Gate Dancer wore a set when he won the Preakness.

[madelyn]

Probably earmuffs. If you watch Grand Prix jumping, you also might see horses wearing those ear nets. A lot of riders use those over ear plugs so that the horse can more easily concentrate on the game at hand and crowd noise is not able to distract or spook the horse.

There is a whole wardrobe of that kind of gear here
http://www.equestriancollections.com/st ... es&cc=1120

[TJ]

i have seen this for a while and i have always wondered this.

in Australia when i watch racing sometimes the horses will have this, the only way i can really describe it is head gear. it's like this big block on their heads, kinda like blinkers but more exaggerated if that make any sense

what is that and why don't they do that here? just more curious as to what it is and what is it supposed to do than anything.

Hi bdw,
Do you have a picture of it? It sounds like it may be a protective hood they use frequently in Europe and Australia. It was also known as Pacifier/Blinkers as it it said to calm nervous horses as well as protect them from a misplaced whip and clods of dirt or turf kicking back in their face. Besides the screen over the eyes, they can also attach blinker cups behind the mesh screen. Below is a picture. TJ
www.markeysaddlery.com.au/blinkers-wink ... rlite-hood

[Sailor Kenshin]

This forum is where I found out what a fly mask is. I'm curious about this one as well.

[karenkarenn]

We also use them to stop the bugs from getting into the ear.I forgot they are called Pom Poms or Fly Bonnets. The Pom Poms cut the volume down in the ear and they use them with the Bonnets to cover the ear. They work hand in hand.

[griff]

TJ

most of my horses don't like dirt in their face but I wonder if they might be running blind with this device, especially if they are not in the lead and the track is muddy

Of course mud in their eyes probably also inhibits sight. Might be worth a try.

griff

[griff]

wonder if the stewards would have a problem with the Pacifier/Blinker or maybe just getting qualified for blinkers will be enough??

griff

[TJ]

TJ

most of my horses don't like dirt in their face but I wonder if they might be running blind with this device, especially if they are not in the lead and the track is muddy

Of course mud in their eyes probably also inhibits sight. Might be worth a try.

griff

Hi Griff,
How are you.....horses have no problem seeing with them, but as you all ready realized...they are not recommended for use over a muddy track. It's probably why these are used more in Australia and Europe....grass racing causes tufts of turf being kicked back which doesn't stick to the screens.
To answer your other post...I know these have been used here....but it would be wise to check with your racing jurisdiction. One other thought, horses I've worked with that have shown ability but stop running when dirt hits them in the face, move up when they try the turf. TJ

[griff]

thanks TJ

[wangkw]

Very informative from all above...is it illegal to put in some music via the blinkers, gear or block etc whatever you call it..to aid the fellow in racing ?

[ElPrado]

Do they run better with hard rock or classical?

[TJ]

Very informative from all above...is it illegal to put in some music via the blinkers, gear or block etc whatever you call it..to aid the fellow in racing ?

Hi wangkw,
I honestly haven't heard of anyone trying to attach music to racing equipment here in the states. There is a rule no electrical devices are permitted to be used on a horse on race day. Carry that ruling forward, I'm sure if you had a hankering to play some music for your horse during a race....you had better get it approved by the stewards first.....unless the jockey can sing, you'll need some form of electricity:>) TJ

[TJ]

Do they run better with hard rock or classical?

Hi ElPrado.
I'd have to go with classical...just look what it does for this horse:>) TJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td4RHvyAFsM

[bdw0617]

none of these are it.

they are like, literally 2 big blocks on the side of the horses head. i am going to have to get a picture of it tomorrow when i play aussie card and post it here. seems a lot of front runners wear it down there. it's something they put over the horses head that does not cover the eyes or ears for that matter, but one goes on the side of each side of the head and they are just.. blocks.