Types of Horse Racing Equipment

The sport of horse racing has been around for many years and is enjoyed by people of all ages. There is several horse racing tracks located throughout the country. Many of the tracks will allow wagers to be made on the horses.

If horse racing is a sport you are thinking about participating in you should familiarize yourself with the type of equipment used on the horses.

• Blinkers: This is a cup that is placed around the bottom and back of the horse's eyes. It is used to prevent the horse from being distracted when running. Some trainers prefer their horses to wear them so the horse can concentrate on looking straight ahead.


• Bandages: These are commonly put on the back legs of racehorses to protect their legs from getting injured by the flying sand or dirt on the track.


• Shoes: These are special shoes that are made especially for racehorses. If the horses hooves have been previous injured they may be wearing a "bar" shoe, which protects the tender areas of their hooves.


• Bits: This is a piece of equipment that extends across the horse's mouth and is attached to the gear that connects it to the reins. The bit that is commonly used is made of metal, but it if the horse's mouth is tender the trainer may use a bit made of rubber. The bit is used as a communication tool between the jockey riding the horse and the horse. It is how the jockey controls the movements of the horse.