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Blinkers 101: What They Are and Why Your Horse Might (or Might Not) Wear Them

If you’ve ever read an update saying your horse will be “adding blinkers” or “removing blinkers,” you may have wondered what that means—and why it matters.

In Thoroughbred racing, blinkers are one of the most common—and carefully considered—equipment adjustments a trainer can make. For some horses, blinkers can sharpen focus and lead to dramatic improvement. For others, removing them can help the horse relax and settle into a better rhythm.

Let’s take a closer look at what blinkers are, what they do, and how they can impact your horse’s performance.

What Are Blinkers?

Blinkers are a piece of equipment fitted over a horse’s bridle, designed with eye cups that limit peripheral and rear vision. The goal is to help the horse focus more directly forward, reducing distractions from other horses, crowds, shadows, or movement around them.

Made of plastic or leather, blinkers come in varying degrees of coverage—from small semi-cups to full cups—depending on how much vision restriction is needed.

By narrowing a horse’s field of vision, blinkers can:

– Help nervous or easily distracted horses stay more focused
– Encourage early speed out of the gate
– Prevent horses from shying away from other runners
– Improve straightness, especially in the stretch
– Discourage “waiting” behavior when in front

Why a trainer Might Add Blinkers

Trainers may choose to add blinkers when a horse:

– Shows signs of being distracted or unfocused in races
– Drifts or veers during the stretch drive
– Waits on company after making the lead
– Fails to finish strongly despite getting into position.
– Hesitates out of the gate or loses concentration in traffic

In these cases, blinkers are added as a mental aid—helping the horse tune out their surroundings and concentrate on running forward.

You might see an owner update that says:

– “Blinkers going on to sharpen his focus.”
– “She trained well in them and seemed more engaged.”
– “He’s been drifting in the lane, so we’ll try blinkers for more straightness.”

Why a Trainer Might Take Blinkers Off

Not all horses respond positively to blinkers. For some, the reduced vision can cause anxiety, encourage them to run too aggressively, or overreact to routine situations.

Trainers may remove blinkers when a horse:

– Pulls too hard early and uses too much energy
– Shows signs of tension or nervousness in the gate
– Lacks awareness of other horses in the race
– Becomes too one-dimensional in racing style

In these cases, removing blinkers can help a horse relax, conserve energy, and respond more naturally to race dynamics.

Trainer updates might say:

– “Taking blinkers off to help him settle early.”
– “She’s been too aggressive up front—removing them should help her rate.”
– “He worked more comfortably without them, so we’ll try that route.”

How You’ll Know If Your Horse Is Wearing Blinkers

There are a few ways to confirm whether your horse is running with blinkers:

Paddock and Post Parade:

Blinkers are worn on the head, over the bridle. Look for a fitted hood with eye cups—usually in the stable’s colors.
Race Day Program Notes:

Equipment changes are listed in the program or track website. You may see:
- “Blinkers On”
- “Blinkers Off”
  
  These are especially noted when it’s a new change from the previous start.
Past Performances:

Some racing data providers (like DRF) include a lowercase “b” in past performance lines to indicate a race where blinkers were worn.

How Trainers Decide

Blinker decisions aren’t random—they’re based on careful evaluation during morning training. Horses are often worked both with and without blinkers to see what brings out the best version of that horse. Input from the rider, exercise team, and trainer all factor into the final call.

Like all gear choices, it’s individualized. Some horses wear blinkers their whole careers. Others try them once, and never again. It’s a matter of reading the horse’s behavior and results.

Other Common Headgear: Shadow Rolls vs. Blinkers

It’s easy to confuse blinkers with another piece of equipment: the shadow roll.

– Blinkers restrict side/rear vision.
– Shadow rolls are fleece nosebands that block downward vision, used to prevent horses from spooking at shadows or looking at the ground.

Some horses wear both. Others wear neither. Trainers mix and match based on the horse’s unique mental makeup.

Final Thoughts

Blinkers are a subtle but powerful tool in a trainer’s arsenal. When used thoughtfully, they can help a horse focus, stay straight, and bring out their best effort. But just as often, removing them can lead to a breakthrough if a horse has become too anxious or overly sharp.

As an owner, when you see an equipment change update—whether blinkers on or off—know that it’s part of a larger strategy to help your horse compete at their best. The goal isn’t change for the sake of change—it’s to tailor the approach to the individual in the silks.

Want to learn more about other types of racing equipment or training strategies? Explore the MyRacehorse Owner Education Hub for more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes knowledge.

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April 10, 2025 No Comments

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