Why Racehorses Wear Blinkers, Hoods and Other Headgear

When studying a racecard or watching runners in the parade ring, it is common to see horses fitted with different forms of headgear. These pieces of equipment are not decorative additions. They are practical tools used by trainers to improve concentration, manage temperament, and influence racing behaviour.

From blinkers and visors to hoods and cheekpieces, each type of headgear is designed with a specific purpose in mind.

How Horses See the World

Racehorses experience the racetrack very differently from humans. Because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, horses possess extremely wide peripheral vision.

This natural field of vision is useful for prey animals in the wild, but it can create distractions in a racing environment filled with crowds, movement, noise, and nearby rivals.

Some horses lose concentration during races, drift under pressure, or become anxious before entering the stalls. Headgear is often used to reduce those distractions and help a horse focus more effectively.

Blinkers and Their Purpose

Blinkers are among the most commonly used pieces of racing equipment. They consist of a hood fitted with eye cups positioned beside the horse’s eyes.

The cups restrict rear and side vision, encouraging the horse to focus forward rather than reacting to surrounding movement.

Blinkers

Used to reduce peripheral vision and sharpen concentration.

Often applied to horses that idle, wander, or lose focus during races.

Trainers may use blinkers on inexperienced horses learning to race competitively, or on older horses that have developed inconsistent racing habits.

Visors and Cheekpieces

Visors operate similarly to blinkers but contain a small slit in the eye cup, allowing the horse limited awareness of runners approaching from behind.

This creates a slightly less restrictive effect while still encouraging concentration.

Visor

Provides focus while allowing limited rear vision.

Often used on horses that need encouragement without becoming overly aggressive.

Cheekpieces provide an even milder alternative to more restrictive headgear such as blinkers and visors, offering subtle assistance rather than full visual limitation.

Cheekpieces

Mild visual aid attached to the bridle.

Typically used to fine-tune concentration rather than force a behavioural change.

Hoods and Noise Reduction

While visual headgear focuses on sight, hoods are primarily designed to reduce noise and calm nervous horses.

Racedays can be highly stimulating environments, particularly at major meetings with large crowds and loud public address systems.

Hood

Features padded ear coverings designed to reduce surrounding noise.

Often used on highly strung or anxious horses before and during races.

Some trainers also use ear plugs in conjunction with hoods to help horses remain relaxed during preliminaries and the loading process.

Racecard Headgear Codes

Official racecards use abbreviations to identify different types of headgear.

b — Blinkers

Full side and rear vision restriction.

Designed to maximise focus and concentration.

v — Visor

Similar to blinkers but includes a narrow slit for partial rear vision.

Balances awareness with concentration.

h — Hood

Noise-reduction equipment with padded ears.

Used to settle nervous or excitable horses.

p — Cheekpieces

Mild visual aid attached to the bridle.

Provides gentle encouragement without fully restricting vision.

The First-Time Headgear Angle

Headgear changes are closely watched by punters and form analysts. When equipment is applied for the first time, racecards usually display a small number beside the abbreviation, such as “b1” for first-time blinkers.

First-time headgear can occasionally trigger improved performances, particularly if a horse has previously shown signs of wandering, hesitation, or lack of concentration.

However, the effect varies between horses, and not every equipment change produces immediate improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do blinkers make horses run faster?

Not directly. Blinkers are designed to improve concentration and focus, which can help some horses perform more effectively.

What is the difference between blinkers and a visor?

Blinkers block almost all rear vision, while a visor includes a small slit that allows limited sight of horses approaching from behind.

Why do trainers use hoods?

Hoods are used to reduce noise and help nervous or excitable horses remain calm before and during races.

Final Verdict

Headgear plays an important role in modern horse racing. Whether designed to sharpen concentration, reduce anxiety, or improve racing manners, each piece of equipment reflects a trainer’s attempt to help a horse perform more efficiently.

For racing followers, understanding the purpose behind blinkers, visors, hoods, and cheekpieces can also provide useful insight when analysing form and race tactics.