Once you have grasped the fundamentals of horse racing, it is essential to comprehend the concept of gear changes and their impact on a horse's performance. A gear change occurs when a trainer announces that their runner will be equipped with different running gear designed as a potential enabler. It is therefore, worthwhile to examine these closely to gain an understanding of the equipment, it's nature and objectives. We consistently strive to keep our members well-informed about any significant gear changes associated with our selections, the possible ramifications and provide updates.

Blinkers are small shields strategically positioned around the horse's eyes, effectively limiting their field of vision to primarily what is directly in front of them. The purpose of blinkers is to enhance the horse's focus and concentration during races. Trainers often employ blinkers to 'activate' a horse's competitive spirit and improve their performance. However, it's important to note that blinkers may not always guarantee the desired outcome, as some horses may become overly excited or agitated when wearing them.

BLINKERS

Sheepskin lateral shades, often referred to as 'winkers', or half-blinkers serve as a less restrictive alternative to blinkers. These shades gently guide a horse's vision forward without the intrusive and controlling nature of traditional blinkers which close off a large proportion of their peripheral vision. It can aid a horse by stopping distractions from another challenger that may closing in from behind.

SIDE WINKERS

PACIFIERS

They may look like Blinkers, but the Pacifier is a hood worn by a racehorse with high quality power net mesh covering the eyes. It is fundamentally designed to relax an excitable horse and pacify the animal as it needs to concentrate to view. The stewards may direct them to be removed if muddy, heavy conditions apply to negate the possibility of restricted vision. They are not commonly used in Australasian racing.

A nylon device designed to be placed under the lower jaw of a horse, primarily used to prevent the tongue from interfering with the bit during racing activities. Additionally, it can be employed to address certain respiratory issues in horses. In cases where a horse's performance falls short well of expectations, the application of a tongue tie in subsequent attempts may lead to improvement.

TONGUE TIE

LUGGING BIT

A subtle adjustment to the horse's tack, commonly referred to as a ring or lip bit, enhances the rider's control over the mount and aids in maintaining a straight running path. The impact on the horse is generally considered minimal, with limited negative consequences associated with this particular gear modification. It is ideal for young racehorses to stop them running wide around a corner of the track.

Hoof and foot issues in horses can be indicated by the presence of bar plates, which are fully enclosed plates around the hoof that prevent it from shifting during a run. They can be used to take extra pressure off the heel and distribute the weight evenly around the hoof. Many bettors view this as a potential disadvantage and may choose not to back horses with bar plates.

BAR PLATES

These are a beneficial gear change as they typically indicate the horse's well-being. Moreover, these approved race plates are lightweight and constitute the primary footwear horses wear on race day. Standard thoroughbred racing plates are a lightweight aluminium horse shoes with a squared off toe. They provide ease of breakover to reduce strain on tendons and muscles. Equine athletes may occasionally lose a racing plate during competition, resulting in a temporary loss of balance. However, in most cases, this incident has a negligible impact on their overall performance.

RACE PLATES

Glue-on horse shoes are primarily used for horses who have some kind of foot issue that makes normal shoeing uncomfortable or difficult. For instance, if the horse does not have a strong hoof wall to nail a shoe into. They can also be used to build up low heels. Horses with sensitive feet may also prefer glue ons, as the composite material is far more forgiving than metal. Glue-On shoes need to be approved on the condition they are properly plated and constructed with approved materials.

GLUE-ON SHOES

Occasionally referred to as a shadow roll, a sheepskin or synthetic nose roll is strategically positioned across the bridge of the horses nose to promote a lowered head posture during the race and stop distractions from objects and shadows on the ground. Certain horses may baulk at birds or distractions at the side of the track, and even other horses close by. Its impact on the horse is generally negligible, and some horses may even wear one throughout their entire racing career.

NOSE ROLL

The ear muffs are specifically designed to protect the horses ears from excessive noise, such as that encountered at large race days with sizable crowds. They effectively contribute to calming the horses nerves on race day and represent a low-risk adjustment to their equipment. Commonly used prior to a race as the red hoods you see many wearing in the parade ring, then easily removed at the barriers before being loaded.

EAR MUFFS

This adhesive strips contain a spring that helps to hold the horse’s nasal passages open as it breathes during a race. It is placed across the bridge of the nose above the horses nostrils. Larger airways allow air to enter the horse’s lungs more easily with less vacuum pressure. Because high vacuum pressure is one factor related to bleeding from capillaries in the lungs, use of the strips tends to reduce bleeding during strenuous exercise such as racing.

NASAL STRIPS

Sometimes called an "Australian Noseband". Most commonly seen in racing, but suitable for all areas of equestrian sports. Like an elastic bit lifter, the rubber cheeker is designed to hold the bit high in the horse's mouth to prevent the horse from getting it's tongue over the bit. The rubber rings sit between the bit rings and the horse's mouth, with the added benefit of preventing the bit from pulling through the mouth and preventing pinching by the bit rings.

CHEEKERS

Bandages On/Off, straight forward as the name implies, but some top horses race every start in bandages so you really have to know what the trainer is putting them on for and that doesn’t appear in the gear changes. Common with hurdlers and steeplechasers. Adhesive bandages are approved for use, but MUST be stitched with contrasting thread. Bumper Bandages or Heel Bandages are approved for use around the fetlocks of the horse to protect from bruising, cut and scrapes. Normally applied on harder surfaces as grass has some give in the surface most of the time.

BANDAGES

Barrier Blankets are used for horses when they are standing in the barriers to protect from receiving any type of injury to the body and hind quarters. This blanket calms horses down and stops them from rearing in the stalls if they are easily excitable. The blanket is clipped to the back of the starting stalls and slide off the horse as soon as they jump from the starting stalls.

BARRIER BLANKET

An instrument employed to pacify and facilitate the loading of a horse that exhibits reluctance or fear towards barrier stalls. Primarily utilised as a training method to acclimate young horses to entering gates, promoting calmness and stillness before jumping. A horse that is steadfast in their refusal to load may go straight in when blindfolded.

BLINDFOLD

A gelding is a castrated male horse, and some consider gelding the ultimate gear change. This procedure is typically performed to improve the animal's temperament and focus, making it more suitable for racing. While gelding can have a positive impact on a horse's performance, it also means that the animal can no longer be used for breeding purposes. As a result, gelded horses tend to have longer racing careers than their intact counterparts and can strengthen up significantly immediately after the procedure. It also aids the horses maturity as stallions can be highly agitated around fillies and mares. Typically on the back of being gelded, a male horse can seem rejuvenated and present exceptionally well.

GELDED