Topic of the day - Equipment

Good morning Clan Members. First I just want to say again what a great site this is with unbelievable information available. Thanks to everyone who contributes. I will be the 1st to admit that I'm a sucker for punnishment by paying for horse racing tips. I still try to learn the trade but have now realised that one does not have to pay for tips, just listen to the Clan !

Can we discuss equipment for horses today? Reasons why it will be used and does it enhances a horse's performances?

Happy punting & good luck to all those with runners today.

Do u mean blinkers etc?

Scotia yes, blinkers, allumites, pacifiers etc.

Thanks!

The purpose of the added 'equipment' is to get this horse in question to perform to its best - some horses lose concentration when another moves up next to them, so blinkers help to make them concentrate on their own stride - these can be 'half-cup' blinkers or 'full cup' binkers - trial and error shows which (if any) works. Could be worthwhile to include horse with poor form who tries blinkers for the first time.

Pacifiers used to pacify (surprise surprise) nervous horses - then there are also cheek pieces - not to sure how these help - maybe someone like muhthiman can help explain - and tongue ties to assist horses who have breathing problems; the addition of any of these types of equipment could have a significant effect on the horse's performance.

Shoes have been discussed on another thread - the thing to note here is that not all steel shoes are the same - as explained by muhtiman the 'steels' used by the Zackey stable have been enhanced and can't be seen as a negative............

Thanks Frodo. much appreciated.

The best equipment in aiding a horse is"the doctor"

they work on the horse you didn't back and work against the one you backed:D

The best equipment any trainer can have is the horse-walker..it gets the horse out of the stable, reducing stress and all that goes with that.

The best present any trainer can give a horse is a lovely hour or two walk on a walker everyday..imo

Oscar,I would think that a lovely hour or two walk,out in the countryside to be an even better present,if space allows!

What are pacifiers? Do they get used in SA? and do they really "pacify"?

Eye covers Mav

From Chris Taylor - cheek pcs allow horses full view + block view behind, instead of "tunnel vision" blks. best on uptight + stubborn horses.