Horse Racing Equipment Key Terms

Understand horse racing equipment terms to manage a successful track

By Denise Ryan

Horse racing equipment is a necessity whether you own and train a racehorse or own and manage a horse racing track. Either way, knowledge of key industry terms is vital to communicate with vendors and customers, and keep your venture up and running successfully. From knowing about blinkers to bridles and racing plates, expertise in horse racing terminology will ensure you order the equipment necessary for the proper training, maintenance and operation of your horse racing business.

Blinkers

Also called blinders or winkers, blinkers impede the racehorse's vision to the rear or side. Horse trainers use the tool to keep the horse's attention focused on the race in front of him rather than the other horses, riders or racetrack crowds.
Try: Tack Unlimited discusses the features, materials, cup styles and care instructions for racing blinkers.

Bridle

Necessary to control the horse during racing or training, a bridle wraps around the horse's head to hold the bit - a metal or synthetic mouthpiece - in place. The bridle, reins and bit work together and allow the jockey or rider to guide the horse.
Try: US Horse provides an introduction to horse bridles, including typical materials, sizes and important bridle terms like the headpiece, throatlatch, browband and noseband.

Saddle pads

Saddle pads, also called saddle blankets, absorb moisture under the saddle and cushion the racehorse's back beneath the saddle. Cushioned saddle pads can also reduce jarring to the horse's back muscles, thereby lessening fatigue.
Try: Get additional information on saddle pads, including materials and cleaning instructions, at The Finish Line of Oklahoma.

Girth

A girth is vital to horse racing since it's the strap attached to the saddle that holds it securely on the horse's back. While some versions are made of leather, others are fleece-lined to prevent chafing.
Try: View different styles and sizes of horse girths and discover the benefits of certain material and buckle styles through Horse Hats.

Racing plates

Racing plates are the horseshoes worn during races. Although they were originally made of steel, racing plates are currently aluminum and require a blacksmith to custom fit them for each horse.
Try: Horseshoes.com discusses racing plates and related equipment like leg savers and forged toe clips that hold the shoe in place.

Silks

Also called racing colors, silks are the brightly colored jacket and coordinating hat worn by jockeys during a race. Racehorse owners typically create silks with a specific color or pattern to identify the horse they own.
Try: Get photos and descriptions of a variety of silk styles from Custom Silks. Product descriptions also discuss the benefits of certain materials used to create silks.