Horses are majestic creatures that have been used for centuries in a variety of activities. Horse racing is one such activity, and it has been around for centuries, as well. When participating in a race, horses need to be properly outfitted for the event. This includes protective clothing, such as boots and helmets, as well as specialized eye protection specifically designed for racing. In this article, we’ll take a look at what horses wear on their eyes when they race.
The Purpose of Protective Eye Wear
Horses need to wear protective eye wear when racing for a variety of reasons. The most important reason is to protect the horse’s eyes from debris that may be thrown up from the ground. As horses race, they kick up dirt and dust, which can be quite harmful to sensitive eyes. Additionally, eye wear can also help to protect a horse’s eyes from the sun’s glare, as well as from flying insects.
Types of Eye Wear
There are several types of eye wear that horses can wear when racing. The most common type is a visor, which is typically made from a lightweight, shatter-proof material. Visors are designed to fit snugly around a horse’s head and provide maximum protection for the eyes. Another type of eye wear is a fly mask, which is designed to protect a horse’s eyes from flying insects. Fly masks are typically made from mesh and are secured around a horse’s head with a strap.
Choosing the Right Eye Wear
When choosing eye wear for a horse, it’s important to consider the type of race and the conditions of the track. For example, if the track is particularly dusty, a visor may be a better choice than a fly mask. Additionally, the size and shape of the eye wear should be taken into consideration. The eye wear should fit snugly and securely, and it should not interfere with the horse’s visibility.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to ensure that a horse’s eye wear is safe and secure before participating in a race. It should fit snugly and securely, and it should not interfere with the horse’s vision. Additionally, it’s important to inspect the eye wear for any signs of wear or damage before each race. If the eye wear is damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Additional Protective Gear
In addition to protective eye wear, horses may also need to wear additional protective gear when racing. This can include helmets, boots, and even protective vests. Helmets are designed to protect a horse’s head from impacts and possible injury, while boots are designed to protect a horse’s legs and feet from debris and dirt. Finally, protective vests are designed to protect a horse’s chest and ribs from possible impacts.
Costs and Maintenance
Protective eye wear for horses can be quite expensive, depending on the type and quality of the eye wear. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the eye wear is properly maintained and cared for. This includes regularly checking the eye wear for any signs of wear or damage, and cleaning the eye wear after each race.
Benefits of Protective Eye Wear
The most obvious benefit of protective eye wear for horses is that it helps to keep their eyes safe and protected. Additionally, eye wear can also help to improve a horse’s performance, as it can reduce the amount of debris and dirt that can be kicked up into their eyes. Finally, eye wear can also help to reduce the sun’s glare, which can help a horse to stay focused and better able to compete.
Conclusion
Protecting a horse’s eyes is an important part of horse racing. Horses need to wear protective eye wear to protect their eyes from debris, dust, and sun glare. There are several types of eye wear available, and it’s important to choose the right type and ensure that it fits correctly. Additionally, it’s important to properly maintain and care for the eye wear, as this can help to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.
In conclusion, when it comes to horse racing, eye wear is an important piece of protective gear. Horses need to be outfitted properly with the right type of eye wear to ensure that their eyes stay safe and protected. By taking the time to properly choose, maintain, and care for the eye wear, horses can stay safe, protected, and better able to compete.