Why are they called horse blinkers?

Are blinkers allowed in equestrian racing?

Most equestrian disciplines, other than racing and harness competition, do not permit the use of blinkers at any time, under penalty of elimination. In racing, blinkers are usually seen attached to a synthetic hood placed under the bridle.

Why do horses wear blinkers while driving?

Additionally, driving horses commonly wear blinkers to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets. Most equestrian disciplines, other than racing and harness competition, do not permit the use of blinkers at any time, under penalty of elimination.

What is a banned substance in horse racing?

The FEI defines banned substances as “doping substances, which have no place in equine sport.” These are substances which have no recognized therapeutic benefit to the horse.

Are all horses willing to drive without Blinders?

You might make the mistake of reading this article as an advocacy for driving all horses without blinders. That is not what this is at all. It’s simply stating that some horses are more comfortable with blinders while others are not. There’s no hard and fast rule that horses are willing to follow on this matter.

What are blinkers used for on horses?

Blinkers, also known as blinker hoods or blinders, are a form of masks that are used to partially or fully cover a horse’s eyes. They can be used for training purposes or to help a horse recovering from an eye injury. The most common time you will see blinkers is on racehorses.

What is the equine prohibited substances list (EPSL)?

The FEI publishes an ‘Equine Prohibited Substances List’ (EPSL). This enables Persons Responsible (PRs) to ensure that they are not treating or feeding horses with substances that are prohibited for use during competition and substances that are not permitted for use in the horse at any time. Prohibited Substances are categorised as follows:

What are prohibited substances?

Prohibited Substances are categorised as follows: ‘Banned Substances’ are substances that are deemeed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in the competition horse and/or have a high potential for abuse.

Are there any drugs in horse racing?

In most cases the answer is no. Pain and fatigue are warning signs to slow down. If masked by drugs, it can lead to serious injuries and it often does, especially when combined with the threat of the whip. The general rule is that on the day of racing, all horses must be clean of any prohibited substances though they may be used in training.

What is a banned substance for horses?

The BHA’s definition of a banned substance is ‘…any medication or supplement (including herbal substances) that has, or claims to have, an effect on horses (or any other species) is prohibited unless you have specific advice from the BHA Equine Health and Welfare Department that states otherwise.’

What are the rules for driving a horse drawn vehicle?

All horse-drawn vehicles should have two red rear reflectors. It is safer not to drive at night but if you do, a light showing white to the front and red to the rear must be fitted. Safety equipment: children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet that complies with the Regulations. It must be fastened securely.

Can you drive a car with a horse in a team?

When forming a team, match speeds and gait, and make sure the horses get along. Here are 10 driving horse breeds commonly used for pulling carriages and other light vehicles. The American standardbred is a very popular driving horse breed for both harness racing and pleasure driving.

What is the EPSL?

The EPSL enables Persons Responsible (PRs) to ensure that they are not treating or feeding horses with substances that are prohibited for use during competition and substances that are not permitted for use in the horse at any time. Prohibited substances are categorised as follows:

Are substances that are not listed on the EPSL prohibited?

Substances that are not listed on the EPSL are not prohibited provided that they do not have a similar chemical structure or biological effect to a substance listed on the EPSL. The EPSL is available below as a pdf, an online database and a mobile app. Links to these tools can be found by clicking on the buttons below.

What is the FEI prohibited substances list?

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List. The FEI publishes an ‘Equine Prohibited Substances List’ (EPSL). This enables Persons Responsible (PRs) to ensure that they are not treating or feeding horses with substances that are prohibited for use during competition and substances that are not permitted for use in the horse at any time.

What happens if you use a prohibited substance on a horse?

Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance. This means that if you’re caught using, or trying to use, something prohibited, a case may be brought against you, even if your horse’s sample is not tested or comes back negative for any prohibited substances.

What is a prohibited medication?

An exhaustive list of medication that is prohibited in competition, and made up of all known substances that are recognised as therapeutic and/or commonly used, but have the potential to enhance performance at certain levels.

Are there any medications that are not for use in horses?

There is not virtually any barn in the United States where we can’t find in the medicine cabinet a number of different drugs used in common horse husbandry that are clearly labeled “ Not for use in Horses intended for food ”.

Are herbal supplements safe for horses?

The FEI has published a warning regarding the use of supplements (including herbal supplements) and products of which the ingredients are unknown. Any substances which affects the performance of a horse in a calming (tranquillising) or an energising (stimulant) manner and which contain a Prihibited Substance are forbidden.

What stimulants are banned in equestrian sport?

For example, rosemary and caffeine are considered stimulants and are banned under FEI rules. The FEI website has a complete list of prohibited substances in equestrian sport.

Can you drive a horse in a combined driving competition?

Combined driving. Horses can race in harness, pulling a very lightweight one-person cart known as a sulky. At the other end of the spectrum, some draft horses compete in horse pulling competitions, where single or teams of horses and their drivers vie to determine who can pull the most weight for a short distance.

How often is the EPSL reviewed?

The EPSL is reviewed on an annual basis and changes to the list are published on the Clean Sport website, 90 days in advance of the change coming into effect. All members of our equine community are welcome to submit suggested changes to the EPSL.

What is the PR’s role in preventing prohibited substances in horses?

It is each PR’s personal duty to ensure no prohibited substance is present in the horse’s body. The Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL) lists all substance that are prohibited during FEI events. Before giving any substance to a horse competing at FEI events, athletes and their support personnel must check if it is prohibited.

What is the EPSL (equine prohibited substances list)?

The Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL) lists all substance that are prohibited during FEI events. Before giving any substance to a horse competing at FEI events, athletes and their support personnel must check if it is prohibited. A withdrawal time must be observed before competing and the FEI publishes a List of Detection Times.

What should riders know about the substances on the list?

Please also be aware that if a substance has the same chemical structure or biological effect as a substance on the List, it is also prohibited in a similar way to the substances listed by name on the List. We would like to emphasise that riders should collaborate with their Veterinarians concerning any products they would wish to administer.

What is a controlled substance in horse racing?

Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) Substances should never be found in the body of the horse and are prohibited at all times.

What happens if your horse tests positive for a prohibited substance?

This means that your horse tests positive for a prohibited substance. Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance. This means that if you’re caught using, or trying to use, something prohibited, a case may be brought against you, even if your horse’s sample is not tested or comes back negative for any prohibited substances.