Cross Breeds

Racing bridle question?

I can't find a picture of it, but I have seen quite a few horses in races with a strange bridle that no one I've asked seems to know about.. There's a strap that runs down the middle of their face and splits above their nostrils into a v, and I believe it connects to the bit. What kind of bridle is this and what is it's purpose? Here are some pics.. http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1370000/images/_1372333_monarchos300.jpg http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/more/05/06/derby.memories/p1_monarchos.jpg So I guess it's not necessarily a type of bridle but an additional piece?

Public Comments

1. It's a gag strap. It connects to the poll of the horse and runs down to the bit, if the horse pulls its head too high, pressure will be applied to the bit and the horse will be forced to pull his head back down.
2. Looks like a bit guard that attaches to the poll. Probably to keep them from moving to much while the horse is running.
3. That is a rubber bit holder. Serves as bit guards and connects to the bridle to hold the bit in place. It is a seperate piece of equip. from the bridle. Also helps keep horses from getting their tongue over the bit....you can also tie the tongue down to help prevent it.
4. This is an australian cheeker. it lifts the bit in the mouth and acts to increase control through the psychological restraint induced by the central part of the cheeker running straight up the face.
5. This is an Australian Cheeker It is used to hold the bit higher in the mouth. You may see several styles of these used. Not everyone uses them and not all horses run well with them. It is something that dependso n the horse and the trainer.
6. It's an Australian Cheeker. They are made of rubber and the ends just stretch over the bit rings. As you said, it's not a bridle but an addition. You soak them in hot water which makes it stretch easier over the bit rings and then the front part attaches to the crown piece at the back of the head. It holds the bit up higher in the mouth and also has the psychological effect that something is bearing down on the front of the face. It's good when you work a horse that pulls like a steam train and prevents them yanking your arms out of the sockets. Some jockeys swear by them.
7. It is a noseband, called an Australian Cheeker. It is made of rubber, and used for horses who throw their heads up and try to avoid the bit.
8. It's called an Austrailian Cheeker. It's an addition to the bridle that connect to the bit goes up the face and attached to the strap behind the poll. Found this description of it on wikipedia for ya:) "Australian cheeker noseband or "Australian noseband" or "cheeker": this noseband consistes of a Y-shaped rubber fork, which attached to the center of the browband, the forks dropping to either side of the nose, with the ends having round rubber cheek guards that fit over the bit. Used to provide a psychological slowing of the horse, as well as to keep the bit raised in the horse's mouth. It is an effective and kind option for a puller or a horse who gets his tongue over the bit. Most commonly seen at the race track. " Hope this infor helps you out:) have a good one!
9. i think its an Australian thing... not sure. might be used to hold the bit in place and hold it up to keep it from putting too much pressure on tongue?