Hacking out in Blinkers

[jayvee]

They have their place in racing and driving. But does anyone ever hack out in blinkers? Is it safe? Is it a good idea for a spooky horse say? Is there a reason for not hacking out in them?
I'm not thinking of doing it, just a curious post

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[xXxTraversxXx]

I used to ride a shire and for a while rode her in a converted driving bridle that had blinkers (at that time we still hadn't found a conventional bridle that fitted her!) and it was fine. tbh if driving horses can go out on the roads and out hacking with blinkers then why not riding horses???

 

[Bosworth]

it is supposed to be for horses that are a bit spooky and help them concentrate by only looking ahead - but to be honest I would rather ride a spooky horse that can see rather than a half blind one!

 

[jinglejoys]

[ QUOTE ]
They have their place in racing and driving. But does anyone ever hack out in blinkers? Is it safe? Is it a good idea for a spooky horse say? Is there a reason for not hacking out in them?
I'm not thinking of doing it, just a curious post

...

[/ QUOTE ]

I no longer drive Blue in Blinkers as she's much calmer without them but if it has a calming affect on someones ridden equine I see nothing wrong.

 

[Hornby]

In Blackpool there are a lot of driving horses - for taxis on the prom - and I have seen them hacked ie ridden in blinkers. No doubt because the horses are used to dealing with traffic in this way. If your horse is spooky but not used to blinkers I would school in them first as some horses might not appreciate less vision - my mare likes to know what is round her at all times (I know if she doesn't like something cos she looks over her shoulder to check for an escape route - doesn't use it but she is ready - and she also checks for traffic like this so I think my mare would be upset if she could see less, but it may work for yours....) good luck

 

[jayvee]

I've no intention or have the need to use them (with current horse lol). I just wondered why they are aren't used more for horses that are terrible spookers say, or if anyone has found that their spooky steed does go better or safer in them?
Just something not seen in the hacking/ridden world compared to racing etc.

 

[SpruceRI]

Mine's a terrible spooker. In some ways I think they'd be a good idea, but not on the road as no doubt she'd be terrified hearing a car coming behind but not being able to see it.