Cheekpieces consist of a piece of cloth or leather that is attached to the bridle on either side of a horse’s head. Their primary purpose is to restrict the horse’s peripheral vision, which can help the animal concentrate on the race ahead rather than being distracted by sights on the side. This headgear is commonly used in conjunction with other equipment, such as blinkers or a visor, to enhance the horse’s focus, especially in races where a horse may be prone to becoming distracted.
Cheekpieces Example
For example, a trainer may equip a thoroughbred racehorse with cheekpieces during a race if the horse has shown signs of losing focus or veering off course in previous competitions. By narrowing the horse’s field of vision, the trainer hopes to keep it on track and improve its chances of winning.