Racehorses often wear various types of gear during training and races to enhance their performance, safety, and comfort. Each piece of gear serves a specific purpose, and the combination used can vary depending on the horse's needs, behavior, and the preferences of the trainer or jockey. Here's an explanation of some of the most common gear changes for racehorses:

1. Blinkers

• Purpose: Blinkers are hood-like devices with eye covers that limit a horse's peripheral vision. They help keep the horse focused on the race by preventing distractions from other horses, the crowd, or objects in the environment.
• Common Use: Used for horses that are easily distracted or have a tendency to veer off course.

2. Cheek Pieces

• Purpose: These are strips of sheepskin attached to the bridle on either side of the horse’s face. They serve a similar purpose to blinkers but are less restrictive, helping the horse to stay focused without completely blocking its side vision.
• Common Use: For horses that need some guidance in staying on track but do not require full blinkers.

3. Noseband or Shadow Roll

• Purpose: A shadow roll is a padded band placed across the horse’s nose. It helps lower the horse’s head and encourages it to focus on the ground ahead rather than looking up and around.
• Common Use: Used for horses that tend to lift their heads too high, which can affect their balance and speed.

4. Tongue Tie

• Purpose: A tongue tie is a piece of cloth or elastic that ties the horse's tongue to the lower jaw. It prevents the tongue from moving too much, which can obstruct breathing or cause the horse to choke on its tongue during a race.
• Common Use: For horses that have breathing issues or tend to get their tongues over the bit.

5. Muzzle

• Purpose: A muzzle may be used to prevent a horse from biting or eating inappropriately before or during a race.
• Common Use: For horses with behavioral issues or those that are prone to biting or eating non-food items.

6. Bits

• Purpose: A bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that goes in the horse’s mouth, connected to the bridle and reins. Different types of bits can be used to control the horse’s speed, direction, and head carriage.
• Common Use: Depending on the horse's behavior and the jockey's preference, different bits (e.g., snaffle, curb, or gag) are used to achieve better control.

7. Martingale

• Purpose: A martingale is a piece of equipment that prevents the horse from raising its head too high, helping to maintain proper head carriage and control.
• Common Use: Used for horses that tend to throw their heads up, which can cause the rider to lose control.

8. Breastplate

• Purpose: A breastplate is a strap that goes across the horse's chest and attaches to the saddle. It prevents the saddle from sliding back during a race.
• Common Use: For horses with a tendency to shift the saddle back, which can affect balance and performance.

9. Bandages and Boots

• Purpose: These protect the horse’s legs from injury during the race. Bandages provide support to the tendons, while boots protect against impact injuries.
• Common Use: For all horses, particularly those with a history of leg injuries or those running on hard or rough surfaces.

10. Hood

• Purpose: A hood is a cover for the horse's ears and head, often used to muffle noise and keep the horse calm.
• Common Use: For nervous or easily spooked horses that are sensitive to loud sounds.

11. Visor

• Purpose: Similar to blinkers, but with a slit that allows a limited amount of side vision.
• Common Use: For horses that need some focus but benefit from seeing a bit of what's happening around them.

12. Pacifiers

• Purpose: A pacifier is a mesh covering over the horse’s face that helps calm nervous horses by reducing visual stimuli and preventing them from seeing too much.
• Common Use: For anxious or easily stressed horses.

13. Tongue Clip

• Purpose: A tongue clip is a metal device that holds the horse’s tongue down, similar to a tongue tie, to prevent it from obstructing the airway.
• Common Use: For horses with breathing problems or that tend to move their tongues excessively.

14. Ear Plugs

• Purpose: Ear plugs are used to reduce the noise heard by the horse, helping to calm them and prevent them from getting spooked by loud sounds.
• Common Use: For horses that are particularly sensitive to noise.

15. Cross Noseband

• Purpose: A cross noseband, also known as a figure-eight or grackle noseband, is used to keep the horse's mouth closed and prevent it from evading the bit by opening its mouth.
• Common Use: For horses that are prone to resisting the bit or that have strong jaws.

16. Crupper

• Purpose: A crupper is a strap that runs from the back of the saddle under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle from sliding forward.
• Common Use: For horses with low withers or those prone to the saddle moving forward.

Each piece of gear has its specific role in managing a horse's behavior, improving its performance, or ensuring its safety. The combination of gear used on a racehorse is tailored to its individual needs and can be adjusted based on experience and observation by the trainer and jockey.