Why do harness makers include blinders when a bridle is made for harness horses?

Question

So to why do harness horse drivers use /want them[blinders ]?What is the exact reason for blinders on horses? Finally,why is the blinder not needed if driving a single horse?

Answer 1

You can drive them with open bridles if you want..

Most teamsters/drivers do use blinders.  Most animals do better WITH blinders, although there are the rare cases that need to see behind them.

I use blinders to their full capacity.. if we are out at a show and have to pass some mule eating freaky thing, I can actually turn my mules head away from it and still push him forward and not worry about a run off or shying situation.  

Equines backing up in cart is catastrophic honestly, and if you get one that refuses forward motion, you can end up in a serious bind quickly.  This helps encourage forward motion, you can divert their vision away from the spooky object and it helps them move forward in a straight line.  

It doesn't matter if its singles or doubles or quads... you can drive open or blindered, just depends on the animals confidence.

I personally would never drive anything open bridled, but thats the way I was taught.  

Answer 2

blinders are needed for a harness horse because of all the destractions around them, its so they dont spook if a rabbit hops by, or something like that.  And blinders for a single horse can be used, and is used, ive never heard of it not being used actually, unless the horse doesnt spook easy

Answer 3

I believe they are there to reduce the chances of a horse spooking or shying away from something.

Answer 4

supposedy they are to keep the horse from getting distracted but in reality they make things worse for many horses. because the horse has a limited field if vision they are more prone to collisions/accidents and such. they are also more likely to shy because they can hear things but can't see them. some horses drive better with them but most of the time i think you are better off without them.

Answer 5

the person who answered before me I am afraid is wrong and dont know anything about harness horse racing. the blinders is used for them to look straight ahead while racing. she was right about that. but causing more accidents is wrong. the driver is in control,therefor steering the horse just like would control a car. and trainers and drivers put earplugs in the horses ears so they wont hear anything because nowadays  most racing done is at county fairs.

Answer 6

The main purpose is a horse can see almost 360 degrees, they can see behind them by just very slightly turning their head either side.

Without the blinders the horse could see the cart behind them and they might become spooked!  Believe me, nothing is worse than being in the cart with a spooked or frightened runaway horse!

I even use blinders when driving a single horse.

Answer 7

They are used to stop the horse becoming frightened by the wheels on the cart behind them plus any other distractions.

In racehorses, they are used to stop the horse spooking when horses come up from behind them and to the side of them. As horses eyes are on the side of their heads, they have great vision to their sides and blinkers/blinders prevent them seeing anything that could cause a problem.