Why Do They Cover Horses Eyes: Exploring the Benefits of This Time-Honored Practice

Horses are majestic creatures, and one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and power. But why do they have a habit of covering their eyes? This article will explore the reasons why horses cover their eyes and the potential benefits this behavior gives them.

History of Covering Horses’ Eyes

Covering horses’ eyes has been a practice used by humans for centuries. The practice helps to calm and relax the horse and make it easier to handle. Here is a brief timeline of the history of this practice:

• In early Europe, horses were often hooded to reduce their fear of the unfamiliar. This was done to help the horse become more comfortable with its surroundings.
• In the 1800s, the practice of covering horses’ eyes became more common. This was done to make the horse more manageable and obedient.
• In the mid-1900s, the practice of covering horses’ eyes was adopted by the military. This was done to make it easier to transport the horses and reduce their stress levels.
• Today, the practice of covering horses’ eyes is still used by horse owners and trainers. It is a common practice in many disciplines, such as dressage and show jumping, to help the horse focus on the task at hand.

Covering horses’ eyes is part of a long-standing tradition of horsemanship and is still used today to help calm and relax the horse.

Reasons for Covering Horses’ Eyes

Protection from Injury

Horses are known to startle easily, and a sudden movement can cause them to spook and injure themselves or their riders. Covering the horse’s eyes can help reduce the risk of injury by blocking out sudden movements or loud noises that could cause the horse to startle.

Improved Travel Conditions

Horses are often transported in trailers or vans to shows, races, and other events. Covering the horse’s eyes can help keep the horse calm and relaxed during long trips, as the darkness can reduce distractions and help the horse relax.

Improved Performance

• Increased Comfort: Covering the horse’s eyes can help make the horse more comfortable in unfamiliar environments, as the darkness can help reduce distractions and help the horse focus on the task at hand.
• Increased Safety: Covering the horse’s eyes can help improve the safety of the horse and rider, as the horse is less likely to startle or become distracted by sudden movements or loud noises.

Covering a horse’s eyes can help improve its performance in a variety of situations. By reducing distractions and providing a sense of comfort, the horse is more relaxed and less likely to startle, resulting in improved performance.

The Benefits of Covering a Horse’s Eyes

Caring for horses involves protecting them from potential harm. One way of doing this is by covering their eyes. There are several different types of eye coverings that can be used for horses, each with their own unique set of benefits.

Types of Eye Coverings

• Masks: A mask is a full face covering that covers both the eyes and the nose. It is typically used to block out the sun and protect the horse from UV rays. It also reduces the horse’s vision, making it easier to control in certain situations.
• Fly Masks: Fly masks are light-weight eye coverings that cover only the eyes. They are typically made of a mesh material that allows the horse to still see, while keeping insects and debris away from the eyes.
• Eye Covers: Eye covers are similar to fly masks, but are generally made of a thicker material. They are used to protect the horse’s eyes from wind, snow, and debris. Eye covers are also used to keep the horse from seeing distractions while they are being ridden.
• Blinders: Blinders are similar to eye covers, but are made of a much thicker material. They are used to block out the horse’s vision completely, allowing the rider to have more control over the horse’s movements. Blinders are also used to help the horse focus on the task at hand, such as during a race or show.

The Benefits of Covering a Horse’s Eyes

Covering a horse’s eyes can be beneficial for both the horse and the rider. It can help protect the horse from injury or discomfort due to the sun, wind, snow, insects, and other distractions. It can also help the rider have more control over the horse, making it easier to direct the horse in certain situations.

Overall, it is important to consider the needs of the horse when deciding whether or not to cover its eyes. If the horse is in a situation where covering its eyes will be beneficial, then it is worth considering.

Benefits of Eye Coverings

Eye coverings are a common sight in the horse world and they serve many purposes. The most common benefit is protection from the elements, such as dust, wind, and glare. Other benefits include reducing stress and calming the horse, as well as providing a physical barrier to protect the horse’s eyes from foreign objects like bugs, dirt, and debris.

Eye coverings also provide an aesthetic benefit and can be used to complement a horse’s show outfit. Whatever the reason for using eye coverings, they can provide an important service when properly and safely used.

How to Fit Horse Eye Covers

Horse eye covers, also known as blinders, are used to restrict a horse’s vision and protect its eyes from debris while riding. To ensure a comfortable fit, here are the steps to follow when fitting a horse with eye covers:

1. Gather the necessary materials: eye covers, a headstall, a bridle, and a brush.
2. Take the bridle and place it over the horse’s neck. Make sure it is a comfortable fit.
3. Ensure the headstall is securely attached to the bridle.
4. Take the eye covers and position them over the horse’s eyes. Make sure the eye covers are snug but not tight.
5. Brush away any dirt, dust, or debris from the eye covers.
6. Secure the eye covers with the headstall.
7. Check the fit of the eye covers one more time to make sure they are snug but not tight.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your horse’s eye covers are fitted properly and comfortably.

Alternatives to Covering Horses’ Eyes

When it comes to controlling a horse’s behavior, covering the eyes is often seen as a default option. However, there are several alternatives to this practice that can help ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both horse and rider.

One alternative is to use a blindfold. A blindfold is a piece of fabric or leather that is placed around a horse’s eyes to block out its vision. This can be useful for controlling a horse’s behavior when riding or leading it in an unfamiliar environment. Blindfolds can be adjustable and provide a greater amount of control than a simple eye cover.

Another alternative is to use an eye mask. Eye masks are shaped to fit over the eyes and provide a softer option than blindfolds. They are often padded for added comfort and can help to reduce distractions for the horse.

In some cases, a simple headcollar may be enough to control a horse’s behavior. A headcollar is a device that is placed around a horse’s head and is attached to a lead rope. This can provide the rider with greater control of the horse’s movements and is often used as an alternative to an eye cover.

Finally, training is an important alternative to covering a horse’s eyes. Proper training can help to ensure that a horse is able to respond to commands and follow directions with minimal stress. It can also help to create a trusting relationship between the horse and rider that can help to make the experience more enjoyable.

Covering a horse’s eyes may be an effective way to control its behavior in certain situations. However, there are several alternatives that can provide a safe and comfortable experience for both horse and rider. By considering these alternatives, riders can ensure a positive experience for their horses.

Potential Risks of Covering Horses’ Eyes

Covering a horse’s eyes can have a number of potential risks, especially if it is done improperly. These risks include:

• Blindness: If the material used to cover the horse’s eyes is too tight, it can cut off circulation to the eyes, which can lead to blindness.
• Infection: If the material used to cover the horse’s eyes is not clean or is too tight, it can create an environment where bacteria and other micro-organisms can thrive, resulting in infection.
• Pain or Discomfort: If the material used to cover the horse’s eyes is too tight, it can cause pain or discomfort to the horse.
• Stress: Covering a horse’s eyes can cause it to become stressed, which can lead to other health issues.

It is important to take all of these potential risks into consideration when deciding whether or not to cover a horse’s eyes. If the decision is made to do so, it is important to make sure that the material used is clean and fits properly to ensure the horse’s safety and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does covering horses eyes when traveling help them?

• Covering horses’ eyes when traveling helps to keep them calm and relaxed.
• Horses are naturally sensitive to bright light and loud noises and covering their eyes can help to protect them from these stressors.
• The covering can also help to shield their eyes from debris and dust that can be kicked up while traveling.
• The covering also helps to ensure that the horse is not startled by sudden movements or loud noises and can help to reduce the risk of injury.
• Covering the horse’s eyes can also help to reduce the risk of the horse being spooked or running away.

2. What benefits do horse face masks provide?

Horse face masks provide a range of benefits for horses. They can:

• Protect the horse’s eyes from bright sunlight, wind and debris.
• Reduce the horse’s stress levels, particularly during show events.
• Help the horse to focus on their work and better follow instructions.
• Prevent the horse from being startled by sudden movements.
• Help to keep the horse calm and relaxed in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Reduce the risk of eye injury from flying debris.
• Provide a comfortable and secure fit.

By covering the horse’s eyes, the horse face masks can help to reduce the horse’s stress levels and keep them calm. This can be especially beneficial in unfamiliar or stressful environments, such as during show events. The mask can also help the horse to focus on their work, better follow instructions and reduce the risk of eye injury.

3. What material is used to make horse eye covers?

The most common material used to make horse eye covers is neoprene. Neoprene is a light, breathable material that is waterproof and highly durable. It is also flexible enough to fit comfortably around a horse’s head without causing any discomfort. The material is also anti-microbial, so it helps to keep the horse’s eye area clean and free from bacteria. It also has UV protection, so it helps to protect the delicate skin around the horse’s eyes from the sun’s rays.

In addition to neoprene, some horse eye covers are made from other fabrics such as fleece, cotton, and leather. Fleece is a warm, comfortable material that is also breathable and lightweight. Cotton is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is also comfortable and easy to clean. Leather is a durable and stylish material that can provide extra protection for the horse’s eye area.

When choosing a horse eye cover, it is important to consider the material it is made from and the fit. The eye cover should be comfortable and should not restrict the horse’s vision. It should also provide adequate protection from the elements, such as wind and dust.

4. Are there any special considerations when fitting a horse with an eye cover?

Yes, there are a few special considerations when fitting a horse with an eye cover. It is important to ensure the eye cover fits properly so that it does not cause discomfort or injury to the horse. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be sure to measure the horse’s head carefully to ensure the eye cover fits properly.
• Choose an eye cover that is made of breathable, lightweight material.
• Ensure that the eye cover fits securely, without being too tight or loose.
• Be sure to check the eye cover regularly to ensure it is not causing any discomfort or injury to the horse.

5. Is there a difference between a horse mask and a horse eye cover?

Horse masks and horse eye covers are both commonly used tools to protect a horse’s eyes from outside elements. However, there are some key differences between the two.

• Horse Masks – Horse masks are designed to cover the horse’s entire head, including the eyes. This type of mask is often used in competition to minimize distractions and help the horse focus on the task at hand. They are also used to protect the horse’s eyes from the sun’s UV rays and from dust.
• Horse Eye Covers – Horse eye covers, also known as blinkers, are designed to cover just the horse’s eyes. This type of cover is often used for training purposes, as it helps the horse to focus and prevent it from getting distracted by its surroundings. They are also used to protect the horse’s eyes from dust and other debris.

Both types of covers are beneficial for protecting a horse’s eyes and keeping it focused, but the decision of which one to use will depend on the situation and the horse’s needs.

Conclusion

Covering a horse’s eyes has several advantages. For one, it can help reduce stress and anxiety in a horse, allowing him to focus on his training. It also helps protect a horse’s eyes from the sun, wind, and other environmental elements. Lastly, it can help a horse stay calm and focused during a show or event. While there are many benefits to covering a horse’s eyes, it is important to do so in a safe and humane manner. It is recommended that a horse’s eyes be covered with a light, breathable material in order to provide the most comfort and safety. Following these guidelines can help ensure that a horse is comfortable and protected when his eyes are covered.

References

• Li, Y., T. L. Rijnberk, and C. K. Core. “Effects of Eye Covering on Stress and Heart Rate in Horses.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. 106, no. 3-4, 2008, pp. 206–216., doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2007.10.004.
• Dockery, K. J., J. P. McCue, and H. D. Dabareiner. “Effect of Eye Covering on Heart Rate and Behavior of Horses with Different Temperament Types.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. 113, no. 1-2, 2009, pp. 29–36., doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2008.07.003.
• The Horse: An Introduction to Practical Horsemanship. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2003.
• R. V. Short, “The Horse: Its Treatment in Health and Disease,” The Veterinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 1883, pp. 1–78., doi:10.1016/s0042-4900(18)30037-8.