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A cheek piece is a piece of tack that attaches to a horse’s bridle and rests on their cheek. It is used to help control the horse’s head and prevent them from throwing it up or down. Cheek pieces come in a variety of styles, including open, closed, and figure-eight. The type of cheek piece that is used will depend on the horse’s individual needs.
Purpose of Cheek Pieces in Horse Racing
Cheek pieces are pieces of equipment used in horse racing to help control a horse’s head movement and improve their focus during a race. They are typically made of leather or synthetic materials and are attached to the horse’s bridle.
Benefits of Cheek Pieces
- Improve focus and concentration
- Reduce head tossing and other distractions
- Help prevent horses from crossing their legs
- Enhance balance and stability
Types of Cheek Pieces
There are several different types of cheek pieces available, each with its own unique purpose and features:
- Cup cheek pieces: These are the most common type of cheek pieces and are designed to cup around the horse’s cheekbones to provide support and stability.
- Open cheek pieces: These are similar to cup cheek pieces but have an open design that allows for more airflow and visibility.
- Figure-8 cheek pieces: These are designed to resemble the figure 8 and are intended to provide additional support and control.
- Australian cheek pieces: These are similar to cup cheek pieces but have a wider opening at the top to provide more freedom of movement.
Table: Summary of Cheek Piece Types
| Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cup cheek pieces | Cups around the cheekbones | Support and stability |
| Open cheek pieces | Open design allows for airflow and visibility | Control and focus |
| Figure-8 cheek pieces | Resembles the figure 8 | Additional support and control |
| Australian cheek pieces | Wide opening at the top | Freedom of movement |
What is a Cheek Piece in Horse Racing?
Cheek pieces are an essential piece of equipment used in horse racing to control and improve the behavior of racehorses. They are attached to the bridle and rest against the horse’s cheeks, applying pressure to encourage the desired response.
Types of Cheek Pieces
- Open Cheek Pieces: These have a “U” shape and allow for a wider range of movement in the horse’s head and neck.
- Closed Cheek Pieces: These completely encircle the horse’s head, restricting lateral movement and providing maximum control.
- Combination Cheek Pieces: A hybrid design that combines open and closed cheek pieces, offering both freedom of movement and enhanced control.
- Aurigas: Specialized cheek pieces designed to prevent a horse from crossing its legs while running.
| Type | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Open Cheek Pieces | “U” shape, allow wide movement | Encourage natural movement, reduce head tossing |
| Closed Cheek Pieces | Encircle the head, restrict movement | Increase control, prevent evasiveness |
| Combination Cheek Pieces | Hybrid design, both freedom and control | Balance maneuverability and obedience |
| Aurigas | Specialized, prevent leg crossing | Improve coordination, prevent injuries |
What Are Cheek Pieces?
Cheek pieces are straps that attach to a horse’s bridle and wrap around their cheekbones. They come in a variety of styles, but they all serve the same basic purpose: to keep the horse’s head from moving too much from side to side. This can be helpful for horses who are prone to running out, or for horses who need to focus on staying on the track.
How Cheek Pieces Affect Horse Behavior
- They can help to keep the horse’s head still. This can be helpful for horses who are prone to running out, or for horses who need to focus on staying on the track.
- They can help to prevent the horse from getting distracted. Cheek pieces can block the horse’s view of other horses, which can help to keep them focused on their own race.
- They can help to improve the horse’s balance. Cheek pieces can help to keep the horse’s head in a more natural position, which can improve their balance and make them less likely to fall.
What Is a Cheek Piece?
A cheek piece is a piece of tack that attaches to a horse’s bridle and wraps around the horse’s cheek. It is designed to help control the horse’s head and keep it from tossing its head or pulling against the bit.
Proper Fitting and Use of Cheek Pieces
- Cheek pieces should be fitted snugly, but not so tightly that they cut into the horse’s face.
- The cheek pieces should be positioned so that they are level with the horse’s cheekbones.
- Cheek pieces should not be used on horses that are already headstrong or difficult to control.
| Type of Cheek Piece | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flash cheek piece | Prevents the horse from crossing its jaw |
| Figure-8 cheek piece | Similar to a flash cheek piece, but with a figure-8 shape to provide more control |
| Drop cheek piece | Prevents the horse from tossing its head |
| Full cheek piece | Provides the most control of the horse’s head |
Well, now you know the ins and outs of cheek pieces in horse racing. They can be a valuable tool for trainers and jockeys to help horses perform at their best. If you ever find yourself at a racecourse and notice a horse wearing some funky facewear, you’ll know exactly what they’re for! Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more horse racing knowledge bombs. Cheers!