Experience with riding in blinkers?

[eml]

I have an 11hh pony who is a RS star most of the time but cannot cope in our indoor school in bright sunlight.

The school has slatted yorkshire boarding at the top so from the direction the sun is shining it creates stripes on the floor, these are not however the issue with him as he shys away from the light. I have tried running round the school myself and yes I hate the flash...falsh...flash caused by the boards. None of the other horses/ponies seem to mind and with a carefully positioned 'helper' to shade his eyes past the sunny area he is fine.

Would it be safe to ride him in blinkers and can you buy them in ShetlandxWelsh size. Alternatively any other ideas to make him comfortable.

[horses4eva888]

Not a clue about riding in blinkers but I'd think you would be able to buy them in shetty size because I've seen them on Wally's ponies in her sig.
Wally- I apologise if they're not shetties I'm rubbish with breeds.:o

[Libbyo]

Some driving ponies are ridden in their blinkered driving bridles.

Libbyo :)

[Esther.D]

I rode one of my driving Shetlands in his blinkers for ages before he was happy unblinkered. Libby's do various sizes of cheap webbing driving bridles, not all that nice but cheap and worth a try, or their own ones which are more expensive but nicer, or try ebay.

Yes Wally's are Shetties :)

[stroppymare]

When I was a Driving Groom, we used to ride out (round London) with the horses in their blinkered bridles - never had a problem.

[Wally]

Just make the rider/handlers aware that the horse cannot judge where his own bottom is, So they will have to make allowances and ride him carefully. No leading him through stable doors or riding through narrow gates with a blinkered bridle on as they misjudge and can knock thier hips on the doorposts badly.......or the rider's legs and knees! ;) ;) If you go through a narrow gap leading in blinkers the handler must walk backwards watching his hips in the doorway

Also handling the blinkered horse needs a little more caution as he will not be aware you are about, speak before you touch him and always start at the front end and wok back keeping your hands on him so he feels where you are.

Just need to brief all the folk about who might not be aware of handling a blinkered horse. No walking up behind him quietly, saying nothing and patting his bottom and wondering why you got booted! :D

Never put the bridle on in a stable, put the saddle on, take him onto the yard and put the blinkers on. Just my little yard rules.....NEVER leave a blinkered horse alone, tied up or in a stable. If you need the loo or answer the phone the bridle MUST come off and a headcollar on.

Just trying to cover the H&S aspect for the handlers etc. If you stick to simple rules like that you won't have an accident.


We had a Haffie with a damaged eye and the vet recommended a blinkered bridle while it healed, worked fine and she was happy.

But there are the safety issues above to reckon with.

[eml]

Thanks Wally. I must admit I did suspect it may lead to issues about him being surprised if approached suddenly but not of the others.

Given that he is ridden by our smallest least able children who often have to be helped I don't think it will work.

hmmmmm back to the drawing board.