Antique Leather Horse Bridle W/Blinders

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Description

22" H by 12" W by 5" D SOLD AS IS Antique or vintage leather horse bridle with blinders (also … Read more 22" H by 12" W by 5" D SOLD AS IS Antique or vintage leather horse bridle with blinders (also known as blinkers or winkers). This piece of equine tack features elaborate decorative metalwork and turquoise inlay studs heavily applied across the leather straps and eye cups. It is heavily oxidized, showing extensive verdigris (green patina) on the copper or brass accents due to age.

Function and Purpose Restricting Vision: The two wide, cupped leather panels on either side are blinders (blinkers). When fitted on a horse, they sit right next to the eyes to block or severely restrict the horse's peripheral (side and rear) vision.

Preventing Distractions: They keep the horse focused strictly on what is directly ahead of them. Safety: This setup is traditionally used for carriage and driving horses to prevent them from being startled by the vehicle behind them or by sudden movements in crowds, and it is also commonly used in horse racing. See less