Texas Racing Commission License Practice Exam

The figure eight is designed specifically to help keep a horse’s mouth shut while racing. This piece of equipment wraps around the horse's nose and through the bit in a configuration that creates a secure fit. By applying pressure to the bridge of the nose, it encourages the horse to maintain its mouth closed, promoting better bit control and minimizing the chances of the horse opening its mouth and evading the bit. This can improve communication between the jockey and horse, leading to more efficient racing performance. While other options serve important functions in equine equipment — such as the breast plate which helps to keep the saddle in place or run down wraps that protect the horse's legs — they do not specifically address the issue of controlling the horse's mouth during a race. The shadow roll, on the other hand, is used to limit the horse's vision of objects directly in front of it, helping to prevent distractions, but does not affect the mouth's position. Understanding these distinctions highlights the figure eight's unique role in maintaining control during racing.