For horses, white is best

Horse racing industry brings horse vision into focus

A research carried out by the University of Exeter in 2018 shows that horses see the world quite differently than we do. That research was commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority and backed by The Racing Foundation.

In all, 131 fences on 11 racecourses were analysed to determine what colours horses see best.

What does it say ?

Horses have a reduced “dichromatic” vision compared to humans. Hence, they mainly distinguish shades we see as blue and yellow and are not able to see red or orange colours.

The study showed that white take off bars and impact bars offer horses a better contrast and visibility. They also improved their jumps.

A fence on Cheltenham racecourse was used for the teste on a cloudy day.

Pictures show the contrast is more marked when with the fluorescent yellow, white and blue boards compared to the orange take off bars and impact bars.

 

French racecourses are up to date

In France, take off bars and impact bars are white. TecRail has been called upon for many years by racecourses for the renewal and modernisation of their fences with innovative solutions aiming to be safer for jockeys and horses.

TecRail take off bars and impact bars are white. Besides, they are designed to be both durable and resilient. Indeed, our R&D department is always looking for solutions for the horse industry that are safer, robust and easy to maintain. Also note our running rails are also white 😉

White take off bars and impact bars, conception made according to racecourses specificities : TecRail puts its experience and its knowledge of horses to the benefits of racetracks and racehorse professionnals, in France and abroad.

Contact us for any request: contact@tecrail.fr

What consequences in Great-Britain ?

In Great-Britain, the study led to a major change. Indeed, about 368 fences and 2 132 hurdle orange panels will be replaced by white ones on 40 racecourses !

Dear British friends, if you need a hand, TecRail can help !

TecRail has equipped racecourses in France and abroad for more that 15 years. Our race rails, mains courantes and jumps are made in France.