Racehorse Tongue Ties: What They Do, Why They’re Used, and What to Know

Last updated: April 10, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

The seemingly simple strip of material tied around a racehorse’s tongue—a tongue tie—is anything but simple once you explore its purpose and the debate surrounding it. As a long-time racehorse owner, I’ve had direct experience using tongue ties and evaluating when they help—or hinder—performance. That firsthand experience led me to dig deeper into the research and controversy.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll combine insights from my own stable with scientific findings, veterinary perspectives, and welfare concerns. You’ll learn how racehorse tongue ties are applied, why some trainers rely on them, why others oppose them, and what alternatives exist for horses that struggle with focus or airway issues.

What Exactly Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie is a soft yet durable strap—typically made from nylon webbing, elastic, or cloth—used to secure a horse’s tongue by fastening it to the lower jaw, either directly or by attaching it to the rings of the bit. It’s typically used during races or intense workouts and removed afterward.

Trainers primarily employ tongue ties to achieve one or more of the following:

• Preventing the Tongue from Getting Over the Bit: Horses can sometimes maneuver their tongue over the bit, which can lead to a loss of steering control and make them unresponsive to the rider’s rein aids.
• Maintaining a Clear Airway: During intense exercise, some horses may retract their tongue in a way that partially obstructs their airway, potentially contributing to breathing noises (like roaring) and hindering performance. A tongue tie is intended to keep the tongue in a more forward position, theoretically keeping the airway open.
• Improving Focus and Reducing Oral Fixations: Some horses, particularly when anxious or feeling fresh, may excessively play with the bit, chew on it, or move their tongue around distractingly. Securing the tongue is sometimes believed to help settle these horses and encourage better focus on the task at hand.

While these are the stated goals, the reality of tongue tie effectiveness is more complex and often debated.

The Science Behind Racehorse Tongue Ties: Do They Really Help?

While anecdotal evidence and widespread use suggest many trainers perceive benefits from tongue ties, scientific research on their effectiveness remains limited and inconclusive.

A significant 2017 study from the University of Sydney published in the Equine Veterinary Journal evaluated the impact of tongue ties on Thoroughbreds. Researchers found that tongue ties might reduce airway obstruction in a small subset of horses with pre-existing conditions. However, the same study also documented clear signs of stress in many horses during application and wear, including:

• Increased gaping of the mouth
• Frequent head tossing
• Repeated attempts to dislodge the tie with their mouth or head

Lead author Professor Paul McGreevy concluded, “There is still no definitive proof that tongue ties improve performance for most horses.” His findings underscore a critical point: the perceived benefits may not be universal and could come at a welfare cost.

Additional studies have also questioned their efficacy. For instance, research published in Animals journal found that tongue ties do not consistently widen the upper airways in racehorses. The assumption that keeping the tongue fixed forward automatically improves airflow lacks robust scientific backing.

Despite these findings, tongue ties remain widely used—often as a precautionary measure, even when no confirmed breathing issue or history of bit evasion exists. Some trainers report a subjective improvement in focus or behavior, such as reduced bit chewing or anxiety, after applying a tongue tie. However, these observations are anecdotal and not validated by controlled studies.

Welfare Concerns:

• Animal Welfare: There are growing concerns about the discomfort and potential distress tongue ties may cause. Organizations like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have questioned the practice, advocating for more humane methods.

Global Use of Racehorse Tongue Ties & Trainers’ Perspective

Tongue-tie usage varies significantly across regions and disciplines, shaped by cultural norms, veterinary guidance, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

United States: Tongue ties are commonly seen in both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Though exact statistics are limited, observational data and race footage suggest their use is widespread across American racetracks. Some trainers also apply tongue ties in Western disciplines such as barrel racing and eventing, though with less frequency. In many U.S. barns, they are viewed as a preventive or standard piece of equipment—even when no confirmed airway or bitting issue exists.

Australia: Usage is particularly high. A 2020 study found that nearly 72% of Australian racehorses wore a tongue tie at least once during their racing careers. However, this widespread adoption has drawn sharp criticism from major animal welfare groups like RSPCA Australia, who argue that tongue ties may cause pain, distress, and soft tissue damage.

Moving to Europe, regulatory views vary widely. Germany banned the use of tongue ties in racing in 2018 due to mounting welfare concerns. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland have not implemented outright bans, but tongue tie usage is under increased scrutiny. In the UK, tongue ties remain relatively common in flat racing, though welfare debates continue to intensify among veterinarians, trainers, and the public.

Welfare Concerns: The Critics’ Standpoint

While many trainers rely on tongue ties for performance and control, welfare experts question whether the potential risks outweigh the benefits—especially in light of growing scientific scrutiny. Organizations like RSPCA Australia cite both behavioral distress and physiological stress responses in horses.

Increased Salivation and Tongue Sensitivity: A foreign object constricting the tongue can lead to excessive salivation and heightened sensitivity in the oral cavity. In addition to visible stress behaviors like head tossing or attempts to dislodge the tie, studies have shown transient increases in heart rate and salivary cortisol levels—biomarkers of acute stress. These are part of a broader pattern of behavioral stress responses in racehorses that can impact performance and welfare.

Attempts to Dislodge the Tie: Horses often react with signs of discomfort, such as repeated head shaking, pawing, or mouthing the equipment in frustration.

Potential for Oral Injuries: While rare, incorrectly fitted tongue ties can cause bruising, cuts, or long-term oral aversion. An overly tight application may exacerbate these risks.

Restriction of Natural Movement: Confining the tongue can interfere with a horse’s ability to swallow or perform other subtle oral functions—raising additional welfare red flags.

Some racing jurisdictions have responded. In Victoria, Australia, veterinary inspections of tongue ties are now mandatory before races to ensure proper and humane application. These proactive measures reflect growing acknowledgment of the need for balanced oversight—and may serve as a precedent for regulatory changes elsewhere. To explore how tongue ties fit into the broader landscape of racehorse gear, see our complete Racehorse Equipment Guide.

For a clearer understanding of how a tongue tie is applied in practice, here’s a short video demonstration from the racetrack.

Exploring Viable Alternatives to Tongue Ties in Horse Racing

Depending on the specific reason for considering a tongue tie—whether it’s airway restriction, bit manipulation, or behavioral distraction—several alternative approaches may offer more humane or targeted solutions:

Bits with Modified Mouthpiece Designs

These bits are often engineered with rollers, keys, or elevated port shapes that discourage horses from getting their tongue over the bit. By occupying more space in the mouth, they make it less comfortable for the tongue to maneuver upward.

Bitless Bridles and Nosebands

Bitless options (like sidepulls or hackamores) can alleviate bit-related anxieties by removing or minimizing pressure from the mouth entirely.

In my barn, we often opt for a figure eight noseband instead of using a tongue tie. When I first began working with racehorses, nearly every horse had their tongue tied. Today, while it’s still used in some cases, it’s far less common. Out of the seven Thoroughbreds I currently train, only one wears a tongue tie.

Surgical Interventions for Airway Obstructions

In horses with confirmed anatomical conditions like dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), procedures such as tie-forward or tie-back surgery aim to physically correct the issue. These interventions may eliminate the need for tongue ties by directly addressing the root cause of the obstruction.

Comprehensive Behavioral Training

Through consistent groundwork and positive reinforcement, horses with oral fixations or race-day anxiety can learn to stay focused and relaxed without physical restraints. Though it requires more time and observation, this approach often results in long-term improvements in both performance and well-being.

Complementary Gear That Aids Focus

Many trainers pair behavior-focused strategies with non-invasive equipment like blinkers, which limit side vision, or shadow rolls, which restrict the downward field of view to prevent spooking. These tools don’t affect the tongue but can help settle nervous or distracted horses.
Learn more about how blinkers work here.
Learn more about how shadow rolls work here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Ties in Horse Racing

This FAQ section addresses common questions about tongue ties in horse racing, including their legality, effects, and welfare implications.

Final Thoughts: A Small Tool with a Significant Debate

The seemingly simple tongue tie represents a much larger conversation in horse racing—one that balances performance goals, tradition, science, and animal welfare. While some horses do appear to race more effectively with a tongue tie, the limited scientific support for its benefits—paired with growing welfare concerns—calls for a more thoughtful, case-by-case approach.

From firsthand experience, I’ve seen both sides. One of my fillies consistently got her tongue over the bit during morning works and responded positively to a correctly fitted tongue tie. On the other hand, a gelding in our barn grew visibly agitated every time we tried using one, prompting us to switch to an alternative bit with better results. These examples remind me daily that no single piece of equipment fits every horse—and that careful observation matters most.

Ultimately, any decision to use a tongue tie should prioritize the horse’s well-being, be backed by sound reasoning, and consider input from veterinarians, trainers, and regulatory bodies. Continued research and open dialogue are key to navigating this ongoing debate and ensuring we make informed, ethical choices for the horses in our care.

Next time you see a racehorse wearing a tongue tie, consider the complex factors behind that choice. Is it truly helping—or just tradition? For a deeper dive into the equipment that shapes both performance and welfare in racing, explore our full Racehorse Equipment Guide.

What’s your experience with tongue ties? Have they helped one of your horses—or caused more problems than they solved? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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