A tongue tie is a piece of equipment used in horse racing and some other equestrian disciplines to prevent a horse from placing its tongue over the bit or retracting it into the throat during competition. When a horse gets its tongue over the bit, it loses effective contact with the rider’s hand and the bit’s action is largely nullified — a significant control problem in a racehorse travelling at speed. The tongue tie horse trainers reach for is typically a strip of soft fabric, nylon stocking, or rubber that is tied or fastened to secure the tongue in a forward position.
Why Horses Need a Tongue Tie
Horses that get their tongue over the bit do so for various reasons. Some have mouths that make it physically easy — a combination of bit size, bar shape, and tongue thickness that creates an opportunity the horse learns to exploit. Others do it as a response to pain or discomfort, pulling the tongue back to avoid bit pressure. In racehorses, tongue displacement can also cause a partial airway obstruction — the retracted tongue can press against the soft palate, contributing to soft palate displacement and the characteristic gurgling noise that accompanies it at gallop.
Addressing tongue tie horse trainers use primarily targets the airway and control problems simultaneously. By holding the tongue forward and preventing displacement, a well-applied tongue tie can improve breathing efficiency and restore consistent bit contact in horses that have learned to evade it.
How a Tongue Tie Is Applied
The tongue is extended carefully from the side of the mouth before the bridle is put on. The tie is looped around the tongue — not too far back and not too tightly — and the ends are secured around the lower jaw or through the cheekpiece ring. The bit then sits on top of the tongue in the normal position. The tie must be firm enough to prevent displacement but not so tight as to restrict blood circulation to the tongue. Checking the fit before work and monitoring for discomfort are essential.
Application should only be carried out by someone experienced with the technique. Incorrectly applied tongue ties can cause lacerations, swelling, and lasting tissue damage. Many horses find them uncomfortable initially and require gradual acclimatisation.
Regulation and Welfare Debate
The use of tongue ties is regulated differently across jurisdictions. In British racing, tongue ties must be declared before a race and can only be used on horses that have been seen using one in previous work. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) monitors their use as part of ongoing welfare oversight.
In 2021, the FEI prohibited tongue ties in all FEI-governed competitions, citing animal welfare concerns. Several other national federations have since tightened their own rules. The debate centres on whether the discomfort caused by a tongue tie is justified by the training and performance benefit, and whether alternative approaches — such as bit selection, dental work, or different training methods — could address the root cause more humanely. The BHA continues to review its guidelines in this area.
Alternatives to a Tongue Tie
Before reaching for a tongue tie, trainers should consider whether the behaviour has an identifiable physical cause. Wolf teeth sitting directly against the bit, sharp enamel points, an ill-fitting bit, or an incorrectly sized mouthpiece can all prompt a horse to seek relief by moving its tongue. A thorough dental examination and an honest assessment of bit fit often resolve the problem without needing a restraint device at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tongue tie legal in UK horse racing?
Yes, but it must be declared before the race and is only permitted on horses that have been officially recorded as using one in training. The BHA requires trainers to register the use of a tongue tie in advance. Undeclared use can result in a fine or other disciplinary action.
Can tongue ties cause injury to a horse?
Yes, if incorrectly applied or left on for too long. The risks include lacerations to the tongue, bruising, circulation restriction, and lasting tissue damage. This is why experienced application and regular monitoring are essential. Signs of a problematic tongue tie include swelling, discolouration of the tongue, or significant reluctance from the horse during application.
Are tongue ties used in disciplines other than racing?
Historically yes — some show jumping and eventing trainers have used them. However, the FEI ban introduced in 2021 means they are now prohibited in all FEI-governed competitions, which covers international show jumping, eventing, and dressage. Their use in racing remains governed separately by national racing authorities rather than the FEI.