This article from 1840 dares to question the value of blinders on horses. One gets the idea that this subject might have been a matter of some controversy at the time. Not having NFL football, the X-Files, or the automobile to contemplate, there is some chance that the "Maine Farmer" who authored this piece might have spoken of this subject at lengths that his wife and friends occasionally tired of hearing. However, all joking aside, it is a reasonably well written article, and some cleverly convincing points are made. —fadedpages.com

Is there any real use in having blinds or blinders upon the bridles of carriage-horses? We doubt exceedingly if there need be, provided, nevertheless, as the lawyers say, the horses are trained as they ought to be in the beginning. We have known horses that would travel as well without them, and we believe much better. We have no doubt that nine tenths of the springing and starting of horses upon the road is owing to their being hoodwinked with those pads over their eyes, leaving only a small space to peep out, and that too not in the direction of true vision. Objects cannot appear distinct and natural when thus seen, and what wonder is it if they start when they discover what to them appears, in consequence of the indistinctness with which it is seen, some strange monster. Horses will run day after day in the pasture among rocks and stumps, without betraying the least fear, but when in harness will "shy" whenever they pass by one of those same rocks and stumps. Sometimes we meet with a horse that is partially blind or nearsighted, and these almost invariably start and are skittish. Instead of "blinders," such horses should have nothing over their eyes, or spectacles to improve their optics. There are many other improvements to be made upon harness.

We load horses too much with trappings. One quarter of the expense is incurred for useless straps, buckles, and buttons. The more light and simple harness can be made compatible with strength and real use the better it is, and the more ornamental it will be. We need all the strength of the horse to draw the load, instead of bearing up a useless burden of leather and metal.

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