British horse racing trails new colors to cater better to horses

Published on 11 October 2018

Fences and hurdles in British racing are set for a major makeover after it was discovered horses see the obstacles differently to humans.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said horses cannot distinguish between as many colours as humans. The animals “differentiate objects in a palette of blues and yellows” and it is therefore hoped a change from orange on obstacles will “maximise visibility”.

At present, the framework for the jumps is painted orange but research has shown horses see the colour as a shade of green.

Horse racing authorities have now agreed to try fluorescent yellow and white markers to aid visibility.

Read the whole article on bbc.com