Abstract: A dual purpose protective nose shield for race horses which includes a pair of generally cup-shaped reverse air scoops positioned over the horse's nostrils. Each scoop has a rearwardly flared deflection shield which prevents cold frigid air and/or mud or other foreign debris from the track from impinging directly upon the nostrils. The rearwardly facing breathing port of the scoop channels inhaled and exhaled air into an air space which is formed by the scoop about the nostril. The incoming cold air is warmed as it contacts the outgoing exhaled air and by the body heat generated by the portion of the horse's face over which it is channeled so as to prevent damage to the nostrils and impaired or shallow breathing often caused by the direct inhalation of cold frigid air.