Ear bonnets for the large-headed horse!

[foursocks]

I think the answer is (actually) that I need to stop being cheap and buying cheap ear nets, but: which ear bonnets are made to fit horses with big heads/longer ears? My WB has a block head, and my TB has a narrow head, but long ears, and I keep finding that the ear nets I get for them are too small.

I have one that is big enough for the block head- it is the custom crochet ear net from Smartpak, but that takes a couple of weeks to get done and then shipped, so something off the rack would be great.

This is kind of a dumb problem, but with both of them the ear nets work really well to keep the flies from bothering them, so I need some good brands to try, where “horse size” is actually not “cob size.” Um, input on ones that come in good colors are also welcome. My WB’s colors are baby blue, black, and white, and the TB’s are red, black, and white.

Thanks for any advice!

[skrgirl]

Heatherwear (Facebook) does fast turn around customs.

[Lysara]

I think that you may have trouble finding what you want in an off the rack product, but its not impossible. Check the sizing on your horse in actual measurements and when you are in the store, compare against the product. Do know that there will be some change in the bonnet depending on the yarn thickness and the ease of the crochet stitch (see how stretchy-or not- it is with your hands). The fabric of the ear also makes a big difference. If your fit is off by a little bit, cotton is not forgiving. If you can find an off the rack bonnet that uses lycra, you will likely have a bit of a better chance.

I tend to measure ear length (and diameter of the base if they are really big ears), distance between the ears and length from between the ears to where you would ideally like the bonnet to sit.

You get what you pay for though! If you really want a custom fit, you will likely pay a little more for it. That being said, many of the custom bonnet makers use better materials than what you will find in an off the rack product. The first few bonnets I ever made are still kicking around through some pretty good abuse (my horse is rough on his things and I was deliberately testing them!). Key words for materials - mercerized cotton (adds a little strength as well as has a nice sheen to the yarn) & lycra/spandex for the ears.

Hope that helps!

[PoohLP]

This:
https://www.smartpakequine.com/usg-ear-bonnet-10319p

Fits my 17h WBxTb who wears an oversie bridle with room to spare in the ears.

[foursocks]

Thanks, guys!!! I will check out the USG ones, and probably get some custom ones, too.

[OTTBs]

I got a Lettia one at Dover for maybe $10 for my larger-eared CB/TB girl. The ones that are loose on my TB’s were skintight on her.

[Equine_Studies]

I got an oversized fly fringe (not a bonnet) with ears from horze.com (I think). Has a Velcro throatlatch.

[JB]

A friend makes these bonnets. You should see the options!!
https://www.facebook.com/FunBonnets

[MIKES_MCS]

horze.com
thier ear bonnets have longer ears on them to begin with

[foursocks]

Thanks, all! I am now going to end up with 20 bonnets for each horse. It’s either feast or famine with me… :lol:

[AllWeatherGal]

I just started making them. If you knit or crochet, they’re pretty fun to do!

[vxf111]

I have 2 with too big ears for my WBs (one is navy and the other… I can’t remember). PM me if you want them, I’d sell them for what I paid which wasn’t a whole lot!

[foursocks]

Thanks!

[foursocks]

[QUOTE=AllWeatherGal;7747920]
I just started making them. If you knit or crochet, they’re pretty fun to do![/QUOTE]

Oh, I wish I could! They don’t look hard but my knitting abilities are about as well-developed as a platypus’s knitting abilities. I knit when I was a little girl and tried to pick it up again as an adult. The general consensus is that I should go back to not knitting.

[SmudgesShop]

Www.etsy.com/shop/SmudgesShop
I create custom fly bonnets, any size, any color you would like. Usually 2 color choices along with crystal beading, soft stretch fabric for the ears, and a matching colored cording to go along. Prices range from 45-55 depending what is added, also now including the option to add pearls. Check out my shop!