I am considering getting a fly bonnet for my horse. I would like to get one with lined ears for sound muffling. Are the ones with lined ears legal in dressage? Secondly any recommendations for really nice bonnets out there? I want one that has a shorter front. TIA.
[QUOTE=silverdog;8471172]
I am considering getting a fly bonnet for my horse. I would like to get one with lined ears for sound muffling. Are the ones with lined ears legal in dressage? Secondly any recommendations for really nice bonnets out there? I want one that has a shorter front. TIA.[/QUOTE]
Not legal for showing unless single layer. Not to be used for sound but for insects.
121.7
- (…). Fly hoods (ear covers) made
of a thin (single, unpadded) layer of material, are permitted for competitions held in open-sided covered rings or outdoor rings in order to protect horses from insects. The fly hoods should be discreet and should not cover the horse’s eyes.
You also are responsible for removing after class when required or requested for inspection. No ear plugs.
Thank you, right horse at the right time. Now I know no padded ears, any input on the best fitting, most well made and classy fly bonnet would be welcome. For this horse price is no object. He has a lovely head so I do not want anything to detract from it.
I had heard they were considering allowing sound-muffling bonnets. I wonder if that will happen. I understand they are allowed for jumpers. Why not dressage?
There was a proposal to allow bonnets to have muffling qualities and to be worn in any situation, not just outdoors. I haven’t heard results of the proposal, if it was approved or not. I think the voting would have been at the convention?
I second the Frilly Fillies suggestion! I have one that’s for show only, and its gorgeous!
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11081174_10205381303363608_1686896530510642392_n.jpg?oh=4cda8029d0414cc0bcb404dc40d0f697&oe=57427CF0
I also have two USG ones that I use for schooling shows and clinics. They’re good quality for their price.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12002764_10207938924135729_7669244225352131473_n.jpg?oh=b3705cca82b6ada4e40fc0051eabe8f9&oe=5700DCA6
[QUOTE=netg;8471676]
There was a proposal to allow bonnets to have muffling qualities and to be worn in any situation, not just outdoors. I haven’t heard results of the proposal, if it was approved or not. I think the voting would have been at the convention?[/QUOTE]
I wish they would approve it. I’ve soldiered on for years with a horse super-sensitive to sounds. I just lived with it, but when he was injured recently and I’ve been on hand-walking, and now walking under saddle recuperation/rehab with him, I’ve found the “fluffy” plugs in his ears and a bonnet have helped immensely. I know I can’t show with them, but I’ve done TONS of de-sensitization work with him, and he STILL (over)reacts to sudden noises, so it would be wonderful if I could use, if not the ear plugs, at least one of the muffling bonnets. Just a funny place for me: All my previous horses have been totally laid back and could care less about sudden noises or movement or most things spooky, but not this guy. He seems to think the world is out to get him, so he reacts first and asks questions later! LOL
The rule change proposal is here
https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleChanges/2015/Proposals/514-15.pdf
There are no comments, pro or con, by any committee, so I do not know if it is likely to be approved or not.
It will presumably be voted on at the USEF meeting (next week?)
[QUOTE=Janet;8472111]
The rule change proposal is here
https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleChanges/2015/Proposals/514-15.pdf
There are no comments, pro or con, by any committee, so I do not know if it is likely to be approved or not.
It will presumably be voted on at the USEF meeting (next week?)[/QUOTE]
Thanks, Janet!
I thought the USEF meeting already happened. Somehow it seems like February already…
Great info everyone! I am going to wait and see what happens before I order a high dollar bonnet because noise muffling ears would be a help. He is extremely reactive to loud, sudden noise and while double ears aren’t going to solve the problem at the venues already off his list of OK places, it might help him stay on task at the OK places with some noise.
For noise muffling bonnets, I think Schockemole is probably the best option. But I doubt they’ll ever be legal in competition - just as ear plugs won’t ever be legal. Nothing that enhances or changes a horse’s way of going (other then the rider’s capability of course)!
I have the Schockemoles, and use them in clinic settings because my mare is also very noise sensitive. But in the show ring, those come off, and in most show warm ups, I don’t use them because they make her ears sweat if it is hot. So if you are in a hot/humid environment, be aware that noise muffling means HOT - they aren’t double material around the ears, they are a padded material - kind of feels like neoprene (with fabric that has been attached).
Probably the best thing you can do is just keep taking your horse out to various show settings and get him/her exposed to things. I did a show this past Fall with speakers that hissed and spit, and every time we went by them, she would leap in the air, yeehaw…
Regarding regular bonnets - does your horse have big ears or small? It makes a difference on which bonnets you can use. My mare has fairly large ears for a small horse, so some of the “cob” bonnets do not fit her ears, so as you look at bonnets keep that in mind.
I’ve been exposing my horse to things at different venues for six years, and he STILL reacts. Sigh. It’s just “him.” At a few places - and they are comparatively “quiet” shows - he’s fine. Otherwise, he’s tense and reactive. Oh well.
If money is no object and you want the sound muffling, I’d go with de LA cour. A more affordable option is fun bonnets.
Be aware that the Shockemole one has quite small ears… I’m still trying to find one with large enough ears for my big guy. Dampening the sound of snow sliding off the roof would be a good thing for my personal survival…
Another vote for de la Coeur. Their bonnets are beautiful!
[QUOTE=atr;8473647]
Be aware that the Shockemole one has quite small ears… I’m still trying to find one with large enough ears for my big guy. Dampening the sound of snow sliding off the roof would be a good thing for my personal survival…[/QUOTE]
That is funny, mine has huge ears! That was one of the things I liked - it was big enough for my mare’s big ears. Overall, I think they run a bit small, but the ears (on mine) run big?
I also have the Schockemohle bonnet, but rarely use it because I also find they get very hot. Mine also pulled apart behind the ears rather quickly so kind of bummed especially regarding the price. Somewhere on COTH someone linked to Sherpa-lined ones. Hoping someone can find that link which I think was a European tack store.
Noise considerations aside, at this time of year keeping the ears warmer would be a good thing! LOL
