Whether you use them to keep the flies at bay while you’re hacking or to muffle sounds at busy competitions, the best acoustic ears for horses should look smart and fit well. Ear bonnets are also known as fly veils or fly hoods, but they’re all the same thing – albeit will offer varying levels of sound muffling.

The fit is really important for your horse’s comfort and for them to function at their best. If your horse has particularly large or small ears, this is something you need to take into consideration before purchasing. A good fit will also help keep the bonnet in place and reduce any risk of it slipping off.

If style is important to you, search for a design and colour that you like — ear bonnets come in the brightest and discreet tones — or, if you are so inclined, you will find some come as part of a matchy-matchy set with matching saddle pads, protective boots or bandages.

Some ear bonnets are specifically designed to block out noise and the ears of these are usually made of dense sound-reducing foam or other fabric and contain additional layers to help muffle the sound. Different materials do this with varying levels of success. If sound reduction is your priority, it would be worth opting for an ear bonnet that incorporates a foam material in the ears.

If flies are your main issue, consider adding one of the best fly sprays to your fly defence kit or considering a ride-on fly mask (like this one from Equilibrium).

Best acoustic ears for horses

LeMieux Acoustic Pro Fly Hood

Colours: Black, brown or navy

Sizes: M or L

This ear bonnet uses dense soundproof micro-foam to absorb sharp or loud noises to help with increased concentration and relaxation. The ears are made of a four-way stretch fabric that contours the ears while the soft bamboo inner lining ensures maximum comfort. The hand-crocheted veil section features an embossed PU leather panel for an elegant touch. The latest design is also wider behind the ears, which makes it more secure under the bridle. It’s machine washable at 30°C.

Woof Wear Noise Cancelling Fly Veil

Colours: Black, black/grey or black/navy

Sizes: S–L

Featuring acoustic foam in the ears to soften the harshest sounds and keep your horse focussed, this ear bonnet is made from a soft, technical mesh fabric that keeps your horse’s head cool while preventing pressure points. It’s cut generously behind the ears to enable a secure fit under bridles, including those with anatomical headpieces. The ear bonnet is finished with satin and a smart rope binding. It’s machine washable at 30°C.

Shires Arma Calm Fly Hood

Colours: Navy, brown, white or black

Sizes: Cob or full

This bonnet is designed to keep distractions to a minimum. The ears have a micro-cellular foam coar that absorbs unexpected noises. They’re also ergonomic and not too bulky. The rest of the bonnet is crocheted to be breathable while protecting against flies.

Rhinegold Noise Muffler Fly Veil

Colours: Black, brown, plum, raspberry, red, tangerine or turquoise

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Made with breathable cotton-rich ears, cotton crochet details and contrast binding. This is the cheapest ear bonnet in our guide, so would make a good starter bonnet if you’re unsure how your horse will feel about wearing one.

WeatherBeeta Prime Ear Bonnet

Colours: 14 options

Sizes: Pony or full

H&H Review: 8/10

This bonnet has high-density cotton drill ears for noise reduction and features strings so that it can be secured to the bridle. It coordinates with the WeatherBeeta Prime range and is machine washable at 30°C. It can also be tumble-dried on a cold setting.

Read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Prime Ear Bonnet review.

Coldstream Marygold Fly Veil

Colours: Black, white, mulberry purple, blush pink, fern green or slate blue

Sizes: Pony/cob or full

This stylish ear bonnet is designed using a close-knit crochet to optimise fit, comfort and breathability. The smooth silk ears create a luxurious appearance and it’s elegantly finished with delicate golden braiding and logo pin detailing on a silk background.

Hy Sport Active Fly Veil

Colours: 13 options

Sizes: Pony/cob, cob/full or full

The handmade close-knit crochet design has a smart look and can be coordinated with the Hy Sport Active range. It features high-density ear fabric that softens sound. It’s also machine washable.

Fenwick Liquid Titanium Ear Bonnet

Colours: Black or grey

Sizes: L or XL

This ear bonnet is made from Fenwick’s therapeutic liquid titanium fabric, which generates warmth and boosts circulation with the aim of aiding relaxation. The fabric also has a four-way stretch and can be used on a wet or dry horse. It’s also machine washable.

Also available with acoustic ears.

Read H&H’s independent Fenwick Liquid Titanium Ear Bonnet review.

Can I wear an acoustic ears for dressage?

Yes. The British Dressage rule states that ear bonnets are permitted for all competitions, and may provide noise reduction. But they must not cover the horse’s eyes and should be discreet in colour and design.

Do horse ear bonnets work?

Horse ear bonnets are effective in providing protection and comfort. These bonnets shield horses’ ears from insects, which can cause irritation and distraction, particularly during rides and competitions. They also help to muffle loud noises, reducing stress and helping horses stay focused in noisy environments.

Ear bonnets are designed to fit snugly without causing discomfort. Made from breathable, lightweight materials, they ensure the horse remains cool while wearing them. Properly fitted ear bonnets can enhance a horse’s performance by keeping them calm and free from distractions.

What is the best ear bonnet for spooky horses?

The best ear bonnets for spooky horses are those that provide both comfort and noise reduction. Look for bonnets with soundproofing features, such as padded or double-layered ears, to help muffle loud noises that can startle horses.

A snug, secure fit is also crucial to prevent shifting during movement. Additionally, choose a bonnet with a design that covers the ears completely without causing irritation. These features collectively help reduce stress and improve focus, making them ideal for spooky horses.

Do ear covers help spooky horses?

Acoustic ears can help spooky horses by reducing stress and distractions. These bonnets often have soundproofing features that muffle loud noises, which can startle sensitive horses. By diminishing these auditory stimuli, the best acoustic ears for horses help keep them calm and focused, especially in noisy environments.

Additionally, ear bonnets protect against insects that can irritate horses and cause them to become jumpy. A comfortable fit will also ensure the horse remains at ease without irritation. Overall, ear bonnets can be a valuable tools in various settings.

You might also like:

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

Best fly fringes for cheap, simple and effective protection

12 great GP saddle pads for everyday riding

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LeMieux Acoustic fly hood

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description: LeMieux Acoustic fly hood

The LeMieux Acoustic fly hood helps to soften sound and improve performance. Sharp noises are absorbed by a layer of dense sound proof micro-foam with inner bamboo lining to ensure maximum comfort for increased concentration and relaxation.

View now at equus.co.uk

First impressions

The ears appeared very stiff, but I liked the navy colour and thought they looked professional and smart.

Overview of performance

This fly hood came into its own when we were at a three-star competition and, due to the weather conditions, the freestyle music was just played from one corner of the area. My horse was upset by moving from very quiet music in one corner to blasting music in the opposite diagonal corner. This fly hood was really good at muffling the sound and I think it really helped!

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I liked how well the fly hood fitted and how comfortable my horse seemed to be when wearing it. Although it looks bulky, it did the job really well.

Verdict

*BEST IN TEST* Don’t be put off by how thick the ears look as they fit well and are really effective.

View now at equus.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

Acoustic ear bonnets and fly veils to help spooky horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description:

The beautiful Equipe fly veil is made from top-quality cotton and boasts Equipe branding. Available in a range of colour and piping options.

First impressions

I liked the design and it turned out to also be a very popular design with my clients — so much so that it had to be retrieved from client’s own pegs and brought back to communal use!

Overview of performance

It was true to size and fitted well under the bridle. It was effective against head shaking with the flies, but the thinner ears didn’t block out the sound as much as others did.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I like the design and it is was very popular on the yard, but is quite expensive.

Verdict

It’s a stylish and well-made ear bonnet, but it is quite expensive.

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description

The WeatherBeeta Prime ear bonnet is a crochet ear bonnet with high density cotton drill ears for noise reduction.

View at viovet.co.uk

First impressions

We tried the bright turquoise, which had a love/hate reaction among everyone on the yard.

Overview of performance

It fitted well and we liked the softer material for the ears.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

These ears were more “scalloped” in shape than others in the group test — they were a bit too loose on some horses, while they fitted others really well. The horses found them comfortable and they did seem to reduce noise.

Verdict

*BEST VALUE* A really good value fly bonnet that does what it says on the tin.

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description

Premier Equine fly veils have been designed to match the company’s exclusive range of wool European and European cotton saddle pads, providing the rider with a stylish look at home or at competitions. Fly veils are ideal for keeping insects away from your horse’s ears and reducing background noise, thereby increasing focus and concentration.

View at ebay.co.uk

First impressions

This is a well-fitting veil that comfortably sat under the bridle on all the horses we tried it on. I also liked the smart navy colour with the nice red trim.

Overview of performance

This veil did a good job in the summer heat as it was lightweight and absorbed moisture. The ears were not as thick as some of the others and therefore didn’t muffle out the sound out as effectively, but it was good at keeping annoying insects out of the ears.

Likes and dislikes

I liked how smart and easy to use this veil is, but it has stretched a bit with lots of use.

Verdict

A smart fly veil that is great for the summer

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description

The Veredus fly fringe is hand-crocheted and made from washable and breathable cotton featuring the Veredus logo on the front. The ears are made from a stretch fabric that gives great comfort and flexibility. Available in a range of colours, with the Veredus logo in various colour options, too.

View at viovet.co.uk

First impressions

It looked smart and had a good ratio of ears size in relation to depth of head piece.

Overview of performance

This bonnet sat well and didn’t move while worn. It is quite a snug fit but was also flexible, I found the ears pieces are thinner than some of the others tested.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I liked that it fitted well on the right horse and looked smart, but might not fit the larger-eared horses.

Verdict

I would recommend this to a friend if their horse didn’t have particularly large ears.

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description

The comfortable Fenwick Liquid Titanium ear bonnet is made from Fenwick’s therapeutic liquid titanium fabric. It is made from a four-way stretch fabric, which ensures an excellent fit on most horses and has very thin seams so unlikely to rub anywhere. It is effective in aiding relaxation of the poll and surrounding muscles and is so lightweight it prevents excess sweating or heat build-up. It is incredibly practical as it works equally well on a wet or dry horse, and can be left on without breaks, plus it can be machine washed and dried.

View at horze.co.uk

First impressions

I liked the simple design without too much ornate decoration and thought it looked really functional.

Overview of performance

It fitted well really well on our bigger horses, with good soft material that stretches well, allowing for ear movement. It was more lightweight around the ears than some of the others tested.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

I liked that the large ears were good for our 17-18hh horses, but the tops of the ears bent over for smaller horses. Not as flashy as some of the others and was subtle in design.

Verdict

A simple fly bonnet suitable for larger horses, but quite expensive for what it is.

Welcome to our independent group test of ear bonnets for horses. All of the ear bonnets in this group test have been put through their paces by former eventer turned para dressage rider Tamsin Addison. Find out what she thought below

Official description

The Felix Bühler Economy Light fly veil is ultra-lightweight with a good fit and flexible ear covers. There is small Felix Bühler logo embroidery on the left ear. The breathable mesh material provides optimal comfort while offering reliable fly protection.

First impressions

The material was more unusual and lightweight than the others, but the ears were really soft.

Overview of performance

I found that this was quite wide over the poll, so it tended to bunch up between the ears. It was the cheapest of all bonnets tested and this was reflected in its performance, but it is good value for what it does.

Tamsin’s likes and dislikes

The tie string behind the ears was tricky to fit and didn’t always sit well. However, as this was the cheapest we tested, it is good value for money.

Verdict

This fly bonnet is suitable for someone who wanted to give one a try without spending very much.