Acoustic ear covers ... discuss!

[Greylegs]

My (normally pretty sensible) mare seems to be going through a period when she's super sensitive to odd sounds/noises. For example, riding past a pond with a large flock of ducks the other day, the quacking sounds were really winding her up and making her spooky. Another example was recently in the school at the yard - a nearby house is being renovated and there were hammering and drilling sounds drifting across from about 100 yards away. Again, she was edgy and spooky and totally inattentive because of the noise, it seems. I have been recommended to try a some acoustic/noise muffling ear covers to try to minimise the effects of the noises on her behaviour, but not sure if not being able to hear properly might present its own set of problems. Anyone have experiences they would care to share because I've never used them before. Thanks all.

 

[blitznbobs]

Earplugs work better

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I ride in them daily. My boy can be sensitive to noise. They do work but won't stop loud noises!! As above, ear plugs work well as well.

 

[CMcC]

I have a pony who is distracted by noise. I found the noise reducing ears did help him.

 

[ycbm]

They boiled my boys ears! If he needed noise suppression now I'd go for plugs.

 

[nutjob]

Mine have been a game changer for my wb especially at competitions. Indoors he was worse as he couldn't see where the sounds were coming from. I've tried ear plugs but he couldn't tolerate them and I don't think they are legal for dressage.

 

[JackFrost]

I tried some recently but I don't understand how they are supposed to stay on. As soon as we went into trot they flew off, so no idea if they work or not.