Cotton Wool in ears - should I?

[pipper]

What are you thoughts on putting cotton wool in ears whilst competing to stop a spooky horse loosing marks!? Is it a good idea or a very bad idea?? Does it work? Should i have a go??
many thanks x

 

[Shysmum]

definitely NO - you could well damage said ears.

 

[breezing]

It is a good idea and it does work if you cotton wool and fly veil over the top. However if you are affiliated and probably unaffiliated you will have to check the rules.
I know for showjumping the veils are legal.
BD, fly veils can only be worn in summer months and only worn outdoors or for warming up if going indoors, plugging ears is not permitted.
Not sure about BE but at a guess i'd assume it would be allowed in all disciplines of a ODE. Just read fly veils allowed in all disciplines apart from the dressage phase.
You can get sheepskin ear muffles aswell as the cheaper option of cotton wool....http://www.horsehealth.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=100_106&products_id=697

 

[Hebe]

Not cotton wool no as it would/could separate. Courtlea and other showing sites/shops do have such a thing as sheepskin ear plugs, extremely soft and light and sewn in so they dont separate, i dont use them personally, but i hear they can be effective

 

[Kola Bear]

Nooooo way as cotton woll splits and could damage ears, go and buy some specific ear plugs, usually sheep skin but there good!

 

[pipper]

OOOHHH ERRR!!! One says Yes - one says No!!?? Blimee - why does it damage the ears?? x

 

[pipper]

Ahhhh - crossed posts! Right i see how the cotton wool wouldnt be a good idea. Are the sheepskin ones effective - does anyone have any experience of them helping a spooky horse? x