Ear Nets

Keeps the flies out! (Allegedly). My understanding is that they can only be used in outdoor competitions, as are nose nets, and are to do with limiting distraction from flies. At higher levels your nets are supposed to be checked to ensure there are no mufflers concealed inside. In contrast show jumpers will use ear nets combined with a muffling ball of cotton to reduce noise and stop the horse being distracted by that. But I think an element of fashion rather than need might have crept in?

Pro - if your horse is bothered by flies you might make them more comfortable. And you can match them up with your outfit.
Cons....They could fall off I suppose! or badly fitted might actually distract the horse themselves.
 
Keeps flies out of ears - my girl is unridable if her ears aren't covered as she goes mad with flies in her ears.
You are only allowed them at outdoor events and they have to be a dull/natural colour so black/brown/white as appropriate for colour of horse.

Haven't come across any cons - you need to make sure it fits the horse, have to make sure it's kept clean as if you allow it to get too sweaty it can rub
 
I think a lot of the current trend is fashion, as they come in matchy matchy sets.

Noddy question but do they affect the horse's hearing/senses at all? I assume not or people wouldn't use them in comp but my fella is forever twitching his ears listening to me and generally taking in his surroundings and I wonder if a net would restrict that.
 
Yes use them on current horse for outdoor dressage in summer and hacking. Definitely helps with the flies. No cons I have come across. Just have to remember that if warming up with them outdoors to take them off before horse goes in to class if it is indoors. I have no idea if they muffle the sound - I asked him and he said pardon, can't hear you got my ear muffs on. More seriously no idea if they do muffle the sound at all.
 
My instructor suggested riding Jazz in one as he's very easily distracted and it muffles some noise, so he usually wears one when he's being ridden. Don't know if it actually makes a difference to be honest.
 
I use one on mine when eventing. It keeps the flies away on nice days and the rain and wind out on not so nice days! He gets quite distracted by both, so anything to keep him happy!
 
I call it my mare's concentration cap! She can't tolerate flies, wind or rain at all in her ears and so it is easier to put one on all the time for dressage and showjumping so that I can have her full attention.
 
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