Horses in the wind

[Glenalla]

Hi everyone
Does anyone use hoods with ears or ear plugs in horses that are unsettled in the field when it’s really windy? If so do you think it helps or makes things worse? I have a spooky horse when it’s really windy and just wondered if this may help her.

 

[Rosie Round The Hills]

I have never tried that. But, horses are spooky in the wind, because the wind noise makes it harder for them to hear predators. So, depriving them of even more hearing would probably put them into even more anxiety. Potentially the loss of that sense could be so overwhelming that they go into shut down mode - this looking ‘calm’ but actually being in ‘I really am going to be eaten and I am powerless to prevent it’.

 

[milliepops]

I use normal ear covers in windy conditions and I do think it helps.
Mine aren't particularly affected by wind but they don't need any extra excuses anyway