Two quick questions

[vickyb]

Can anyone tell me what the white tape (if that is what it is) is for, on the noses of some event horses when they are doing cross country? Also, what is the correct term for the 'hats' that some showjumpers wear, that are fitted round their ears and round the poll under the bridle? Are they to muffle noise? Are they sometimes worn as a fashion accessory? Thanks!

 

[flashmans]

The strips/patches used on the nose are nasal dilators. No idea what the hat thing is! Never seen one...

ETA: Oh! You mean on the horses? It's a fly veil/fringe but yes, they mainly use it to muffle the noise a bit

 

[MrsMozart]

The 'hats' are usually to stop flies getting in a horse's ears when being worked .

Brain has just left the room (I do wish it wouldn't do that! Or at least give me due warning ), and the name of the 'hat' has gone out of my head (obviously along with my brain ).

 

[vickyb]

Thanks for the answers folks.

 

[classicalfan]

The fly fringe/veil is to muffle noise. The horses ears are stuffed with cotton wool, so the veil hides the stuffing and keeps it in.