Horse Ear Bonnets & Fly Veils: The Complete Buying Guide

What Is an Ear Bonnet (and Does Your Horse Actually Need One)?

If you've been around horses for more than five minutes, you've probably seen an ear bonnet — that knitted hood-like piece that sits over a horse's ears and poll. They go by a few names: fly veils, fly hoods, ear nets, or (if you're being fancy) bonnet d'oreilles. Whatever you call them, they serve two practical purposes that make them well worth the investment.

First, they keep flies and insects away from your horse's ears. Anyone who's tried to ride a horse frantically shaking its head at flies knows how distracting (and potentially dangerous) that can be. Second — and this is the bit that surprises some people — many ear bonnets help dampen sound. For noise-sensitive horses who spook at crowd noise, loudspeakers, or the general chaos of a busy arena, that acoustic dampening can be genuinely transformative.

Then there's the third reason nobody admits is the main reason: they look absolutely gorgeous. A beautifully coordinated bonnet pulling together your saddle pad, boots, and bandages? That's the equestrian equivalent of a perfectly matched outfit, and we're completely here for it.

What to Look for in an Ear Bonnet

Material & Construction

Most ear bonnets are made from crochet cotton, which is breathable, washable, and classic-looking. Some brands use microfibre or technical fabrics for added stretch and a more modern feel. The ear pieces are usually lined with a softer material for comfort — look for cotton or jersey linings rather than rough synthetics.

Fit & Sizing

A well-fitted bonnet should sit snugly over the poll without pulling the ears forward, and the ear pieces should cover the full ear without being too tight. Most brands offer Full/Cob sizing, with some offering Pony sizes too. If your horse has particularly large or small ears, pay attention to the ear pocket dimensions — they vary more than you'd think between brands.

Noise Reduction

If sound sensitivity is your main concern, look specifically for acoustic or soundproof bonnets. These have thicker ear linings or purpose-built acoustic dampening construction that genuinely reduces the volume of external noise. They're a game-changer for competition horses or those who struggle in busy environments.

Our Ear Bonnet Range at a Glance

We stock ear bonnets from several carefully chosen brands, each with their own strengths. Here's a quick overview of what's available and what makes each one stand out.

Equestrian Stockholm

The brand that needs no introduction in the matchy-matchy world. Equestrian Stockholm's fly hoods are known for their beautiful seasonal colourways and premium crochet construction. They coordinate perfectly with their saddle pads, bandages, and brushing boots — which is, let's be honest, the whole point.

Dark Sky

£49.95

Dark Violet

£49.00

Bordeaux

£49.00

The Soundproof Option: Schockemöhle Air Silent

If noise sensitivity is the reason you're shopping for an ear bonnet, the Schockemöhle Air Silent range deserves special attention. Unlike standard fly veils that offer minimal sound dampening, the Air Silent bonnets feature purpose-built acoustic dampening construction in the ear sections.

The Schockemöhle Air Silent — built for noise-sensitive horses

Riders consistently report that horses wearing acoustic bonnets are noticeably calmer at shows, in warm-up arenas, and anywhere with loudspeakers or crowd noise. They're not a magic fix for every spooky horse, but for genuine noise sensitivity, they can be transformative.

We also stock the Equestrian Stockholm Soundless range, which takes a slightly different approach to acoustic design. Worth considering if you want sound reduction with Equestrian Stockholm's signature colourways.

Comparing Ear Bonnets: Which One's Right for You?

Equestrian Stockholm

Schockemöhle Air Silent

Equestro

Feature	Equestrian Stockholm	Schockemöhle Air Silent	Equestro
Price Range	£49–£55	£55–£70	From £21.50
Material	Premium crochet cotton	Technical fabric with acoustic lining	Cotton & microfibre
Noise Reduction	Minimal	Excellent	Minimal
Colour Range	Seasonal limited editions	Classic core colours	Multiple colourways
Best For	Matchy sets & shows	Noise-sensitive horses	Great value everyday use

How to Care for Your Ear Bonnet

Ear bonnets are pretty low-maintenance, but a bit of care goes a long way. After each use, give it a good shake to remove dust and loose hair. Most cotton bonnets can be hand washed in cool water with a mild detergent — avoid the washing machine unless the care label specifically says it's fine, as the crochet can lose its shape.

Lay flat to dry rather than hanging (which can stretch the fabric), and store somewhere dry and away from direct sunlight. If you're storing bonnets between seasons, a breathable cotton bag works much better than plastic, which can trap moisture.

Fitting Guide: Getting the Right Size

Most ear bonnets come in Full and Cob sizes. Full fits the majority of horses (15.2hh+), while Cob suits smaller horses and larger ponies. Some brands also offer Pony sizing for the little ones.

When trying on a new bonnet, check these three things: the ear pieces should cover the entire ear without squeezing, the poll piece should sit flat without pulling, and there should be enough length between the ears and the browband loop to sit comfortably without dragging the ears forward.

If your horse pins their ears or shakes their head when you put the bonnet on, it's likely too small. Go up a size or try a different brand — ear pocket dimensions vary more than you'd expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ear bonnet in competition?

Yes — ear bonnets are permitted in most dressage and show jumping competitions under both British Dressage and FEI rules. Some disciplines have specific colour rules (plain colours only), so check the rulebook for your specific competition level. For unaffiliated shows, they're almost always fine.

Are soundproof ear bonnets worth the extra money?

If your horse is genuinely noise-sensitive, absolutely. The difference between a standard bonnet and an acoustic one like the Schockemöhle Air Silent is significant. However, if flies are your main concern and your horse isn't bothered by noise, a standard bonnet will do the job perfectly — no need to spend extra.

How often should I wash my ear bonnet?

After every few uses is a good rule of thumb, or whenever it's visibly dirty. Horses sweat around their ears and poll, so bonnets can get grimy quite quickly in warm weather. Regular washing also helps maintain the elasticity of the crochet.

Can ear bonnets help with headshaking?

They can help in some cases, particularly if headshaking is triggered by insects or noise. For photic (light-triggered) headshaking, a bonnet with a nose fringe may offer some relief. However, persistent headshaking should always be investigated by a vet, as it can have medical causes that need proper treatment.

What's the difference between a fly veil and an ear bonnet?

Nothing — they're the same thing! "Fly veil" tends to be more common in British English, while "ear bonnet" is used more internationally. You might also hear "fly hood" or "ear net." They all refer to the same piece of equipment.