Many horses can now be seen donning an ear bonnet (or fly veil) when they are ridden. More than just a current fashion trend, using an ear bonnet does have benefits. They can help your horse to be less distracted in unusual surroundings, and they also keep those annoying little flies and midges from getting in your horse’s ears and annoying him.

Whether you use an ear bonnet to keep the pesky flies at bay while you’re hacking or to dull sounds in a busy competition warm-up arena, selecting the right one from the huge selection available for your horse’s individual needs is key.

A close-knit crochet fabric is used for the majority of ear bonnets with the ear part being made from a different material.

Some manufacturers use a stretch material, while breathable fabrics and using a combination of fabrics to offer soundproof properties are all popular features that you’ll find when you’re shopping for an ear bonnet.

Not forgetting the whole matchy-matchy fashion of colour-coordinating your ear bonnet with other items, such as saddlecloth, bandages, boots and your own clothing, too.

As with any piece of your horse’s equipment, for it to do the job you’ve bought it for, it needs to fit. For your horse’s comfort, you do need to pay attention to the shape and fit of the ear bonnet.

You’ll need to consider whether your horse has particularly large or small ears and how the ear bonnet fits under the headpiece of your bridle.

Most don’t have any attachments to hold the ear bonnet in place and rely on your bridle to hold it securely in position, so check that it comes far enough under the headpiece, with excess material extending out from the back

Research that looked at pressure distribution beneath an ear bonnet and its effect on equine locomotion was carried out by Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire from Centaur Biomechanics and concluded that there are three things to consider when fitting an ear bonnet:

Colours: Maroon, black, navy, grey, taupe, burgundy

Sizes: Medium (cob) or large (full)

Made from stretch sports fabric for a great fit and comfort for your horse. This lightweight fly veil wicks away sweat to help keep your horse cool, and a mesh panel improves breathability.

To promote great concentration, this hood features triple-layer ear panels that help muffle sound.

Other features include a crochet-braided headpiece and Equetech-branded raised braiding down the centre.

Colours: Dark turquoise, fog, light denim, lipstick, purple, sapphire

A classic crochet fly veil featuring double decorative piping with colour-coordinated metallic thread.

The ears are made from a stretchy material for a more comfortable and flexible fit. Two elastic hook-and-loop fasteners attach the fly veil to the headpiece.

This fly veil is finished with gorgeous rose-gold braiding and delicate bit-and-stirrup detailing to the front, ideal for everyday or smart enough for best.

This close-knit crochet fly veil features breathable ears, allowing your horse to stay cool and protected.

Colours: Black, grey, brown, navy

A handcrafted crochet fly fringe, made from washable and breathable cotton featuring the Veredus logo on the front.

The ears are made from a stretch fabric for comfort and flexibility.

Sizes: Pony, cob, full, x-full

This fly veil combines a ceramic-infused lining — scientifically proven to assist blood circulation gently and safely, helping to ease muscle tension and aid relaxation — with beautiful satin-and-glitter rope piping.

The lightweight and breathable design, with airmesh to the body of the fly veil and soundproof ears, prevent noise distractions and aid concentration. A deeper section behind the ears gives a secure fit.

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Allison is Your Horse's freelance gear editor and a freelance writer. She has been a part of the Your Horse team for more than 10 years and is the best person to ask when looking to replace an item of your horsey gear. Allison owns two horses: a mare called Wish who competes in dressage and Jester, a retired eventer.

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