Quote Originally Posted by ehirsch83 View Post
In the jumper ring, ear covers are mostly a "fashion" statement- they help the horse look more the part.

They do keep insects out! But they definitely add to the look of the high end jumper.

They are not used to keep ear plugs in place. Once you put the ear plugs in and make sure the horse can't shake them out- they are set.
Hmm.. Tell that to the riders I know who use the ear covers for that. I work at an equestrian facility and during schooling shows I have overheard trainers also talking about using the covers to hide/keep in the ear plugs in place, specifically on horses that are allowed to scratch their head while in tack. (well,they didn't say that but I saw them letting their horse nearly rub the bridle off!)

Needed or not, it is one reason people use them.