Blindfold And Ear Plugs
There are many situations where you either shouldn't or can't use tranquilizers, such as minor procedures like clipping where drugs are overkill, when a horse is going to compete or on an injured horse that may be in shock. You may still need an effective way to calm the horse.
Sensory input often plays a large part in anxiety reactions. In addition, horse's deprived of their normal visual and auditory input tend to freeze in place. Ear plugs dampen or remove the auditory input, and blindfolds are a drug-free way to block the visual. Even poor loaders can often be convinced to enter a trailer or cross a stream when handled this way.
Note: Tricks are no substitute for proper training. These methods should be used only when there is no time for proper training, or as a temporary measure to densensitize the horse to the fearful situation. Some horses panic when blindfolded rather than freezing in place. Be aware this reaction is possible.
Finally, a horse restrained by this method will likely be hypersensitive to touch. If the horse needs to be touched (e.g., for clipping, freeing a trapped horse), begin by standing close to the point of the shoulder, but not directly in front of the horse, and place your hand first on the neck. Once you have established body contact, keep a hand on the horse at all times. It's the only way he has to know where you are.
Never put plain gauze or cotton in the ear. Gauze can be too rough and cotton may leave fibers behind which will irritate the ear canal. Let the horse wear these for a while to get used to the feel of them, then test his reaction to the situation that normally makes him nervous or spooky. Be absolutely certain that you do not jam any ear plug deep into the horse's ear.
Bottom Line
Ear plugs are available in a variety of materials and shapes. In general, the soft, fuzzy ear plugs are easiest to insert and the most well-accepted, but they block less noise than other types.
The more solid ear plugs made of rubber or closed-cell foam block the most noise. However, they are the most difficult to insert and most likely to cause resistance on the horse's part. If you think you need a solid plug, look for rounded end plugs in a corks shape, such as the ones from Cashel Company. They don't extend as far down the ear and the rounded contour makes them easier to insert.
