John Whitaker
Saddle Pads & Fly Veils
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John Whitaker Saddle Pads & Fly Veils
John Whitaker saddle pads and fly veils, explained in one minute
Short answer: this collection holds 12 John Whitaker saddlecloths and ear nets in pony, cob and full sizes. Right now the in-stock choices are all fly veils, starting at £13.90 for the John Whitaker Harewood Velour Fly Veil in Pony/Cob Red/Black. If you want a matching saddle pad as well, availability moves around, so get in touch and our team will help you check what is on the shelf.
In a hurry?
- Best all-rounder: John Whitaker San Francisco Reflective Fly Veil — £19.53, Pony/Cob and Full.
- Cheapest way in: Harewood Velour Fly Veil — £13.90, Pony/Cob Red/Black.
- Most eye-catching: Union Jack Satin Fly Veil — £20.46, Pony/Cob and Full.
- Two fly veil sizes: Pony/Cob and Full. If your horse sits between the two, get in touch and our team will help.
- Not sure on saddle pad stock? Ask us before you order — we will tell you what is available today.
Which John Whitaker fly veil should I choose?
All four of the fly veils below are in stock as this page was reviewed. They do the same basic job — cover the ears, take the edge off flies and noise — so the choice really comes down to fabric, look and budget.
| Fly veil | From | Sizes in stock | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harewood Velour Fly Veil | £13.90 | Pony/Cob (Red/Black) | A soft, plush-look veil at the lowest price in the collection |
| San Francisco Reflective Fly Veil | £19.53 | Pony/Cob (Navy Blue, White), Full (White) | Hacking and darker mornings, thanks to the reflective detail |
| Whitaker Fly Veil Thornton | £20.46 | Pony/Cob (Black/Gold, Navy/Silver), Full (Navy/Silver) | Smart, sparkly finish for lessons and show days |
| Union Jack Satin Fly Veil | £20.46 | Pony/Cob, Full | Standing out at a rally, camp or fun ride |
What does a fly veil actually do?
A fly veil (also called an ear net or ear bonnet) is a light cover that sits under the bridle headpiece with a crocheted or mesh section over each ear. It keeps flies off the most sensitive part of the head, and because the ears are covered it also softens sharp noises — which helps some horses settle in a busy warm-up ring. It is a comfort aid rather than an insect treatment, so if your horse is reacting badly to bites or has sore, crusty ears, speak to your vet first.
Do fly veils stop head-shaking?
Sometimes they help, sometimes they do not. Many riders find a veil takes the edge off mild, fly-related head-shaking in summer. Persistent head-shaking, especially in a horse that shakes indoors or in winter, is a veterinary matter — get it checked rather than assuming it is flies.
How do I pick the right size?
John Whitaker ear nets in this collection come in two sizes: Pony/Cob and Full. As a rule of thumb, if your horse wears a cob bridle go for Pony/Cob, and if they wear a full bridle go for Full. The ear tubes should stand up on their own without squashing the ears flat, and the browband edge should sit comfortably under the bridle without dragging it forward.
What about the saddle pads?
The collection also holds six John Whitaker saddlecloths, in cob and full sizes. Stock on these moves quickly and none were showing as available when this page was last reviewed, so rather than quote a price that may not stand, get in touch and our team will help you find out what is back in and when.
How do I look after a fly veil?
Shake or brush off dust after every ride, and hand-wash in cool water with a mild detergent when it needs it. Reshape the ears while damp and dry flat away from direct heat — a radiator or tumble dryer will shrink and stiffen the ear tubes. Satin and metallic trims last far longer if you keep them out of the washing machine.
John Whitaker saddle pads and fly veils: your questions answered
What size John Whitaker fly veil do I need?
These fly veils come in Pony/Cob and Full. Match the size to your bridle: a cob bridle usually pairs with Pony/Cob, a full bridle with Full. The ear tubes should sit upright without pinching, and the top edge should tuck under the headpiece without pulling the browband forward. If your horse is between sizes, get in touch and our team will help.
Which John Whitaker fly veils are cheapest?
The John Whitaker Harewood Velour Fly Veil is the lowest-priced option in stock at £13.90 in Pony/Cob Red/Black. The San Francisco Reflective Fly Veil is £19.53, and the Whitaker Fly Veil Thornton and Union Jack Satin Fly Veil are both £20.46. Prices and colours shown are the ones available at the time of review.
Can I check whether a John Whitaker saddle pad is in stock?
Yes. The saddlecloths in this collection sell through in waves, and none were showing as available when the page was last reviewed. Get in touch and our team will help you check current availability, expected restocks and colour options before you order.
Are fly veils allowed in competition?
Rules vary by discipline, level and governing body, and they do change, so always check the current rulebook for the class you are entering. Plain, close-fitting veils in a colour that matches your tack are the safest choice for the show ring; bold designs such as the Union Jack veil are usually better suited to training, camps and fun rides.
How should I wash a fly veil?
Hand-wash in cool water with a mild detergent, rinse well and reshape the ears while they are still damp. Dry flat away from direct heat. Avoid the washing machine and tumble dryer, especially on satin, velour and metallic-trimmed veils, as heat shrinks and stiffens the ear tubes.
Will a fly veil help a horse that hates flies?
A veil covers the ears, which are one of the spots flies target most, so many horses are noticeably calmer wearing one in summer. It supports comfort rather than treating anything — if the ears are sore, swollen, scabby or the horse is shaking its head persistently, ask your vet before relying on a veil.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-24 by the Just Horse Riders team.