Dura-Tech® Blinker Hood

The Dura-Tech blinker hood is designed in one size to fit most horses. It features a soft nylon construction that fits comfortably over the head, ears, and poll with an adjustable hook and loop strap closure under the jowl, allowing you to customize the fit for your individual horse. Customers have reported success with various breeds, including Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Standardbreds, though some variation in fit may occur with unusually shaped heads.

The Dura-Tech blinker hood is constructed from soft nylon with a half-vinyl cup design for the eye cups. This combination of materials provides comfort against the horse's face while the vinyl cups effectively reduce distractions and block unwanted visual stimuli. The soft nylon is gentle enough for extended wear and secure enough to stay in place during long-lining or riding.

Yes, the blinker hood is particularly beneficial for horses with eye injuries or blindness. It protects the affected eye from rubbing and scratching, which is especially helpful in pastures and stalls where horses might inadvertently bump or injure the eye further. One customer reported that their one-eyed appaloosa with glaucoma found it to be a game-changer, allowing better vision in their good eye compared to traditional fly masks.

The blinker hood is secured with a hook and loop strap closure positioned snugly under the jowl. This adjustable closure system allows you to get a custom fit for your horse while keeping the hood secure during work or turnout. Customers praise its adjustability and note that it stays in place effectively during riding and long-lining.

The half-vinyl cup design helps eliminate distractions, which can reduce anxiety in many horses by blocking peripheral vision and focusing their attention. However, customer reviews suggest it works best with horses already somewhat acclimated to their environment—one owner noted that while it worked well for their spooky off-track horse, newly imported horses unfamiliar with things like wildlife and natural movement may need gradual introduction to wearing a blinker hood.

The Dura-Tech blinker hood is ideal for safe long-lining and riding, helping horses maintain focus and reduce distractions during work. It's also valuable for pasture and stall use when protecting an eye from injury or preventing rubbing. Its design makes it suitable for both training and therapeutic purposes depending on your horse's individual needs.

At $39.99, customers consistently rate the Dura-Tech blinker hood as excellent value for the quality. Multiple reviews highlight that it's well-made and adjustable, with one customer specifically noting 'good quality for price' and successfully fitting it to their hard-to-fit Arab cross. The durable construction and positive customer feedback suggest it's a worthwhile investment for the features offered.

While the product description doesn't specify detailed care instructions, the soft nylon and vinyl construction suggests simple spot-cleaning or hand washing would be appropriate for maintaining hygiene. The hook and loop closure is durable and should withstand regular use and cleaning. For specific care recommendations, it's best to contact Schneider Saddlery directly, as proper maintenance will help extend the hood's lifespan.