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Plughz®
This pair of ear plugs could save you $12k a season. The far-infrared ceramic inside each one turns your horse's body heat into far infrared, easing them out of fight-or-flight while you tack up.
Used by Kyle King, Amanda Steege and other top hunter and jumper professionals
- 0 minGladiator Plughz in
- 5–10 minEars soften, head comes down
- RideSettled, still bright
| Size | Usually fits |
|---|---|
| Small/Medium · Pony | Ponies and small horses |
| Large · Horse | Most horses. About 3 in 4 riders order Large. |
| X-Large · Warmblood | Warmbloods and bigger heads |
Between sizes? Call us at +1-610-215-2004 and we'll help you pick.
Easiest in and out. Rolls in and slides out with no fuss.
Gladiator Plughz: earsPRO-C: pollGladiator Plughz work in the ears. Reign Ease PRO-C sits on the poll and attaches to any bridle or halter with Velcro. Riders use both together as the Calming Solution.
- Your order comes with a storage case. Need a spare?
- Allowed in hunters, jumpers and equitation. Eventing, all phases from 12/1/26. Dressage: prize-giving only. Rules
- Show this week? Expedited shipping at checkout.
- Made in the USA · Medication-free · 6-month defect warranty · Questions? +1-610-215-2004
Under USEF national rules, from the 2027 Rule Book (effective December 1, 2026).
- HuntersAllowed
The Hunter rules place no restriction on ear plugs.
Chapter HU, Hunter Division (tack: HU105) - JumpersAllowed
The Jumper rules place no restriction on ear plugs.
Chapter JP, Jumper Division (tack: JP111) - EquitationAllowed
The Equitation rules place no restriction on ear plugs.
Chapter EQ, Equitation Division - EventingAll phases
From December 1, 2026, ear plugs and ear hoods are permitted in every phase, including the dressage test.
Chapter EV, Subchapter EV-10 Saddlery, 2.i. Rule change EV127.8 (tracking #217-25), approved June 16, 2026 - DressagePrize-giving only
Ear plugs aren't allowed in the warm-up or the test, under penalty of elimination. They're permitted at prize-giving ceremonies. Noise-cancelling fly hoods can't be worn with ear plugs.
DR121.9 and DR121.8.b
FEI (international) rules and individual prize lists can differ, so check before you compete. Last checked October 23, 2026. Questions? +1-610-215-2004
What the pros put in
Especially the ponies, the ones that can be a little bit nervous and anxious, have been way more relaxed using these products.
Scott Stewart
Once we tried them once, we never looked back.
Amanda Steege
I noticed some very good results as soon as I started using it!
Kyle King
With young horses, we find that we get to apply and help them relax, take on new lessons.
Jena Antonucci
In and out in seconds
The ceramic is directional, so the logo side faces in toward your horse's head.
Cup the ear and gently roll the plug in. If you can see the seam, turn it so the logo faces straight in.
Two fingers behind the plug, then roll it out. No tugging on the hair inside the ear.
Dimpled shellEasy to grip, even in gloves
Far-infrared ceramicTurns body heat into far infrared
Soft foam coreReduces volume
Foam muffles.
Ceramic settles.
Every ear plug has foam, and foam only reduces volume. Gladiator Plughz carry Gladiator's ceramic too, turning your horse's own body heat into far infrared, aimed at the brain to soothe the fight-or-flight response. Most of it lands right there in the ear, next to the brain, which is why the ears soften first and the crowd, the golf carts and the loudspeaker stop getting a reaction. A little carries on through the body, so the neck lets go too, but for a sore back or tired legs there are boots, wraps and a blanket built for that.
- 3 sizesPony, horse, warmblood
- 3 finishesSmooth, dimpled, or dimpled & coated
- For lifeThe ceramic lasts a lifetime
Swap the syringe
for a pair you keep
Paste is bought by the tube, every show day. Gladiator Plughz are one pair you keep.
The usualCalming paste
Powered by GladiatorPlughz
In the ear
At the pollThe Calming Solution
Gladiator Plughz plus Reign Ease PRO-C, working in the ears and at the poll at once, in place of the paste and the extra lunging.
Which size does my horse need?
Most horses wear Large. Ponies take Small/Medium; warmbloods and bigger heads take X-Large. Between sizes? Call us at +1-610-215-2004 and we'll help you pick.
What's the difference between the finishes?
Only the outside. Smooth is streamlined for easy insertion and removal. Dimpled gives you more grip, even with gloves. Dimpled and Coated adds durability and a softer feel. All three carry the same Gladiator ceramic.
How is this different from a calming paste?
A paste is dosed by syringe, a tube or two per ride, about 90 minutes before you get on. Gladiator Plughz go in the ears, there's nothing to swallow, and riders see the change within minutes. The same pair works ride after ride. Over a show season, that's $4k to $12k in paste, plus the ulcer meds that go with it. One pair of Gladiator Plughz covers every show.
Will it make my horse dull?
No. Calming paste works by dulling the horse. The ceramic works the other way: it helps your horse's body out of fight-or-flight, so you get a horse that's settled but still bright and forward. If yours gets quieter than you'd like, put them in a little closer to your ride.
Can I use them at shows?
Hunters, jumpers and equitation can use Gladiator Plughz in competition. In dressage, ear plugs are only allowed at prize-giving ceremonies, not in the warm-up or the test. From December 1, 2026, eventers can use ear plugs in all phases, including the dressage test. See the rules and where they come from.
Do the ceramics wear out?
No. You could bury one on the beach, dig it up 20 years later, and it would still be working. That means the ceramic can outlast the gear it comes in, and people find other ways to put it to work. Riders use them on themselves, too.
What's your return policy on Gladiator Plughz?
Gladiator Plughz aren't part of our 30-day money-back guarantee. They're covered by a 6-month warranty against defects, and after that you get 20% off a new pair for up to a year.
10% off your first order
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