Annoying cables getting in the way. Earbuds and headphones blocking outside sounds, leaving you feeling unsafe and atop a ticking time bomb...
Imagine riding on a trail listening to music when suddenly a gun in the distance goes off. Or cruising in your nice indoor arena when someone in the audience takes off their noisy jacket. You couldn't hear it, but your horse sure did! The next thing you know, you're in the dirt. All because you had no clue an unexpected noise or echo in the distance interfered with your ride.
Or that anxiousness you feel when your instructor is shouting at you from the other side of the arena and you're too far to hear them. Just as you approach the jump, you feel your heart beating as you realize you missed their super important last minute instructions... because you couldn't hear them!