During the summer season, one thing that unites horse owners is the quest for adequate fly protection. Flies not only irritate your horse but they also carry diseases. This means that your horse's eyes, in particular, may need defense against flies. In this guide, we'll take a look at all the things that you need to consider to buy the best fly masks for horses.
Benefits of Using A Fly Mask
A fly mask creates a protective barrier around the face of the horse and will keep flies and insects from landing on the eyes and sometimes the nose too. The eye is a membranous site of soft tissue which means that its a direct line into your horse's body system. This is why infections can occur easily in the eye from contact with flies.
Some masks offer protection from the UV rays of the sun, these are perfect for protecting a pink-skinned horse against sunburn. Some owners prefer using a fly mask as an alternative to using chemical sunblock, horse fly sprays or insect repellent around the delicate eyes, nose and mouth of their horse.
The Different Types Of Fly Masks
There's a multitude of different fly masks on the market but most of them will fit into one of the following categories:
Full Face Fly Mask for Horses
The best fly mask for horse protection is a full-face mask as it covers the whole of the horses face including the muzzle. It's great for horses who require maximum coverage due to sensitivity or allergies. A full mask can also give a horse defense against UV rays around the horse's eyes and muzzle. Paired with a full horse fly sheet, it provides the ultimate protection from flies.
Hood or Visor
This mask covers the horse's eyes but not the muzzle making it a good option for when you only need to protect horses eyes. A hood or visor leaves your horse's mouth and nose free for grazing.
Horse Fly Mask With Ears
Fly masks come with or without ear coverage. Using a mask without ears is recommended for introducing a horse to a fly mask. Horses ears are very sensitive so you don't want to overwhelm a new horse by covering its ears as well as its eyes and nose. A fly mask with ears for horses provides more comprehensive defense against bugs and insect and is perfect for horses who need extra protection.
Fly Fringes
Fringes are the simplest type of face protection and they act like an extension of the horse's forelock. They're usually made of soft string and attached to a horse halter. The strands move around with the movement of the horse swatting the flies away from the eyes and muzzle. Fringes don’t impede the horse's vision as much, and you'll also find fringes on some visor type mask to provide fly protection for the nose.
How to Choose The Right Fly Mask
When choosing a face mask for horses, it's important to select one that’s right for your needs. Below are some of the things you should consider to find the best horse fly masks.
Riding or Turnout
If you are looking for a fly mask for riding then it's important you buy one that is suitable for exercise. Fly masks for riding are designed to give your horse better visibility with fine mesh. You shouldn’t ride a horse in a turnout mask, or turn him out in a riding one.
Special Features
Fly masks these days come with a whole range of special features. You can buy a mask that protects against harmful UV rays for pink-skinned horses, or for extra fly defense choose one that's treated with insecticide. For more comfort when your horse is eating then you can choose a mask with a detachable nose cover. For the ultimate in comfort then look for a mask with “anti-rub” features such as extra padding.
Different Materials
Usually when you choose a mask, you'll have the option of polyester mesh, or lycra materials. A Lycra horse mask is very lightweight, close-fitting to the horse's face and head, and is stretchy therefore making it comfortable and secure. Polyester mesh is more breathable and durable than lycra.
A mask made from light colored material will reflect the heat whereas one made from a dark color fabric creates more of a shade. Its thought that some bright patterns can confuse flies which is why some owners like to buy bright or patterned fabrics.
Pay attention to the shape over the eye. A good horses mask will have reinforced stitching that creates a canopy to prevent rubbing on the horse's eyes. Most horses masks will be fastened with a secure Velcro closure.
Different Brands
For a top of the range, durable mask for your horse then Kensington is the most high quality equine brand to choose. Rambo Horseware are leaders in "vamoose" insecticide technology offering the ultimate in protection.
Or if comfort is your main priority, Amigo offers a great range of UV protective masks with comfortable fleece linings. For safety reasons, avoid buying cheap fly masks for horses.
More Protection Against Flying Pests
In addition to fly masks, there are more great products that can help keep flies away from horses. Consider some of the best fly traps for horses and also a pair of equine fly boots.
Can Horses Wear A Fly Mask at Night
A horse usually won't need to wear a mask overnight because there are few flies around after dark. It's always advisable to remove a fly mask at night unless some special medical reasons or circumstances require one. Removing the mask at night gives your horse a break and you the opportunity to check your horse's eyes and face.
Leaving a mask on 24 hours a day can cause rubbing, and potentially a mask can reduce a horses visibility when it's dark.
DIY Horse Fly Mask
If you're good with a sewing machine then you'll find it quite easy to make your own personalized and perfectly fitting mask for your horse.
You can make a simple style fly mask without ears using only two materials, mesh and fleece. Alternatively, you can put use to the endless supply of binder twine from the barn by turning them into a simple fly fringe. Plating the strings together makes them heavier and more effective.
How to Clean and Maintain a Fly Mask
A fly mask can be washed very easily in a bucket or sink of warm water. They can get quite dirty so have plenty of water available for rinsing. Usually, you can use a light detergent to clean the mask but always check manufactures instructions first.
While you're cleaning the mask its a good idea to check for any holes or fraying parts. Holes will allow flies in and fraying can irritate your horse.
A fly mask will dry easily in the air but don’t put a wet one on a horse to dry because this can cause rubbing on the skin. Make sure its completely dry before you put it back on.
How To Fit A Fly Mask
When it comes to fitting a fly mask, pick the same size as you would for a bridle. If a mask fits well then you should be able to put 1 to 2 fingers between the mask and your horses face. The mask shouldn’t make any contact with the horse's eyes or eyelashes. A well-fitted mask shouldn't be too large or too small and should stay in place without twisting or shift with your horse's movement.
Top Three Fly Mask Reviews
Here is our choice of the top three horse masks that are available on the market.
1. Professionals Choice Comfort-Fit Fly Mask
The comfort fit fly mask is made from soft stretchy lycra giving a very close and comfortable fit. The mesh around the eyes gives your horse clear vision as well as maximum defence against flies. It comes in a huge range of colors as well as the option to purchase a matching neck cover.
2. Cashel Crusader Long Nose Fly Mask
This long-nosed fly mask from Crusader offers the ultimate in comfort and protection. As well as providing full-face coverage from the flies, it's also highly protective against the sun. It has a special comfort design and is made with soft nylon-coated micro mesh. Crusader offers a huge range of sizes including pony and mule as well as different styles including ones with and without ear and nose coverage.
3. Cashel Quiet Ride Fly Mask
This fly mask from Cashel is perfect for keeping the flies off when you're riding or on the trail. It's made with a special sheer mesh that gives your horse a clear line of vision and it fits very easily over most bridles. It's available in a range of sizes and they have designs both with and without ear coverage.
Top Choice
Your horse will love the Cashel Crusader, it's a number one choice for owners when it comes to protecting a horses face from flies. They have a range of designs to ensure that you find the perfect one for your needs. This mask will provide a high standard of protection against flies and the sun and it's one that's worth investing in.
Most horses will have no objection to wearing a fly mask and will probably like wearing them for the relief that they bring. A fly mask is a great alternative to using chemicals and it will probably be a healthier and cheaper option in the long run. Ask yourself a few simple questions about your needs and you'll be sure to buy only the best fly masks for horses.
