Getting your horse outdoors is a necessity, unfortunately, that brings a swarm of pesky flies constantly at their eyes and ears. The answer to protecting your horse and keeping them comfortable is to find a well-fitting fly mask that keeps away irritating insects or sunburn, or both. Here’s our pick of the various fly masks out there designed to protect your horse from biting bugs in the most agreeable way possible.
Kensington Signature Fly Mask with Removable Nose
Protect your horse in style with this sun-resistant and fly-proof mask
With an attractive tartan design, and a removable nose, this mask is made of breathable webbing material to ensure comfort when it is being worn. With a double locking mechanism to ensure it stays on, the wove mesh fabric is air-permeable and non-heat transferring while also allowing your horse full all-round vision. It also protects from the sun, blocking up to 73% of UV rays – handy to avoid sun burn when they are out on scorching days.
Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask
A mask that offers both fly and sun protection that doesn’t hurt your wallet
This adjustable mask screens your horse pal from flies, insects and sunburn without breaking the bank. Its fleece lining offers a comfortable fit to prevent rubbing, and it has a durable vision mesh to let them see without impairment, while its built-in reflectors will ensure your horse can be seen at night. With adjustable double-locking fasteners to ensure a snug fit to keep out both bugs and dirt, this is a very well made mask for the price.
SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask
Cover more of your horse’s sensitive areas with this extendable mask
Designed to protect more of your horse’s face, this fly-proof mask has an expandable double latch enclosure to ensure it stays on, even if inquisitive stablemates try to rip it off. It attaches with wide Velcro straps to protect your horse from biting insects, dust and debris. Depending on your preference you can buy it with or without ear protection, and with five sizes to choose from, you can find the right fit for your equine friend.
Cashel Quiet Ride Fly Mask with Ears
This lighter, softer mesh mask is great for horses who have trouble with heavier designs
Does your horse have difficulty with the sturdier and heavier types of fly mask? Well this soft, lightweight offering may well be the choice for you. Covering the entire face, mid-jaw and ears while leaving the nose free, this mask made of lightweight nylon mesh gives your horse great visibility – and allows you to see them as well. The fine material ensures protection against flying insects like gnats and midges, and protects the ears from ticks. Perfect for when you are out riding.
Cashel Nose Fly Mask with Long Nose and Ears for Horses
A great lightweight design that offers full face protection
Another great mask for riding, but this one protects your entire horse’s face from irksome insects – including the ears and nose. The sheer see-through mesh means your horse will feel confident out on the trail, and its light weight and comfortable fit ensures your friend won’t feel restricted while wearing it. Worn either under or over the bridle, this is a mask particularly suitable for more sensitive horses.
Equivizor Horse UV Fly Mask
A great mask for horses particularly prone to sun burn
Worried about the sun’s effect on your horse when it’s out all day? This mask offers UV protection up to 95% - perfect for those equine friends who burn easily. Its raised design means it doesn’t interfere with your horse’s eyes and face as compared with masks that lay flat on their skin, offering comfort as well as protection from flies and the sun. It also features quick-release safety clips designed to keep them safe if they get themselves caught.
How to choose the best fly mask for your horse
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Flies and other biting bugs can give your horse a hard time when they are out in the field or on the trail, so choosing a comfortable mask that’s hard for your equine pal to remove is a sensible move to help protect them. As well as stopping them getting irritated by insects, some masks can also help protect them from sunburn, so it’s important to consider this too if your horse is sensitive to the solar rays.
Our top pick is the Kensington Signature Fly Mask - an attractive yet durable hard mask that protects from both the sun and insects, with the option of removing the nose covering if wanted. Those on a budget should consider the Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask, which offers sun and bug protection at minimum cost, while owners of horses prone to sunburn should check out the Equivizor Horse UV Fly Mask. Owners of more sensitive horses should consider the lightweight masks from Cashel: the Cashel Nose Fly Mask covers the entire face, while the Cashel Quiet Ride Fly Mask leaves the nose free.
