Keeping your horse comfortable and protected during fly season is a top priority for any responsible owner. Flies, gnats, and harsh UV rays are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant stress, eye irritation, and even long-term health issues for your equine partner. A high-quality fly mask is an essential piece of gear that provides a simple and effective barrier against these irritants.
With so many options available, from basic no-ear designs to full-coverage masks with superior UV protection, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best fly masks on the market, focusing on key features like comfort, durability, and the level of protection they offer to help you make an informed choice for your horse.
Our Top Picks for Horse Fly Masks
- WeatherBeeta Stretch Bug Eye Saver with Ears
- Cashel Crusader Standard Fly Mask No Ears
- UViator Protective Fly Mask & Halter
- Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask with UV Protection
- Professional’s Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask
- Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask
- Kensington 90% UV Fly Mask CatchMask
- EquiVizor 95% UV Eye Protection Fly Mask
- Horseware Flymask
- Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears
WeatherBeeta Stretch Bug Eye Saver with Ears
This fly mask from WeatherBeeta is designed for a custom, comfortable fit. Its lightweight and flexible nylon stretch outer material forms closely to your horse’s face, creating an effective barrier that keeps insects out. The soft fabric minimizes the risk of rubbing, making it a good option for sensitive-skinned horses.
Protection is comprehensive, with a raised see-through mesh screen over each eye that provides unobstructed vision. The mesh extends over the ears for extra defense against flies and UV rays. This combination of a contoured fit and full facial coverage makes it a reliable choice for daily use in the pasture.
Cashel Crusader Standard Fly Mask No Ears
A long-standing favorite, the Cashel Crusader is known for its comfortable and breathable design. It is constructed from a soft, coated nylon micromesh that provides excellent airflow, keeping your horse cool and irritation-free even during extended wear in warm weather. The patented three-hole cap design is a key feature, ensuring your horse has a clear and natural field of vision.
Beyond fly protection, this mask offers a significant defense against the sun. It blocks up to 70% of harmful ultraviolet rays, helping to protect your horse’s sensitive eyes and facial skin from sunburn. Its simple, no-ear design is ideal for horses that do not need or prefer ear coverage.
UViator Protective Fly Mask & Halter
The UViator stands out with its impressive 90% UV rating, offering superior solar protection for horses with heightened sun sensitivity. This model combines a fly mask with an integrated halter, adding convenience for owners. The fabric is specifically designed to be non-heat transferring, which helps keep your horse cooler under direct sunlight.
Security is another strong point, featuring double locking CatchMask fasteners that are designed to prevent the mask from being easily removed by pastured horses. This two-in-one design is practical for 24/7 wear, providing constant protection without the need for a separate halter.
Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask with UV Protection
Pro-Force delivers a mask focused on maximum protection and a comfortable fit. It is constructed with strong Clear View Vision mesh, which is durable and provides excellent visibility for your horse. The adjustable, double locking fastener ensures a secure fit that is difficult for a horse to rub off.
Comfort is enhanced with a fleece-lined trim around the edges. This soft binding helps to prevent friction and rubbing, which can lead to hair loss or skin irritation. This thoughtful design makes it a solid, no-fuss option for reliable daily protection from flies and UV rays.
Professional’s Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask
True to its name, the Comfort Fit Fly Mask from Professional’s Choice prioritizes your horse’s comfort. It is made from a smooth, stretchy material that moves with your horse and includes mesh around the eyes and ears for full protection. The binding around the edges is designed to fit your horse’s face like a glove for a secure yet gentle hold.
An added feature is the forelock opening, which allows for a better and more natural fit by accommodating the forelock. This attention to detail helps prevent the mask from shifting and ensures your horse remains comfortable and protected throughout the day.
Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask
The Farnam SuperMask II features an innovative design that extends further over the horse’s face, providing extra coverage against insects and glaring sunlight. This extended design is excellent for offering more complete protection, especially for horses that are particularly bothered by flies around their muzzle and eyes.
This mask is built to stay on, featuring a double-latch closure located under the jaw. This strategic placement makes it much harder for pastured horses to remove the mask on fences or by helping each other pull it off, ensuring the protection remains in place.
Kensington 90% UV Fly Mask CatchMask
Kensington is renowned for its high-level UV protection, and this mask blocks 90% of UV rays while still allowing 78% air permeability for excellent breathability. Its Solar Screen Textilene fabric makes it suitable for year-round use, protecting from summer sun and harsh reflections off snow in the winter.
The mask includes a soft fleece lining for all-day comfort and a streamlined design that fits easily under a bridle. This feature is ideal for horses that require continuous protection, even during riding sessions.
EquiVizor 95% UV Eye Protection Fly Mask
The EquiVizor offers the highest level of UV protection on this list, blocking 95% of harmful rays. Its unique triple dart vizor design keeps the mask up and away from the horse’s eyes and face, unlike traditional masks that lay flat against it. This design provides superior comfort and unobstructed vision.
It also includes industry-first safety breakaway quick-release clips for security. A major benefit is that it can be used over a bridle for riding, eliminating the need to purchase a separate mask for turnout and riding.
Horseware Flymask
Coming from the trusted brand Horseware, this fly mask is designed with both breathability and UV protection in mind. The fine mesh material allows for ample airflow to keep your horse cool while effectively shielding its face from biting insects.
While specific details are limited, Horseware’s reputation for quality equine apparel suggests a well-constructed and thoughtfully designed product. It is a solid contender for those who prefer brands with a proven track record in the horse industry.
Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears
Shires offers a reliable and well-regarded fly mask that provides full-face and ear protection. The fine mesh is effective at keeping out even the smallest insects while maintaining good visibility for the horse. The inclusion of ear covers is essential for horses that are sensitive to flies in and around their ears.
Known for producing quality and affordable equestrian equipment, Shires delivers a product that balances performance and value. This mask is a great choice for owners seeking comprehensive protection from a reputable brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fly Masks for Horses for Maximum Protection
As a horse owner, I know how frustrating and painful fly season can be for our equine partners. A good fly mask is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for their comfort and well-being. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve learned it comes down to a few key factors that ensure you get the best fly masks for horses for maximum protection.
First, consider the material and breathability. You want a mask made from a soft, durable mesh that blocks UV rays and insects without trapping heat. I always look for masks that specify their UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, with UPF 50+ being the gold standard. A breathable fabric prevents overheating, which is crucial for horses turned out in the summer sun. Check for features like a soft, fleece-lined noseband and trim around the eyes to prevent rubbing and chafing. Comfort is king, because an uncomfortable mask is a mask that will get rubbed off on the nearest fence post.
Next, think about the fit. A poorly fitting mask is worse than no mask at all. It can slip, twist, and block your horse’s vision. I always take detailed measurements of my horse’s head—from the cheekbone across the eye to the other cheekbone, and from the middle of the poll to the corner of the mouth. Most brands provide sizing charts, and it’s worth the extra minute to consult them. Look for masks with adjustable features, like elastic edging or Velcro closures at the poll and throat. This allows you to get a secure, custom fit that stays in place during rolling, running, and grazing.
Finally, assess the design features based on your horse’s specific needs. Does your horse need ear covers to protect from gnats and flies trying to get into their ears? Some masks come with detachable ear covers for versatility. For horses with sensitive eyes or those prone to conjunctivitis, a mask with a darker, shadow-forming mesh can be a game-changer. If your horse is a real Houdini, a durable design with a breakaway safety feature is non-negotiable. This usually involves a section of the poll strap or a crown piece that is designed to give way under significant pressure, preventing injury should the mask get caught on something. It’s a small feature that provides immense peace of mind.
FAQ
How long can my horse wear a fly mask?
I recommend checking the mask and your horse’s face daily. While many horses can wear them 24/7 during peak fly season, it’s a good practice to remove it every day or two to ensure there’s no dirt buildup, rubbing, or irritation. Always give your horse’s face a good wipe-down and a scratch when you take the mask off.
How do I clean a horse fly mask?
Cleaning is simple and helps the mask last longer. I usually just hose mine off to remove daily dust. For a deeper clean, hand-wash it in cool water with a mild soap or detergent, then let it air dry completely. Avoid using harsh chemicals or putting it in a clothes dryer, as the heat can damage the elastic and mesh.
Are fly masks safe for horses to wear unsupervised?
Yes, when chosen and fitted correctly, they are generally very safe. The key is that breakaway safety feature I mentioned. Always ensure the mask has a mechanism that will break if it gets seriously snagged. Regularly inspect the mask for any signs of wear and tear, like frayed straps or loose stitching, that could create a hazard.
My horse keeps rubbing his fly mask off. What can I do?
This is a common issue! First, double-check the fit. If it’s too tight or too loose, it will cause irritation and encourage rubbing. Make sure the eye openings are correctly aligned and not pressing on the eyelids. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of the horse getting used to the new feeling. You can try putting the mask on for short, supervised periods at first, gradually increasing the time.
Do fly masks provide UV protection?
Most quality fly masks do provide excellent UV protection, which is vital for horses with pink skin or those prone to sunburn. Look for a label that specifies a UPF rating. A UPF of 50+ means the fabric blocks over 98% of harmful UV radiation, offering the best fly masks for horses for maximum protection from both insects and the sun.
What’s the difference between a standard fly mask and a fly bonnet?
A standard fly mask typically covers the eyes, cheeks, and sometimes the ears and nose. A fly bonnet is a smaller piece that usually just covers the ears and the forelock area, and it’s often used under a bridle during riding to keep flies out of the horse’s ears. It’s more for riding comfort, while a full mask is for turnout protection.