Best Horse Fly Mask: Top Picks and Buying Guide for 2024

Horse fly masks are essential accessories for equine enthusiasts and caretakers. These protective devices shield horses’ eyes, ears, and faces from flies, gnats, and other pests that can cause irritation or spread diseases. A well-fitting and comfortable horse fly mask can significantly improve a horse’s well-being and prevent potential infections or injuries.

Horse fly masks come in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes. The right choice for each horse will depend on their specific needs, environment, and preferences. Quality materials like mesh and soft fabrics are crucial, ensuring durability and comfort while providing adequate ventilation and visibility for the animal. Additional features such as ear covers and UV protection can further enhance the mask’s effectiveness.

When selecting the best horse fly mask, it is vital to consider the size, fit, and adjustability to ensure the mask stays in place and provides comprehensive protection to the horse’s face. A well-fitted mask should not only cover the horse’s eyes, ears, and jawline effectively but also allow for a comfortable and secure wear without causing any discomfort or abrasion to the horse’s skin.

We have devoted significant time and effort to extensively research and test a range of horse fly masks, assessing their efficacy, durability, and comfort. Our goal is to help you find the perfect fly mask for your horse, ensuring they remain protected from pesky flies and other irritants throughout the year.

Best Horse Fly Masks

Protecting your horse from irritating flies is essential for their comfort and health. Below, you’ll find our carefully curated list of the best horse fly masks on the market, designed to offer effective protection and durability.

Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask

A top choice for those seeking a comfortable and effective horse fly mask, offering excellent protection for trail rides.

Pros

• Highly comfortable fit
• Sheer mesh maintains horse’s clear vision
• Quick and easy attachment over the bridle

Cons

• May run larger for some horses
• Material may cause face-rubbing for some
• Possible import taxes and fees for international orders

The Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask is designed with both the horse and rider in mind. With its comfortable fit and non-restrictive mesh, it allows your horse to have a clear line of vision while offering protection against pesky flies during trail rides. The mask is highly rated for its comfort and fit, ensuring a pleasant experience for your horse.

One of the standout features of this fly mask is the ease of use. It easily and quickly attaches over the bridle, making it a convenient option for on-the-go riders. The mask is also designed to cater to adult horses, making it suitable for a wide range of equine companions.

However, it’s important to note that some customers have reported that the mask runs larger for smaller-headed horses, which may require you to opt for a smaller size. Additionally, the material used in the mask may cause rubbing on the face of some horses, so it’s important to monitor your horse’s comfort while using it. Lastly, international buyers should be aware of possible taxes and import fees when shipping from the US.

Overall, the Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask is a solid option for any horse owner looking to provide their equine friend with protection and comfort during trail rides.

Cashel Crusader Fly Mask Horse

The Cashel Crusader Fly Mask is an excellent choice for horse owners seeking a durable and comfortable fly mask with added UV protection.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable coated nylon micromesh material
• Provides natural and complete field of vision
• Blocks up to 70% of damaging UV rays

Cons

• May require additional velcro adjustments for smaller horses
• Not resistant to stickers sticking to it
• Limited color options

I recently tried the Cashel Crusader Fly Mask Horse for my horse and I was quite impressed with the soft and comfortable coated nylon micromesh material. It felt durable and allowed my horse to move freely without any irritation. The patented three hole cap and double dart construction held the material well away from my horse’s sensitive eyes, lashes, and temples without damaging the forelock.

Another feature that stood out to me was its ability to provide a more natural and complete field of vision for my horse. This is crucial as it allows my horse to see everything around it without any hindrance. Moreover, it offers extra protection on the nose, shielding the sensitive area from both insects and UV rays.

Aside from its remarkable features, it also offers great convenience in terms of cleaning and maintenance. The Cashel Crusader Fly Mask proved to be easy to launder, ensuring that my horse always has a clean mask.

Overall, the Cashel Crusader Fly Mask Horse is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to provide their horse with comfort, protection, and visual freedom. With its impressive features and practical design, this fly mask is undoubtedly worth the purchase.

Petbank Horse Fly Mask

The Petbank Horse Fly Mask is a great solution for protecting your horse’s face while still providing comfort and visibility.

Pros

• All-around protection for eyes, jaw, and ears
• Excellent visibility and ventilation for horse
• Comfortable and adjustable fit with soft padding

Cons

• Forelock hole may need adjustment for some horses
• Velcro may not be strong enough for some horses
• Material durability could be a concern for intensive use

If you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable fly mask for your horse, the Petbank Horse Fly Mask offers excellent protection against flies, insects, and harsh UV rays. The one-piece design covers the eyes, ears, and jaw while allowing full visibility and ventilation for your equine friend.

The eye dart construction ensures that the mask stays off the horse’s eyes and eyelashes, preventing irritation. The soft padding and reinforced edging provide excellent breathability and sweat absorbency. Additionally, the double Velcro closures make it adjustable for a variety of horse breeds and head sizes.

The forelock opening design is a thoughtful feature, but the hole may need to be adjusted for some horses to avoid damage to their hairs. Although the reflective trim on the eye darts and ear cover is useful for locating your horse in dim environments, the Velcro may not be strong enough to keep the mask in place for more curious or active horses. Lastly, the material may not withstand heavy daily use or repeated washing.

In conclusion, the Petbank Horse Fly Mask is a solid option for those looking to protect their horse’s face from flies and harmful UV rays while maintaining comfort and visibility. However, be prepared to make some minor adjustments to ensure an optimal fit for your horse.

Farnam SuperMask II Shimmer Weave Mesh Horse Fly Mask

The Farnam SuperMask II is a reliable fly mask choice that effectively protects your horse’s eyes from insect pests, dust, and debris without compromising comfort and vision.

Pros

• Provides excellent protection from flies and debris
• Durable Double Latch Closure for secure fit
• Comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision

Cons

• May not fit all horse sizes perfectly
• No ear coverage
• High-energy horses might still try to remove it

The Farnam SuperMask II Shimmer Weave Mesh Horse Fly Mask is designed to keep flies and other insect pests, dust, and debris at bay while providing maximum comfort for your horse. I recently used this fly mask on my horse, and I found it easy to put on and remove, thanks to the Double Latch Closure located under the jaw. This feature makes it less likely for other horses to rip off the mask, and it stayed in place during our day at the stable.

The mesh material on this fly mask is see-through, allowing clear visibility for your horse while keeping the pesky insects out. Additionally, the soft silver mesh with black plush trim adds a stylish look to the mask. It is comforting to know that the mask aids in healing from eye injuries without obstructing the horse’s vision, making it a reliable choice for horses who have experienced eye injuries in the past.

While the Farnam SuperMask II is a solid choice for horseowners, it is worth noting that it may not fit all horse sizes perfectly. Additionally, the mask does not provide ear coverage, which could be essential for horses prone to fly bites on their ears. Lastly, some high-energy horses might still manage to remove this mask, so it might not be suitable for every horse.

Overall, the Farnam SuperMask II Shimmer Weave Mesh Horse Fly Mask is an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable, stylish, and durable option to protect their horse’s eyes from insect pests, dust, and debris.

Charlie Horse Fly Mask with Storage Bag

The Charlie Horse Fly Mask is a reliable, comfortable, and feature-packed option for protecting your horse from flies and UV exposure.

Pros

• Durable nylon micromesh material
• Protects ears, eyes, and face from insects
• Reduces harmful UV exposure

Cons

• Fit may be off for some horse sizes
• Potential visibility issues for the horse
• Velcro attachment could be stronger

The Charlie Horse Fly Mask is a great solution for horse owners seeking to protect their horses from annoying and harmful insects. Made from long-lasting nylon micromesh material, this mask offers ear, eye, and face protection against flies and other insects. Additionally, it provides a barrier to reduce harmful UV exposure, which can impact your horse’s coat.

One noticeable benefit of this fly mask is the included waterproof storage bag. This bag not only helps keep the mask clean and protected, but can also double as a tote bag for other horse supplies.

However, some users have reported that the fit of this mask may be a bit strange, with some horse sizes not fitting as expected. This could lead to the mask being removed by the horse more easily. Additionally, visibility for the horse might be reduced while wearing this mask due to the material and design.

Despite these concerns, the Charlie Horse Fly Mask remains a solid option for protecting your horse from harmful insects and UV rays. With its durable construction and added storage bag, it offers a convenient and effective solution for horse owners looking to keep their horses comfortable and safe.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best horse fly mask, it’s essential to consider specific factors to ensure your horse’s comfort and protection. Here are essential features you should look for when choosing a fly mask for your horse.

Fit and Comfort

A well-fitting horse fly mask is crucial in ensuring your horse’s comfort and preventing flies from entering. Make sure to measure your horse’s face and check the manufacturer’s sizing chart before purchasing. Look for adjustable straps or closures, as these features allow you to customize the fit to your horse’s specific needs. Additionally, opt for soft and breathable materials that won’t irritate your horse’s skin.

Coverage and Visibility

Different styles of fly masks offer varying levels of coverage. Some cover only the eyes, while others extend down the face and over the ears. Make sure the mask provides ample coverage without obstructing your horse’s vision. Masks with built-in darts or curved edges around the eyes can help ensure that your horse can see clearly while wearing the mask.

Durability and UV Protection

Fly masks should be made from durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Nylon or mesh materials are often strong and long-lasting. Additionally, look for a fly mask with UV protection, as this feature can help protect your horse’s sensitive skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential to keep the fly mask in good condition and ensure your horse’s comfort. Masks made from easy-to-clean materials, such as nylon or synthetic mesh, are recommended. Additionally, choose a mask that can be machine-washed or easily cleaned by hand to simplify the cleaning process.

By considering these factors and using this buying guide, you can confidently choose the best horse fly mask that offers the right balance between comfort, protection, and practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fly masks work best for sweet itch?

Fly masks designed for sweet itch should provide a snug fit and optimal coverage. Look for masks with fine mesh to protect against tiny biting insects and materials that are both durable and breathable. Masks with coverage for the face, ears, and even nose can be helpful in severe cases.

Which brands offer the most durable fly masks?

Some of the most durable fly mask brands include Cashel, Shire, and Equisential. These brands prioritize durability through the use of heavy-duty materials and reinforced stitching. Additionally, they offer various styles and added features such as UV protection that ensures longevity.

Should fly masks with ears be used for extra protection?

Yes, fly masks with ears offer additional protection against insects, particularly biting flies and gnats that tend to target the sensitive ear area. These masks are especially useful if your horse is prone to ear irritation or sweet itch, or if it spends a lot of time in an environment with biting insects.

What are the best options for mini horses?

When looking for fly masks for mini horses, it’s essential to find a mask specifically designed for smaller equines. Brands like Mini HorseFeathers, Cashel, and Shire offer masks that cater to mini horses, ensuring a proper fit and the necessary protection against flies and other irritants.

How often should a fly mask be removed and replaced?

A fly mask should be removed daily for inspection and cleaning. This allows you to check for any potential issues, such as irritation or rubbing, and ensures that the mask remains effective in protecting against flies. It’s also an opportunity to clean your horse’s face and eyes. Replace the fly mask when it shows signs of wear or damage that may reduce its effectiveness.

Do night use fly masks differ from daytime ones?

Nighttime fly masks typically differ from daytime ones in terms of visibility. Some nighttime masks may feature reflective materials to make your horse more visible in low light. Additionally, more breathable and lighter materials may be used to ensure your horse stays comfortable throughout the night. However, the primary goal of fly protection remains the same for both daytime and nighttime masks.