Fly masks for your horse
Fly masks, and all fly gear for that matter, help keep your horse comfortable when the bugs are out. And then there’s the added layer of some UV protection.
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Reasons to use fly masks:
- In some cases, they can make the difference between comfort and not-so-comfortable, even in winter when the flies are few and far between. I use fly masks year-round for a variety of reasons:
I keep a fly mask handy on the halter hook, so no one at the barn needs to go digging for one. I also have a spare handy, if the original needs a wash or it “disappears” into the pasture abyss.
- Insect control. You can keep bugs out of eyes and ears, thus improving your horse’s comfort level and possibly even prevent injury and maybe even some infections. Many horses will shake their heads violently around insects, and some insects are suspected to be involved with aural plaques. If your horse has any wound, a fly mask can help keep pests away.
- Sunscreen. Horses with clipped faces, ears, and muzzles will need some extra protection while in the sun. Even if you don’t clip those areas on your horse, the sunshine (year-round) can burn pink-skinned horses. This is common for horses with extensive white facial markings, including the muzzle.
- Glare protection. The winter sun is angled in such a way that can be very irritating, and when you add snow (which is like a mirror), the brightness can be hard to tolerate. This is especially true for photosensitive horses. I like to consider fly masks more like “sunglasses.”
Choosing a fly mask
- Ears. Many styles have covered ears, which is excellent for bug protection. Ensure your horse’s ears are not rubbing the inside of the tip, as this can create hair loss. You may need one size larger, or you can snip off the very tip if you like. Some horses will not tolerate their ears being covered, so you may need to experiment here.
- Noses. Some fly masks cover the nose, which is great for bug control. Be sure to monitor the inside of the nose cover daily, as horses eat, snort, and drink, the bottom of the mask can become quite dirty and gross.
- Forelock openings. Most fly masks have a small opening to pull the forelock through. I recommend using this opening so that forelock hairs are not squashed onto the eyes.
Fly masks are amazing for eye injuries – I was able to tape up this mask for Comet when he scratched his cornea and needed to “wear a patch” for a few days.
- Fabric. Some masks are super fine and thin to be worn during riding. This is common for head shakers. Others are more durable, and designed for turnout. Some are super stiff, which is good as you can “mold” them to stay far away from the eyes. These types typically have darts around the eyes for this very reason. Please be sure to notice if the weave is starting to break, as the stiff fabrics can create eye-pokey-out pieces when torn.
- Color. You name it; it exists.
What else should you know about fly masks?
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I don’t suggest leaving them on at night unless totally necessary.
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Most can be washed in the laundry with the rest of your horse’s stuff.
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Please watch for dirt, especially on areas around the ears, that can cause sores or irritations.
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Don’t go by weather or temperature to decide if you should use one that day, go by insects, brightness, and your horse’s comfort.
Use these links to do some shopping for fly control stuff. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you, and I thank you for your support. You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.
This spot-on product kills and repels ticks and helps with mosquito control.
This style is great for riding!
Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.
For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.
LeMieux has more colors than the paint section of a hardware store. I promise they have one you like!
These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.
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