The 8 Best Fly Masks For Horses
- June 9, 2023
- By Dr. Linda Wilson
During spring and summer, the weather is gorgeous and pleasant, but it may also be hot. The warm weather brings with it a swarm of flying pests.
And not only are these insects a pain for humans, but they also cause problems for many other species, including your horse.
You may apply insect repellent spray or walk inside to avoid them, but your horse is helpless against the swarms of flies that love to assault the faces of horses.
Fly masks may protect your horse from the annoyance of flies. Our testers found that several of the masks we evaluated didn't meet our high standards of coverage, visibility, and UV protection.
You'll discover which fly masks work best for horses and how they stack up against one another in the following evaluations.
Here are the best fly masks for horses that BestForPets (bestforpets.org) think you should buy.
Vet Approved
Reviewed & Fact - Checked by
Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)
VeterinarianThe information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.
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Reviews
Best Overall: Derby Originals Reflective Fly Horse Mask
Concerned horse owners must have the Derby Originals Reflective Fly Horse Mask . It offers superior protection and coverage against insects and UV radiation. The mesh construction of the mask allows for clear visibility, whereas the fleece edging provides comfort and prevents irritation.
This fly mask is designed to keep your horse calm and attentive by preventing contaminants from entering its face and eyes. It also prevents stress-related behaviors like head-tilting and trembling.
The mask’s protective design protects the eyes, ears, nostrils, and entire face of your horse, making it an excellent choice for horses with sensitive or fair skin.
The Derby Originals Reflective Fly Horse Mask is offered in four sizes and can be adjusted to comfortably suit your horse. The fluorescent piping on the exterior of the muzzle ensures your horse’s safety at all times, even in the dark.
Derby Originals provides a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty on this fly mask covering manufacturing defects. Accidental injury and normal wear and tear are not covered.
Overall, the Derby Originals Reflective Fly Horse Mask is a high-quality, long-lasting, and reasonably priced option for horse owners who wish to shield their horses from hazardous insects and ultraviolet radiation. This worthwhile investment will ensure the comfort and well-being of your equine.
Contains a UV filter that blocks 75% of the harmful rays
Mesh that is both transparent and provides protection
Prevents rubbing with fleece trim
High-visibility pipework with a reflective coating
Fits the majority of horses weighing between 500 and 1,500 kg.
Lacks the capacity to be altered.
An excellent horse fly mask is the WeatherBeeta Bug Eye.
The WeatherBeeta Bug Eye Horse Fly Mask is a cost-effective option that offers superior protection against insects and UV radiation. This mask is made of a stretchy, lightweight, and breathable nylon material that conforms to your horse’s face, preventing insects from entering without creating distress.
The raised, transparent mesh screen over each eye assures unobstructed vision, while the mesh earplugs provide additional protection. The mask also prevents up to 65 percent of UV radiation, making it an ideal summertime accessory.
Despite their humorous appearance, the large bug eyes on the mask serve a crucial purpose of protecting your horse’s eyes from parasites.
The mask’s pull-on design makes it simple to place on and remove, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes to accommodate any horse.
Overall, the WeatherBeeta Bug Eye Horse Fly Mask is a cost-effective and inexpensive option for horse owners who wish to shield their animals from insects and UV radiation.
It provides outstanding protection and visibility while being lightweight and breathable. Your horse will appreciate the respite from flies on its face, and you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing it is protected.
At a low cost
Allows for a lot of exposure.
Breathable and lightweight.
Up to 68% of damaging UV radiation are blocked.
Does a poor job of hiding your horse’s absurd appearance.
The Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask is a top-of-the-line option.
Despite its higher cost, the Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask is a leading contender for the market’s finest fly mask for horses. This full-face mask provides superb coverage, revealing only the point of the horse’s nostril.
This mask’s nylon micro-mesh material provides an impressive 70% UV protection, making it suitable for use in sunny conditions. The headpiece is offered in seven sizes, ensuring that it will suit your horse perfectly.
The mask’s soft-coated nylon material is kind to your horse’s skin and will not cause irritation. Additionally, the fit is secure, so the headpiece will not move while your horse wears it.
Although the Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask is more expensive than other options, we believe that the value it provides in terms of coverage and UV protection is sufficient to justify the additional cost. In addition, it is manufactured in the United States, which ensures its quality and durability.
Overall, the Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask is an excellent purchase for horse owners who desire the highest level of protection for their horses against insects and UV radiation.
Protects against 70% of the sun’s harmful radiation.
In a variety of sizes.
Complete insect-proofing of the whole face and neck.
It’s a tight fit that doesn’t budge.
There are less costly options available.
Fine Mesh Fly Mask by Shires
The exceptional visibility of the Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask makes it simple for your horse to see while wearing it. The lattice is positioned far enough away from the eyes to shield them from insects while allowing clear vision and visibility of the lower half of the face.
This mask is available in six sizes, ranging from miniature pony to exceedingly full, ensuring that it will suit your horse perfectly. The twin Velcro fasteners offer versatility and security, while the fleece cushioning on the seams prevents chafing and provides comfort.
The 3D contour frame over the eyes and the sun shade visor system provide additional UV protection for your horse’s eyes. Additionally, the lattice material blocks at least 60% of UV rays on average, making it an excellent choice for use in sunny weather.
While this mask may not provide as much coverage as some other models, it still offers excellent protection for your horse’s eyes and visibility.
However, the anti-rub binding technology and the excellent visibility make it an excellent choice for horse owners who prioritize comfort and eye protection.
Overall, the Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask is a high-quality and dependable option for horse owners who wish to shield their horses from insects and harmful UV radiation while preserving visibility.
An impressive amount of exposure
The eye mesh blocks more than 60% of UV rays.
Padding at seams made of fleece
Adjustability and a secure fit are provided by dual Velcros.
Little to no protection is given to the face
The TGW Riding Horsefly Mask
The TGW RIDING horse fly mask is a reasonably priced option that provides adequate protection, but it may not be the most durable option.
The mask comes in just three sizes, limiting the number of horses that can find a satisfactory fit. However, it is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to select one that complements your horse’s appearance.
The mask’s stretchy material ensures that it remains in position, protecting against ear injury and blocking 80-90% of UV radiation. Although this mask offers decent protection and a variety of color choices, it may not be the most durable option as the fabric is prone to minor abrasions.
The TGW RIDING equine fly mask is a cost-effective option that provides adequate protection and a diversity of color options.
Although it may not be the most durable option, it is a good choice for horse owners seeking an affordable fly mask that offers some level of protection against insects and ultraviolet radiation.
Color options abound.
Affordably priced
Prevents the ears from being damaged.
UV protection of at least 80%
Lacks the capacity to be altered.
Not a particularly long-lasting material.
Equine Fly Mask by Manna Pro Pro-Force
The Manna Pro Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask is a cost-effective option for equine owners seeking fundamental eye protection from flies.
While this fly mask is affordable and includes features such as fleece lining and Equi-Glo night reflectors, it only provides protection for your horse’s eyes and leaves the ears and lower face exposed to insect bites.
Although this mask is fleece-lined to prevent irritation and equipped with Equi-Glo night reflectors to help you locate your horse in the dark, it does not provide as much solar protection as other models.
Overall, the Manna Pro Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask is a cost-effective option for equine owners seeking to provide fundamental eye protection.
However, if you’re searching for a high-quality muzzle that provides exceptional protection for your horse’s entire face, this product may not be the best option.
Unreasonably low prices
A nightlight with an Equi-Glo reflector.
Anti-abrasion fleece lining
No protection for the ears.
Can’t keep your nose and mouth safe
Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask with Mesh Venting
The Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask is a humorous option for horse owners who wish to add a hint of levity to their equine’s attire.
The ladybug design between the horse’s eyes will bring a joy to your face whenever you see him donning it.
While the Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask is a fun and unique option, it only provides partial protection from flies by covering the lower half of the horse’s face, leaving the ears susceptible to insect bites.
The mask is constructed primarily of mesh, which permits unobstructed vision, and is lined with fleece to prevent chafing.
The Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask is available in four sizes, each with considerable adjustability. Although it may not be the most protective fly mask on the market, it does provide some UV protection and can aid in the healing of eye injuries.
The double clasp closure of the Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask adds an extra layer of security to ensure that the mask stays in place and provides consistent protection from flies.
Overall, the Tough 1 Ladybug Fly Mask may not be the most practical option for horse owners who prioritize protection, but it is an entertaining and distinctive option that still provides some level of protection against flies for your horse.
Every time you see your horse, you’ll crack a smile.
Doesn’t hinder the ability to see clearly.
A variety of sizes are available
The ears have no protection.
Restricted scope
Farnam’s SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask
The Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask is an economical option for protecting a small portion of the horse’s face from flies. Although it does not obstruct the horse’s vision, it does not protect the horse’s ears from insect stings, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
This fly mask is available in four sizes, and each measurement can be expanded to fit horses of varying sizes. However, unlike other masks at a comparable price point, this mask’s internal seams are not adequately covered, which may cause chafing on the horse’s face.
While the Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask is designed to provide optimal comfort for the horse, it does not provide the same level of protection and durability as competing models.
Therefore, it might not be the ideal option for equine owners who place a premium on long-term value and efficacy in fly protection.
To accommodate every horse, we have a variety of sizes available
The double-latch closing is expandable.
Isn’t obstructive to visibility.
No protection for the ears.
Pricey compared to other comparable items
The horse may be irritated by seams.
Buying Guide
Given the dizzying array of alternatives that are currently accessible online, selecting a fly mask for your horse might feel like an insurmountable challenge. In order to assist you in making a choice that is well-informed, we have produced a thorough buyer’s guide that details the most important aspects to think about before making a purchase.
When choosing a fly mask, the following are the most important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Comfort:
Because your horse will be wearing the mask for extended periods of time, it is essential that you select an option that is comfortable for him. Look for masks that include a fleece lining on the inside, since this will help reduce friction and provide a comfortable fit.
2. Coverage:
Your horse’s face should be protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation and biting insects by the mask you provide for him. Our top selections offer comprehensive coverage, with the exception of the mouth and nose.
3. Anti-insect measures:
Insects often go for the eyes and the ears as their primary points of attack, thus it is important to select masks that cover the greatest area possible.
4. UV protection:
Because the face of your horse is so susceptible to sun damage, it is essential to select masks that offer sufficient protection against UV rays. Choose masks that block at least 50 percent of the sun’s rays.
5. Visibility:
Your horse’s eyes will be shielded from harmful UV rays and insects by a mesh with a high visibility rating, but it will not hinder their range of view. To minimize the likelihood of accidents, it’s advisable to avoid masks that impede your vision.
6. Durability:
Because horses frequently rub up against barn walls and fences, it is essential to select masks that can resist a significant amount of wear and tear. Choose solutions that are long-lasting and may last for several months or even years.
You’ll be able to find a fly mask for your horse that not only offers the necessary protection but also ensures that they are comfortable and protected from harm if you keep these crucial factors in mind.
FAQs
1. What is a fly mask, and why do horses need one?
A piece of protective equipment known as a fly mask is designed to cover a horse’s face and shield it from biting flies, other insects, and ultraviolet radiation. Fly masks are essential for horses to wear in order to alleviate their discomfort and protect them from contracting illnesses transmitted by bug bites.
2. When shopping for a fly mask, what are the most important characteristics to look for?
When looking for a fly mask for your horse, the most important characteristics to look for are comfort, coverage, measures to repel insects, protection from UV rays, visibility, and durability.
3. Can mosquito masks be used while sleeping?
Yes, fly masks can be used while the horse is stabled overnight; however, it is essential to check that the mask fits the horse correctly and does not cause any discomfort or irritation to the animal.
4. Are fly masks allowed to be used when working out or turning out?
It is possible for horses to wear fly masks when exercising or turned out in the pasture; however, it is essential to check that the mask fits properly and does not hinder the horse’s eyesight or breathing in any way.
5. On average, how long do fly masks remain effective?
The longevity of a fly mask is directly proportional to the grade of the materials from which it is constructed and the amount of usage and abuse it is put through. If they are cared for and maintained properly, most fly masks may last anything from several months to an entire year.
Conclusion
While writing these evaluations of the best fly masks for horses, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) put our horses through the wringer with a variety of fly masks.
After everything was said and done, we could only choose three masks as the obvious victors.
Although you’ve previously read about them, we’ll go over them briefly again just to make sure they’re still fresh in your memory.
Our best pick was the Derby Originals Reflective Fly Horse Mask . It is available in four different sizes to accommodate most horses weighing 500-1,500 lbs.
UV rays are blocked by the material it’s constructed of, which covers the whole face and ears. The WeatherBeeta Stretch Bug Eye Horse Fly Mask is our pick for the most cheap choice.
With a material that filters 68 percent of UV rays, it’s less expensive than other options, yet it still provides decent covering and protection from insects.
The Cashel Crusader Fly Mask is the greatest premium option if you don’t mind spending a little extra. To ensure a precise fit, it comes in seven different sizes.
Plus, it provides greater coverage than any other mask we’ve seen, and it blocks 70% of UV radiation.
Veterinarian (DVM)
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