As a dedicated horse owner, ensuring the comfort and well-being of your equine companion is paramount, especially during those sun-drenched days and pesky insect-filled evenings. Fly masks with ears provide not only protection from bothersome flies but also shielding sensitive ears from irritation. With an array of options flooding the market, selecting the perfect fly mask for your horse can be daunting. Fear not, as we've meticulously curated a list of the top 8 fly masks with ears that offer complete protection, ensuring your horse's comfort and serenity throughout the seasons.

What Makes for a Great Fly Mask With Ears?

A fly mask with ears offers added protection for horses that are particularly sensitive to insects around their ears. But not all masks are created equal. When looking for the best fly mask with ear coverage, consider the following features:

  1. Lightweight, breathable mesh ear covers that keep bugs out without causing heat buildup.

  2. Stretch Lycra or soft-knit ear fabric to avoid chafing or pressure points.

  3. Durable, tear-resistant materials that hold up in the pasture or during turnout.

  4. Secure fasteners that keep the mask in place even with vigorous head shaking.

These elements combine to ensure full-face and ear protection that stays put, while allowing your horse to stay cool and comfortable during fly season.

8 of the Best Fly Masks with Ears

    Schneiders® Mosquito Mesh II Fly Mask with Ears

  1. Schneiders® Mosquito Mesh II Fly Mask with Ears
  2. The Mosquito Mesh II Fly Mask with Ear gets our vote for the best fly mask with ears because it offers the BEST insect protection, and it has a reflective strip down the face and a hook and loop closure for safety! The mask features a 350D extra-fine "window screen" nylon mesh that allows for optimal airflow, stays cool in direct sunlight with a 40% UV protection rating, and provides an effective shield against the smallest biting bugs, including tiny gnats. It's perfect for horses living in hot, buggy climates that need a mask to prevent insect bites.

    Schneiders® X-Spand® Mosquito Mesh II Fly Masks With Ears

  3. Schneiders® X-Spand® Mosquito Mesh II Fly Masks With Ears
  4. This is the most comfortable-fitting fly mask, featuring reflective trim along the mask and on the hook and loop closure for added safety precautions. It combines our 350D extra fine "window screen" nylon mesh with a Lycra material jaw, allowing your horse to move their jaw naturally without restriction while keeping bugs out, ensuring the most comfortable fit for all-day wear. It also blocks up to 40% of the sun's damaging UV rays while providing plenty of airflow to ensure your horse is happy.

    Schneiders® Ripstop Nylon Mesh II Horse Fly Masks

  5. Schneiders® Ripstop Nylon Mesh II Horse Fly Masks
  6. The Ripstop Mesh II fly masks are even 'cooler' with their updated pattern design. It's constructed from a 300D textured, comfortable, and breathable nylon mesh material, providing the BEST airflow with mesh ear coverage. This fly mask protects your horse or pony from small gnats, midges, and medium-sized flies, such as stable and deer flies. The 40% UV protection rating shields your horse from the harsh sun while they play in the pasture.

    Schneiders® Dura-Mesh Designer Fly Masks

  7. Schneiders® Dura-Mesh Designer Fly Masks
  8. Outfit your horse in a fun fly mask with funny patterns that will make you laugh. This mask is available in multiple designs. They're durable and provide 70% UV protection, so you can feel confident that your horse is ALWAYS protected. Your horse will not only look great, but they'll be shielded from biting bugs all season.

    Schneiders® Mosquito Mesh II Sun Visor Fly Masks

  9. Schneiders® Mosquito Mesh II Sun Visor Fly Masks
  10. This sun visor fly mask features a new reflective strip across the visor brim and hook and loop closure for safety ,and an extended nose coverage option! This fly mask with a visor provides your horse with the best all-day insect protection. It's designed with enhanced eye clearance and a flexible stay around the brow line, allowing maximum airflow and extra protection if your horse has an eye or face wound. The "window screen" 350D nylon mesh prevents the tiniest bugs from reaching your horse's face, while the 40% UV protection protects your horse from the sun. With an extended nose coverage option, your horse will be better protected. It's even durable enough for turnout and features a secure fit, so the mask stays on during play.

    UltraFlex® Comfort Plus Bug Eye Fly Masks

  11. UltraFlex® Comfort Plus Bug Eye Fly Masks
  12. If you're looking for a securely fitting fly mask, look no further than this bug eye fly mask. Durable and comfortable enough for all-day wear, this mask is constructed from a 4-way stretch 8oz. Lycra material with oversized eye-holes covered with a dark 2oz. Mesh. With light play durability and an impressive 95% UV protection rating, your horse will be protected from irritating gnats, midges, and medium-sized flies all day. It's available in a smooth and comfortable pull-on or zipper option for easy on and off, as well as forelock-saving options that allow the forelock to lie outside the mask, preventing it from getting in your horse's eyes.

    Cashel® Crusader™ Fly Masks

  13. Cashel® Crusader™ Fly Masks
  14. This fly mask's material is designed with soft yet durable plastic-coated mesh that allows air to flow through and keeps small, irritating insects out. You'll find options with or without ears and even an extended nose option with ears for optimal protection. This mask also blocks up to 70% of the sun's damaging UV rays, protecting your horse's eyes and soft tissue while preventing painful sunburns.

    Horseware® Rambo® Flymask Plus

  15. Horseware® Rambo® Flymask Plus
  16. Designed to withstand rough play during turnout, this mask is a great option to protect your horse from pesky bugs while out in the pasture. The eye guards prevent rubbing around your horse's eyes as well as maintaining the mask's shape. The mask also features large ears and a detachable nose cover made from soft material to keep your horse comfortable. The nose cover prevents sunburn, which is especially helpful on light-colored or sensitive-nosed horses. Additionally, there are adjustable elastic mask closures, so your horse can easily graze.

With a wide range of options available to suit different preferences and needs, investing in a quality fly mask with ears is a small yet invaluable step towards ensuring your horse's happiness and contentment throughout the seasons.