What are Horse Fly Masks?
A horse fly mask is one of the most used methods of protection from flies, gnats, and other biting insects. Using a fly mask for your horse is a great way to ensure that your horse is comfortable during fly season. Some horses even need to wear a fly mask year-round for various eye or allergy conditions, reducing UV-ray exposure, or limiting the amount of dust or debris that can irritate sensitive eyes or ears. High-quality fly masks will make your horse more comfortable in warmer weather. Without being bothered by biting and buzzing insects, your horse will be more relaxed and comfortable, and their sensitive face, ears, and eyes will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and from insect bites.
What are the Different Types of Fly Masks for Horses?
The different types of horse fly masks include masks with or without ears, ear bonnets, and fly veils that reduce noise while also protecting your horse from flies. While fly masks are designed to be worn while turned out, as they cover most of the horse’s face, fly veils reduce noise & insect distractions while working and are often just used in the ring, as they only cover the ears and won’t hold up to play in the pasture.
Some fly masks include added ear protection, while others come without ears if a horse may be too fussy having something on their ears. Masks without ear coverage can stay on a more playful horse if they are always losing a fly mask, while still covering their sensitive eyes. There are more durable masks made to withstand the rowdiest horses and micro-mesh masks that block out gnats, mosquitos, and no-see-ums for horses that need that extra barrier from even the smallest bugs.
Fly veils or ear bonnets are typically used while riding to offer protection to their ears so your horse can focus better in the arena.
You can often find fly masks that have fun, designer faces, or colorful patterns. New styles of 4-way stretch lycra masks are great for that custom fit while preventing rubs or masks from easily sliding off when a horse rolls or rubs its face. With different types of mesh fabrics, from ultra-fine to larger and more durable materials such as the Dura-Mesh 1000 denier vinyl-coated material, designed to withstand the demands of herd-type turnout. Your horse and pony can still easily see through all different types of horse fly masks, even at night, so you don’t have to worry about them wearing a mask 24/7!