Best Horse Fly Control Masks in 2022

Last update: January 2, 2023

Can a horse see through a fly mask?

Yes, a horse can see through a fly mask. The mesh material used to create fly masks is typically see-through, allowing horses to have full vision while wearing one.

Can a horse wear a fly sheet in the rain?

A horse can wear a fly sheet in the rain, but it is not recommended. The horse's coat can become wet and heavy, which can lead to chafing. The fly sheet can also become wet and heavy, which can make it difficult for the horse to move.

Can horses have fly veils on at night?

Yes, horses can have fly veils on at night. Fly veils help to protect horses' eyes from flies and other insects.

Can you leave a fly mask on a horse all the time?

A fly mask is a piece of horse tack that covers the horse's head and eyes. It is used to protect the horse from flies and other insects. The fly mask can be left on the horse all the time, but it is important to check the fit and make sure the horse is comfortable.


Kensington Fly Mask with Fleece Trim for Horses — Protects Face and Eyes From Flies and UV Rays While Allowing Full Visibility — Breathable and Non Heat Transferring Makes it Perfect Year Round Review:


The mask is nice, and it appears like it would hold up around my horses, but a draft horse can't wear an XL (I have three). The XL didn't fit my Percheron or Belgians, despite what I read in the reviews that it did for someone's Shire. My preferred sizes are Cashel Warmblood or Draft. The size of this specific fly mask is smaller than that of a Cashel Warmblood. My two horses can get away with wearing the Warmblood size, which is the largest size available at the nearby feed store, right up against the Velcro's edge. After a while, it will overlap by one or two inches. If not, I purchase the draft size. To make it longer, I'll need to sew some Velcro on. I took away a star for sizing, but it would have worked just fine if my horses' heads were smaller.



Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Ears Review:


We knew the mask would be a quality product because we use this brand on our horses, but we were curious about how it would fit llamas and how well they would accept it. We finally have the solutions: Excellent fit and acceptance!Black flies are abundant in our particular patch of the North Woods throughout the summer, with a peak in July. (They don't hit and run in May or June like I've heard they do elsewhere.) In reaction, one of our llamas began rubbing the hair out of her ears and refusing to eat, preferring to lie flat on her side with her head hidden in the grass. I was reassured that llamas don't tolerate items on their ears by the description of the sole llama-specific fly mask I could find online, which was earless. Well, they do when torture is the alternative! Kate now spends her days eating cheerfully.It would be much simpler to use rubber bands instead of cutting and sewing closed the ends of horse-sized ears because they are only a couple of inches long.



Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears, Black, Review:


I increased my star rating from 4 to 5. When my Morgan mare developed an allergy that made her eyes swell and drip horribly, I bought this mask more than a year ago. While treating the allergy, I experimented with numerous fly repellents. She practically always uses this fly mask now during the gnat/blooming season. I've washed the mask a few times when it became goopy from eye discharge, and the only visible wear is in the covering for the velcro straps. Never has the mesh separated. Because of the small mesh, it also repels gnats. Insects cannot enter the nose because of the snug fit of the band. The ears fit snugly. To prevent smashing of her eyelids, the front of the mask is stitched to allow it to stand away from the eye area. She doesn't rub, so it doesn't fall off, and she takes good care of it despite its frequent use. She won't have to go without because I'm getting another one so I can wash them more frequently. Her eyes get better the more often she wears the mask. So happy I came across this one! It is also extremely reasonably priced.



Cashel Company Crusader Fly Mask Long Nose with Ears Review:


For us, Cashel has proven to be an excellent fly mask. This year we used the Cashel with Ears and she has wore it all summer, has not even tried to take it off or rip it once. I'm not sure what the difference is, but I'll take it. My thoroughbred is well known for tearing up her masks, usually 3 or 4 (or more) in the summer.It turned out this morning that the "Horse" was way too big for her so I took the "Small" out of the box I had all ready to return and it fits perfectly - so I'd say that size-wise they run large. We accidentally ordered the Mask with the long nose for our Quarter Horse, set things up to return it, and then ordered a Horse. As the other "fits her well," we chose to keep it for my Thoroughbred/warmblood. We will have to clip out the lengthy nose, but that won't be a problem.



Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask, Long Nose Review:


Because of his extreme sensitivity and fussiness, my horse rubs his face on things like fence posts and his leg while donning most fly masks, always causing an ulcer to form under the nasal band on the bridge of his nose within a few weeks. He would experience issues regardless of how pricey or high-quality the fly mask was (the other horses have no issues using them). This summer was particularly unpleasant since he rubbed an ulcer under the nose band with his old fly mask and had to stop using it until the ulcer healed, which caused the flies to sting him in the area around his eyes (who ignored fly repellents). I bought this one since I needed something to keep the bugs away but wasn't sure how he would react to the long nose flap. I put it on him once his nose ulcer had sufficiently healed out of concern for a return. How well he accepted it astounded me. He hasn't damaged it, there's no inflammation under the nasal band, and everything is healing up. It looks brand new after a thorough cleaning in a bucket with some soap. It fits incredibly nicely and remains on securely. Furthermore, it is very nicely crafted, with beautifully-knotted seams, premium materials, and no irritatingly scratchy parts for the horse.



Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask, Standard Review:


For my quarter horse's use in the pasture, I got two of these horse fly masks. I assumed these would be suitable for the pasture and general use even though the package specifically states not for use other than with a bridle on the trail. They do. The band around each aperture in the mask fits snugly enough to prevent flies from squeezing through, and thus far, it has stayed on and is lasting. The mask has space for her eyes. We need a fly mask because we reside in Arizona, but it shouldn't be too bulky or hot. Her fetlock can also pass through the space between the ears. Definitely preferable to getting pummeled like the others. Although it doesn't feel cheap, the mask is very light in both texture and weight. She has worn it for a week while working in the field, and so far, it is still on.



TGW RIDING Horse Fly Mask, Fly Mask with Ears, Extra Comfort Lycra Grip Soft Mesh Horse Fly Mask with Ears Review:


I own a fly mask in this type from a reputable company (Professional's Choice), and the quality of this mask looks to be comparable. We'll see if these fly masks stay as long as the masks that have Velcro straps to keep them on because, of course, no fly mask lasts for very long before developing holes in the mesh. My horses seem content enough to wear them and they are simple to put on. Deer flies can be so bad where I live in the summer that horses suffer if they are left outside without ear protection. It is also MUCH easier to use under a bridle than the previous style fly mask.



Professional`S Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask Review:


I'm very happy I tried this mask after my mare, a.k.a. Houdini, repeatedly managed to remove the Roma bug eye mask despite having her hair braided into the top loop! She has a drainage hole under her jaw from a tooth extraction, and I have to cover it to keep pesky flies out in order to prevent the dreadful summer sores that are frequent in FL. The fact that this mask fits so nicely and doesn't have a top loop for her to braid her mane into is a game-changer. I now have four of them to alternate! Bright pink and turquoise look wonderful on her, and the quality and fit are far superior than those of the Roma. Side tip: I tape a sanitary napkin in with cloth tape and it works fantastically if your horse has a face wound that is draining.



SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask Classic Collection, Assorted Review:


Excellent product, but I bought two and didn't use the second one right away because I didn't have a need for it. A few weeks later, when I attempted to mount the second one, I noticed that the strap was significantly shorter than the other (both horse size). Every single day, the second mask gets lost in the field, and because I waited too long, I am no longer qualified for a return or replacement. Even though the label specifies a particular size, it's best to open and check the fit as soon as possible. I adore these masks in general, aside from the fact that the product is quite robust and beautifully crafted.


Do fly sheets make horses hotter?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the horse's coat type, the climate and the type of fly sheet. Some horse owners find that their horses are actually cooler when wearing a fly sheet, as it protects them from the sun and wind. Others find that their horses are more comfortable without a fly sheet, as it can trap heat and cause the horse to sweat. Ultimately, it is up to the horse owner to decide what works best for their horse in their particular situation.

Do horses get too hot in fly rugs?

Horses can get too hot in fly rugs, especially if they are not used to wearing them. It is important to make sure that the horse is comfortable and not too hot before putting the fly rug on. If the horse is too hot, they may start to sweat and this can make the fly rug slip and cause the horse to get even hotter.

Do horses need fly masks in winter?

In the winter, horses may not need fly masks as often as in the summer. However, if your horse is prone to sweet itch or other allergies, a fly mask can help to keep him comfortable.

How do I know what size fly mask to get my horse?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a fly mask for your horse. First, consider the size of your horse's head. You'll want to make sure the fly mask is big enough to comfortably fit over your horse's head and ears. Next, think about the type of activity your horse will be doing while wearing the fly mask. If your horse will be grazing or turnout, you'll want to make sure the fly mask has a comfortable fit so it doesn't rub or chafe. Finally, consider the type of fly mask you want. There are a variety of fly masks

How long do fly masks last?

Fly masks are designed to last for multiple seasons, but they will eventually wear out. The lifespan of a fly mask will depend on how often it is used and how well it is taken care of. With proper care, a fly mask can last for several years.

How long should you leave a fly mask on a horse?

A fly mask is a great way to keep your horse's face protected from flies and other insects. However, you should not leave a fly mask on your horse for more than 12 hours at a time. This will help prevent your horse from getting too hot and uncomfortable.