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There are numerous fly masks for horses on the market, and many horses can be seen wearing one in the summer. Fly masks aren’t only useful for wearing when your horse is in the field though — there is a whole range of fly veils for wearing while being ridden too.
There are some great deals around at the moment, so it pays to plan ahead and shop now, rather than waiting until summer descends.
Using a fly mask
Fly masks and veils for horses are designed to prevent nuisance flies and other pesky bugs irritating the horses you are responsible for taking care of. For ultimate protection in the field, use a fly mask alongside a fly rug and fly spray too.
Some fly masks for horses cover the full length of their head from tips of the ears to bottom of the muzzle. These have the additional benefit of offering protection from sunburn for pink skin and white noses.
Sun and flies can pose a health risk to any horse, but wearing a fly mask can help to protect their delicate skin and keep those pesky bugs at bay.
Riding in a fly veil
Have you noticed that flies tend to congregate around your horse’s ears when you’re riding? I find them a particular nuisance when I’m hacking in my local forest. If I trot on, I can even see them flying along behind us.
I used to ride a Warmblood who was particularly irritated by flies buzzing around his ears, and wearing a fly veil made a big difference. If you choose to use one as well, it can help to keep annoying little flies and midges from getting in your horse’s ears and annoying them.
Fitting advice
The shape and fit of a fly veil is vital for your horse’s comfort. You’ll need to consider whether your horse has particularly large or small ears and how the ear bonnet fits under the headpiece of your bridle.
Most veils don’t have any attachments to hold it in place and rely on your bridle to hold it securely in position, so check that it comes far enough under the headpiece, with excess material extending out from the back.
Research that looked at pressure distribution beneath an ear bonnet and its effect on equine locomotion was carried out by Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire from Centaur Biomechanics and concluded that there are three things to consider when fitting an ear bonnet:
- Ensure there is no braiding on the ear bonnet that runs underneath the bridle’s headpiece.
- Make sure the veil fits your horse’s ears. A horse’s ear can move 180 degrees using 10 different muscles, so if the bonnet is too small it can restrict ear movement.
- Check if the fly veil has raised the bridle headpiece, which can alter the height of the bit in your horse’s mouth and cause discomfort.
Shop for fly masks
I’ve rounded up some of the latest fly masks and fly veils for horses below:
Premier Equine Comfort Tech Lycra Fly Mask
This fly mask provides 360-degree protection from annoying flies for horses. Its easy pull-on design is strapless for safety, and the breathable four-way stretch Lycra material offers comfort. It is a close fit to help prevent bugs and flies crawling under the mask and causing irritation. A horse’s sensitive eyes and ears are protected by a flexible durable mesh that is breathable and lightweight.
Colours: Green, grey, blue, red, wine or navy. Sizes: S-XL
Mark Todd Fly Mask Without Ears
This mask is made from a fine mesh material that offers a horse’s face protection from flies. It doesn’t cover the ears or the horse’s muzzle, but it does have a fleece binding for extra comfort. The mask is held in place with two touch-and-close fastenings that are secured on the underside of the mask.
Colour: Grey. Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £12.99
HY Equestrian Lycra Flex Fly Mask
This is a mask for horses who need a high level of protection from flies and bugs. The Lycra Flex Fly Mask is made from a breathable stretch material for a custom fit and to ensure that no unwanted intruders find their way underneath it. It is a pull-on mask that features mesh ears and eyes to help with airflow, and eye darts to ensure clearance of the face, thus avoiding irritation.
Colour: Navy. Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP £13.99
Bucas Buzz-Off Zebra Fly Mask
The clever use of zebra stripes on this mask is proven to help keep flies away from a horse’s face. The lightweight mesh material helps to protect a horse from annoying pests. The mask is held in place with a single touch and close strap.
This fly mask for horses is also available with an extended nose as well as a deluxe version with clear panel over the eyes.
Sizes: XXXS-XL
Equilibrium Products Field Relief Max
This mask provides effective relief from flies and the sun while remaining extremely comfortable for any horse. It offers in excess of 70% UV protection and coverage from ears to nose, plus darts to keep it away from the eyes, and stretch binding around the face for a close fit. It also boasts padding at the nose and brow and horse-shaped ears for extra comfort.
Colours: Black/ orange, grey/ yellow. Sizes: Donkey, horse or pony
HY Armoured Protect Full Mask with Ears and Nose
Made from lightweight mesh material with bamboo lining this mask offers protection to the face, ears, nose and eyes. This mask features darts that ensure good clearance off the eyes, a luxurious faux fur panel on the browband area and soft fleece edging.
The double-sided touch-tape fastenings hold the mask securely in place during turnout, and the mesh panels around the eyes and nose protect from UV rays.
Sizes: Small pony, pony, cob, full, X full. Colour: Black
Veredus Fly Fringe
This handcrafted crochet fly fringe is made from washable and breathable cotton and features the Veredus logo at the front. The ears are made from a stretch fabric for your horse’s comfort and to enable flexibility and movement of their ears.
Colours: Black or grey. One size
Hy Equestrian Exquisite Stirrup and Bit Collection Fly Veil
This fly veil is finished with gorgeous rose-gold braiding and delicate bit-and-stirrup detailing to the front, making it ideal for everyday use or smart enough for wearing for best, such as at a competition (but check the rules first). This close-knit crochet fly veil features breathable ears, allowing your horse to stay cool and protected from pesky bugs.
Colour: Navy. Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP £12
