Choosing the Right Fly Mask for Your Horse
With so many styles of fly mask now available, choosing the right one for your horse can feel confusing. From masks with or without ears to full-face designs, nose protection and different levels of UV coverage, the best choice will depend on your horse and what they need protection from.
A good fly mask should offer effective protection from flies and midges while fitting securely and staying comfortably clear of the eyes and eyelashes.
In this guide, we look at the different types of horse fly mask available, how they should fit and what to consider when choosing the right one for your horse.
Which fly mask does my horse need?
Full Face Fly Mask: For Maximum Coverage
A full face fly mask is a great option if your horse is very sensitive to flies and midges, or if you need to protect your horse’s muzzle against the sun. For all-round protection, the Field Relief Max Fly Mask provides over 70% UV protection and is made from a durable mesh to keep flies at bay.
Fly Mask with Ears: For Horses Sensitive to Midges
If your horse is particularly bothered by flies or midges around the ears, a fly mask with ear coverage may be a good choice. Look for soft, well-shaped ear sections that allow enough room for the horse’s ears without excessive material or restriction.
The Field Relief Midi With Ears uses ergonomically shaped ear sections alongside adjustable fastenings to help provide a secure, comfortable fit.
Fly Mask without Ears: For Horses That Dislike Ear Coverage
Many horses find that a fly mask with ears to be an annoyance, which encourages them to rub and thus displace or pull their mask off completely. Many horses simply cannot tolerate anything touching their ears. Look for a fly mask with adjustable fastenings behind the ears so the fly mask doesn’t have to be put on over the head and ears.
For horses like this, a visor style like the Field Relief Midi is ideal for providing a high level of protection along with a secure fit.
Muzzle Fringe: For Fly Protection Around the Nose
Designed with a simple hook and loop attachment, the Field Relief® Muzzle Fringe attaches easily to all fly masks in the Field Relief® Range. Ideal for horses who might not like a traditional nose piece or cover, or need protection from the flies and midges without the UV protection.
Detachable Nose Piece: For Additional UV and Muzzle Protection
Designed with a simple hook and loop attachment, the Field Relief® Detachable Nose Piece attaches easily to all fly masks in the Field Relief® Range. Ideal for horses with pink or sensitive noses, who need UV protection, or those who are extremely sensitive to flies or midges around their muzzle.
What else is there to consider?
How Should a Fly Mask Fit?
Around the face
As a general rule, we would recommend for you to base the size of your fly mask on the size of your horse’s bridle. This is certainly the case for the Field Relief range of fly masks, but will also give you a good starting point for other brands.
Regardless of make, your fly mask should fit snugly (two fingers) around your horse’s face with no gaps over the poll or around the nose. Excessive space in these areas will make it easier for the fly mask to shift on your horse’s head, or pull off completely. To help with this, look for a fly mask with stretch seams and plenty of adjustability; the Field Relief range all feature stretch seams for a secure fit, with the Midi (with and without ears) also boasting hook and loop adjustment over the poll as well as under the cheeks for a more tailored fit.
Around the eyes
Contrary to the snug fit needed elsewhere on your horse’s head, your fly mask should allow for plenty of room over the eye area. Vets agree that a mesh sitting directly against the eye has the potential to rub and cause damage to the eye and surrounding skin. Not only this but too tight a fitting mask may mean your horse’s eyelashes catch against the mesh, causing significant discomfort to your horse when blinking.
Be sure to choose a fly mask that provides some kind of structure over the eye area, and that you are confident it will not collapse down onto your horse’s face through the course of the day. For an example of what to look for, the Field Relief range of fly masks have all been designed with strategic darts over the front of the mask to ensure a stable, roomy fit with good clearance over the eyes.
Does UV Protection Matter in a Fly Mask?
UV protection can be particularly useful for horses with pink or lightly pigmented skin around the eyes or muzzle, as well as horses that are sensitive to bright sunlight.
Not all fly masks provide the same level of UV protection, so look for products that have been tested and state the level of UV reduction they provide.
The Field Relief range has been tested to block over 70% of UV rays.
Read more: UV in Horse Fly Masks – What You Need to Know
Does Fly Mask Colour Matter?
There are different opinions about whether light or dark fly-mask mesh is preferable, but there is currently no clear evidence that colour alone makes a fly mask more effective.
Fit, eye clearance, coverage and tested UV protection are more useful factors to prioritise when choosing a mask.
Can a Horse Wear a Fly Mask Overnight?
Most horses do not need a fly mask overnight. If your vet has advised overnight use for a particular reason, follow their guidance. Field Relief fly masks can be left on 24/7.
Horses wearing fly masks for long periods should be checked regularly, and the mask should be removed routinely so you can inspect the face, eyes and skin for rubbing or irritation.
Choosing the Right Fly Mask
The right fly mask should suit both your horse and the type of protection they need. Consider fit and eye clearance first, then decide whether your horse would benefit from ear coverage, muzzle protection or additional UV protection.
Taking a little extra time to choose the right style and fit can help keep your horse more comfortable throughout fly season.
