Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you looking for the best fly masks for horses?
Keeping your horse away from flys will reduce stress and prevent disease in your horse. I’ve used a number of different fly masks for my horses over the years and it’s important to select a fly mask that is durable and won’t fall off while your horse is out in the pasture.
With this in mind I have reviewed the most popular models on the market and after reading this article you will know my horse fly mask recommendations.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my best fly masks for horses picks, or read on for the full review:
- Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears and Long Nose
- Derby Originals Reflective Fly Mask
- Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears
- Cashel Quiet Ride Standard Horse Fly Mask with Ears
- Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears
- Kensington Natural Look Catch Mask Fly Mask
- Professional’S Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask
- Cashel Multi Henna Crusader Fly Mask with Ears
- Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask
- Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Nose Fringe
Table of Contents
Horse Fly Mask Benefits
Flys are incredibly annoying to horses and when they stand outside all day being swarmed by them it puts considerable stress on your horse. A horse that is more stressed has a lowered immune system and can suffer from performance issues.
Flys can also carry disease and the more exposure your horse has to flies the potential for disease is increased.
A high quality fly mask is an important part in protecting your horse from fly carried disease and the stress of being covered in flies all day.
Best Fly Masks for Horses
Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears and Long Nose
This is my pick for the best fly mask for horses today. It is very well constructed. It has ears and a long nose portion that most options out there cannot match. It stayed in place without any slipping and appeared comfortable for my horse. It is UV blocking and is rated for blocking 70% of all UV rays. The split top opening for the forelock is a great design feature.
- Ear covers
- Nose extension
- UV protection
- Comfortable
- Does not slip easy
- Durable
Derby Originals Reflective Fly Mask
This is another excellent fly mask with ears and tassles at the nose that help your horse swat the flies away. Blocks 75% of damaging UV rays protecting your horse’s eyes and skin. The throat strap held the fly mask in place well with no slippage. It is constructed with heavy duty elastic allowing for a comfortable fit. It also comes in a variety of colors so your horse can have the perfect fly mask look too.
- Fly mask with ear covers and nose cover
- UV protection
- Elastic comfort fit
- No slip
- Comes in multiple color options
- Warranty
Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears
A high quality fly mask with ears. The strap fits well and prevented the mask from coming off even with a horse who dislikes fly masks. Features a micro mesh that provides 70% UV protection from harmful sun rays. This is the best fly mask with ears if you do not wish to have the nose cover.
- Fly mask with ear protection
- Micro mesh UV protection
- Comfortable fit
- Prevents being pulled off
- Excellent value
Cashel Quiet Ride Standard Horse Fly Mask with Ears
This is a great horse fly mask with ears to use while riding. This fly mask is perfect for using on trail rides as it is designed to fit perfectly over a bridle. The strap fit well and did not interfere with the bridle while riding. It is sheer which allows for unobstructed view by your horse and it is lightweight.
- Perfect for using while riding
- Comes with ears
- Sheer mesh allows clear sight for your horse
- Superb value
Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears
This fly mask has some of the best UV protection you can get for your horse making it an excellent option for those who live in sunny areas or have horses who need the extra UV protection. The shape fits well to the horse and does not slip. It has flexibility allowing it to be worn for extended periods without rubbing your horse raw.
- UV protection up to 90%
- Comfortable and flexible fit
- Comes with ears
- Allows easy sight for your horse
Kensington Natural Look Catch Mask Fly Mask
A unique designed fly mask that has a ring to attach a lead rope. While I wouldn’t use this as an everyday halter, it works great for turning out without grabbing a halter. When a lead is not attached the fly mask is a breakaway. It protects your horse from up to 73% of harmful UV rays and it allows air flow to keep your horse cool.
- Doubles as a turnout halter
- Protects your horse from up to 73% of UV rays
- Comfortable and secure
- Breakaway
Professional’S Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask
This is one of the most popular fly masks for a good reason. It is incredibly comfortable and durable while providing an unobstructed line of sight for your horse. It has mesh eye and ear cover and does not rub the horse hair off. When considering total value, this is one of the best fly masks for horses.
- Comfortable non slip fit
- Covers eyes and ears
- Lycra with mesh
- Excellent value
- Best seller
Cashel Multi Henna Crusader Fly Mask with Ears
This is another very high quality fly mask for your horse. It comes in sizes for foals, yearlings, ponies, and all adult horses. The ear covers come in great color options and the fly mask fits securely and comfortably. This is one of the best fly masks you can find under 50 dollars.
- Fits horses of all sizes
- Covers ears
- Comes in fun colors
- Very good value
Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask
Another excellent fly mask for UV protection. This mask blocks up to 90% of all UV rays. The well designed strap keeps the fly mask in place even when worn for extended periods. It comes in sizes to fit most horses, including weenling, arabians, warmbloods, and adult horses. There are multiple color and pattern options to choose from as well.
- Blocks up to 90% of all UV rays
- Comes with ears
- Fits almost all horse sizes and ages
- Comes in many pattern and colors
Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Nose Fringe
A secure fitting flay mask that will not slip easy. Comes with ear covers and tassles that keep flies away from your horse’s nose. This mask allows your horse full vision while having a fleece padding allowing for a comfortable all day fit. This is an excellent value horse fly mask.
- Protects ears and nose from flies
- Does not obstruct vision
- Comfortable fleece lining
- Excellent value
For more horse health guides and tips read these articles:
- With a safe and effective fly repellent you can help keep your horse disease free and happy.
- For an all in one grooming kit you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Read the buying guide.
- Maintaining hoof health is very important, only use the best hoof supplements on your horse.
- Keeping your horse’s joints in top condition is a big deal. Don’t get the wrong joint supplement, read the guide to know the best.
When looking for the best fly mask for your horse you must consider comfort, fit, durability, UV protection, and features such as ear and nose cover. A fly mask is an important part of keeping your horse healthy and stress free during the months the flies are out.
Here is the quick list with my picks for the best fly mask for horses one more time. To see prices and customer reviews view the links below.
- Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears and Long Nose
- Derby Originals Reflective Fly Mask
- Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Ears
- Cashel Quiet Ride Standard Horse Fly Mask with Ears
- Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears
- Kensington Natural Look Catch Mask Fly Mask
- Professional’S Choice Comfort Fit Fly Mask
- Cashel Multi Henna Crusader Fly Mask with Ears
- Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask
- Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Nose Fringe
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com