Is there such a thing as a fly fringe that attaches to the browband of a bridle to discourage flies?
Do horse’s mind them?
Yes, a client used to have one! It actually attached to the sides so could be used with a halter or a bridle. The horse didn’t seem to mind them.
Basic ugly, but practical and cheap version-
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/4900/FV1940?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopzilla%2Bdata%2Bfeed
if you want to fancy it up a little-
http://webshop.viva-iberica.com/mosqueros-fly-fringes-browbandsfrontaleras-54-c.asp
[QUOTE=gaitedincali;7558996]
Basic ugly, but practical and cheap version-
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/4900/FV1940?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopzilla%2Bdata%2Bfeed
When I was a kid in Arizona (back in the dark ages), lots of horses wore similar gear to keep flies away. These “fly masks” were leather, with a throat latch so the horse could wear them without a halter or bridle. I don’t recall anyone who used them while riding, but some people probably did. I’d like to have some of these for my horses–the face flies in Missouri are murder, especially if you have cattle living nearby.
Here, they used to make tassels from tail hair and attach those to the bridle. I can’t remember exactly how they made them but it involved latigo lace and hair trimmed from the tails and the strings wound tightly around and a loop made to tie it to the browband and cheek pieces.
You can make those yourself with a light piece of leather, cut it making many fringes out of it and attach it to your browband.
Here you can see some, I have seen them wider, covering most of the face.
We used to make some out of heavier cotton strings for when the flies and mosquitos were bad.
At times we would put a light coat of fly spray or Off on the strings to help even more.
Before this drought, there were some times we moved cattle when the mosquitos were so thick on the horse’s neck, they were bloody from us swatting them, once the Off started to wear off.
Ha Bluey - why would I make them when it is posted here that they are $2.49 each!
Thanks everyone - now why couldn’t I look that up all by myself - because COTH never fails. I did phone our local huge Western/English store and they said they used to see them, but not these days.
Flies are out now and my mare is a pain, bobbing and ducking away from them.
Years ago, Farnam used to sell something like that with a fly repellent added to it, something similar to fly tags for cattle, but made as a fringed browband for horses.
So - what’s worse - fly fringe or fly mask under bridle to go on trails?
Cashel makes a fly mask specifically to go under a bridle. It’s lighter material than their regular flymasks.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/crusader-fly-mask--quietride-1218p
[QUOTE=gaitedincali;7559277]
Cashel makes a fly mask specifically to go under a bridle. It’s lighter material than their regular flymasks.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/crusader-fly-mask--quietride-1218p[/QUOTE]
I use this on trail rides and I love it. It is very, very light. On humid days there is sometimes a bit of sweat under it where the crown of the bridle sits, but other than that, it’s very cool. I like the long nose version since it covers my horse’s sunburn-prone pink nose!
[QUOTE=gaitedincali;7559277]
Cashel makes a fly mask specifically to go under a bridle. It’s lighter material than their regular flymasks.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/crusader-fly-mask--quietride-1218p[/QUOTE]
This! Works great and makes for a much quieter ride. Mine is in like-new shape after years of use. I use mine over the bridle, no issue with it not staying on.
Shires makes a fly mask with nose fringe though you have to order it from the UK. I love this idea, since the solid nose pieces are simply irresistable to my gelding’s neighbor and are often lost to the twilight zone within the first day or two.
Cheaper than buying a new mask though, I will head to Michael’s and buy some chord to convert his current mask to a fringy, fly-tastic fashion statement and give it a whirl.
[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;7559177]
Ha Bluey - why would I make them when it is posted here that they are $2.49 each!
Thanks everyone - now why couldn’t I look that up all by myself - because COTH never fails. I did phone our local huge Western/English store and they said they used to see them, but not these days.
Flies are out now and my mare is a pain, bobbing and ducking away from them.[/QUOTE]
You have a Greenhawk in your area?? Saw them there today. Probably in their catalog too.
Heard but haven’t tried the Bounce trick. Tie Bounce dryer sheets on either side of your bridle to keep critters at bay. If I can ever remember to take the sheets to the barn, I’m gonna try it…
Several barn riders thought this device did a decent job on rides - there were hordes of mosquitos/tiny flies last summer …
Watkin’s product is the most effective I’ve used BUT it’s DEET.
Can be used with or without a bridle: https://www.horseloverz.com/product/flymasks/746116-tough1flyveil.html?sku=5-509960&gdftrk=gdfV27555_a_7c1161_a_7c2883_a_7c5_d_509960&ev_pt=19051099450&ev_adtype=pla&ev_cmpg=Product%20Listings&gclid=CLSLxIfgkL4CFeRlOgode1gAPQ
We have a Greenhawk’s very close, thanks.
I’m fine with DEET - there are areas here where the mosquitos are killers.
Wal-Mart camping area sells it, too.
And I had forgotten about the clip-on device - will buy one for me!
The cashel fly bonnet looks ideal — so no doubt there is something out there for us.
I use the Cashel riding fly mask. Works well. The one with ears.
A natural fly repellant that works pretty good is vanilla. The cheap stuff works just fine.
