I am looking forward to horse showing starting back up again. We will of course be wearing masks, and I have to admit I’m dreading this in the summer heat. Where have you found light weight face masks? Any favorite places to shop? A favorite style? I’m thinking the gaiter type masks that can be worn around the neck when not in use might be the easiest option. Share your finds!
Deco Pony sells just that type of gaiter mask…she has a web page and FB page. Great small business! (and owner!)
Mare Goods is a great small business owned by an active rider, and they have cute gaiters https://maregoods.com/gaiters/
My favorite masks are from Teddy the Dog t-shirt company, they are very lightweight, have a filter pocket, and stay in place better than any others I have. They don’t make me want to touch or fidget with them, a small miracle, and I don’t feel so much like I’m suffocating! https://teddythedog.com/collections/teddys-face-masks
My next favorites are the Dreamers-n-Schemers ones, which have a bunch of cute patterns and are also fairly lightweight and soft, but not quite as light as the Teddy the Dog ones: https://dreamersnschemers.com/collec…s-fun-patterns
I work in a boutique and we sell the ForHorses masks. I wore my gaiter style mask at the first horse show all of three days before buying a ForHorses mask. I couldn’t stand the gaitor around my neck in the 90 Houston humidity. The ForHorses mask is lightweight and breathable and comfortable around the ears.
That being said, they all feel like you’re suffocating in the summer humidity if you’re a little claustrophobic about things on your face. Maskne and Mask-rash are SO real, and my gaiter gave it to me within 2 days. I’ve had better luck with my ForHorses since. Also - mad respect to those that wear PPE daily for hours at a time.
My fav by FAR are Shady Lady’s. https://shadyladysunprotection.com
Breathable, light-weight, snaps on the back. I tuck my ponytail between the top two snaps and it stays put the whole ride!
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I agree. I have two in white which you can wear as your choker or stock tie over your show shirt collar. Pull it up over your nose and mouth when you need to. Pull it down when you are showing. I pin mine as a stock tie for dressage. They are so light and breathable, you will have no problem wearing them in hot weather.
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I just ordered some #KevinStrong face masks, which benefit Kevin Babington on his road to recovery.
And here is a recent update on him:
And a video of him teaching last week:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158190819558280&id=234374783279
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Thank you! I’ve seen a couple people with these and didn’t know where they were coming from. They look really nice. Not sure I want to spend that much yet…but we may be wearing these for a while so 
I would not buy a mask which isn’t donating to either First Responders in my community or to a carefully researched BLM effort. Why BLM? How many here are voicing concern about being able to breathe or be comfortable… think about that.
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I’ve been wearing the For Horses mask. My local tack shop is selling them. As far as masks go, pretty comfortable.
We have a local person making masks who also has a horse-embroidery business. I’m off to my first show in about 2 weeks and I just ordered masks in my barn colors with my barn logo.
I’ve got masks from several places. Two different etsy sellers and Dreamers & Schemers. The etsy masks are by far my favorites. The D&S ones I found uncomfortable on my ears after a couple hours of wear.YMMV with masks it’s different for everyone. I recommend buying from multiple sources to determine what you like and also to have enough to wash regularly.
I just bought my third Callidae mask! They’re so soft, don’t get hot and come in some nice colors. They’re the gator style and they come in normal tech, perforated tech and cotton. Callidae has some really beautiful stuff too.
I have the Dreamers & Scheamers masks but find them a little hard to breathe in sometimes. A friend recommended trying the Callidae masks. I ordered one but hasn’t arrived yet. I also have the equifit mask but find that one is a little big for my face and would be difficult to take on and off while riding
My sister in law made me 4, plus my Provincial Government is handing out pkgs of 4 disposable masks… if we get the go ahead to show I’m ready! Currently I’ve worn my home Made masks for riding in our indoor arena (barn rule) and it’s been fine, doesn’t bother me to wear one in the least (I’m used to it anyway after cancer lol)
Thanks for the heads up on the D&S “derp your face” packs! I’m wearing a mask at work all day every day, and want a few more options to rotate in, and had been eyeing those. That’s a really good deal, to just be able to mix them up a little with other masks I have.
I’ve mostly made my own and actually made some for all my coworkers so was kind of a mask factory for a couple weeks, which have served me well but now I’m just burnt out on doing my own. Work eventually got us some reusable fabric ones that tie, so no pressure on the ears, but I hate how they fit. I’ve also got a multipack of the cheap disposable ones, which are fine for a quick pop in to the store or something but I don’t think would hold up to much more than that–it was bunching up and shifting oddly when I wore one of those rather than a cloth one to handle/jog my horse for the vet.
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Kaval has some nice ones listed online… Will look into the others posted! I saw someone who had a matching mask to go with her show shirt (reining)
Im kinda tempted to goto a jumper derby beginning of next month but I’m approaching 20 weeks and I have mostly green horses who haven’t seen a jump in a while. I’ll be living viciously through y’all! Between being pregnant for what feels like two years, covid, a random case of strangles I’m going on 4 years bad luck.
Etsy because you can get them in tightly woven cotton (which filters best) and with a nose wire and filter pocket
Thanks for this!! I love their prints but I wear thicker socks in my boots so I’ve never bought their stuff. Just grabbed a few for my show next month.
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We use the forhorses ones in our retail store. They are a it more professional than gators for our purpose (Sales Staff)
