Fly mask

[OdieJump]

It’s barely spring yet the flies are already out! My thoroughbred tends to get more ticks and flies on him than my other horses, I treat him for the ticks but I’m considering a fly mask. I live in Oklahoma and it can get quite hot so I’m wary of a fly sheet but he does get lots of flies on his eyes and ears so I think a fly mask will help him.

Ive never used a fly mask so I’m not sure where to start, I want something to cover his ears and preferably some UV protection. Of course good quality, lots of air flow, and it doesn’t get too hot. Then the stickler, id ideally like to keep it under 50 dollars. If necessary I’ll pay for the higher quality though. So what brands do you guys recommend?

[ryansgirl]

Cashel with ears. Only brand I use. Make sure its tight enough so there are no gaps where bugs can get under. You can find them for under $30 everywhere.

My TB mare will wear one 24/7 starting shortly. She has a ton of them so I change them every morning and night and make sure she has a clean one on (easy to clean with a stiff brush and water as needed).

[RedHorses]

Cashel is good. I quite like the Shire’s mask with nose fringe too.

[Sansena]

Cashel is good. I prefer Rambo masks. Spend-y, but so totally worth it. Some overzealous grooms can crank down on the Cashel’s and crease them so they rub against hoss’ eyes. Rambo masks have a rib that tents the mesh away from hoss’ face and velcro that you cannot over tighten. Ear fabric is different and lighter. Sturdy. My favorites.

[OneTwoMany]

Another vote for Cashel with ears.

[shortenmyreins]

My mare has to wear a fly mask all summer as she has blue eyes with pink skin around them that burns. Her fly mask is her sunglasses. She has told me that the Cashel mask is her preferred mask - it’s the only one that she keeps on! I prefer no ears as I’m not as worried about flies as I am about sun, and no ears generally stay on better.

She hated the Rambo bee keeper mask.

[MissAriel]

My guy does best in the Shires masks. He shreds the Cashel masks.

YMMV

[Texarkana]

Me and my horses were also not fans of the Rambo mask. While I appreciated it kept the mask off of eyes, the “frame” scared me to death. I was waiting for it to start poking through the fabric, ala underwire on a bra style. My fears weren’t unfounded; after a couple months of use, the fabric started wearing away and the plastic was exposed.

I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on some of the new Shires masks.

I like Cashel well enough, but my horses always seem to fall between sizes. The plain old Farnam ones work, but they have always had the same problems with rubbing and removal. I bought some of the new, fitted Absorbine Ultrashield masks with ears-- they were more like Cashel than the old school Absorbine style. They are ok, but they aren’t generous enough in the eye area.

[demidq]

I like the Professionals Choice ones with ears, especially the ones with the reinforced mesh. They stay on and have lasted well.