I am looking for fly mask recommendations! I’ve been using the Lycra ones and not really liking them, they stretch out quickly and are easily torn.
Lately, I’ve purchased a few of the lycra ones that have a zipper at the bottom. I really like them. Easier than pulling them over the whole head.
My other favourite are the good old Cashels, they last and they work. I DO NOT like the Noble Outfitters guardian masks they are so stiff and dont fit quite right.
I second this.
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I use the Durvet DuraMask without ears. When you’re deciding on a mask, consider whether you need ear protection, a long nose extension, or extra UV protection. Also consider whether the mask will fit with a grazing muzzle, if you use one.
I use the Cashel Quiet Ride mask for riding. My horse really appreciates keeping the flies out of his eyes. He doesn’t toss his head nearly as much as he does without the mask.
I really like the Shires masks, and I feel like the horses see better out of them than most others. I do also use Cashels and Kensington masks as well. I think the Kensingtons are the coolest, so use them when it is super hot out.
I really like the Rambo ones. I seem to have the best luck with those. They certainly stand out and won’t get confused with the other boarder’s fly mask.
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I have been having the hardest time finding a good fly mask! I have always used Farnam masks, but the new one I got for my mare is GIANT for her, even though it’s an Arabian size (she’s a Morgan). I also tried one from Smartpak and hate it. I have a Cashel long nose as well, which I like, but the nose is too long for her. Perhaps I’ll try a regular Cashel.
Cashel here. Two of my geldings that hate having masks on will leave them alone.
I’ve tried them all and my favorite hands down is the Rambo Beekeeper mask… it’s funny looking but stays away from the eyes and stays on… if I had to be picky I wish it had a hole for the forelock to be pulled through. Other than that, it’s perfect.
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Kensington masks are great. They provide good UV protection (70%), and they’re pretty well ventilated, particularly the ones without ears. (My horse can’t abide ears on her flymasks).
I use a Cashel Quiet Ride for riding.
This year I bought a Bucas buzz-off deluxe mask with ears. Mare tends to tear the ears off most masks by rubbing, and I have become pretty good at replacing them but it is a pain. The material on this mask seems pretty sturdy , no damage yet! She hasn’t lost it yet either. It comes further down her nose and has a big puffy area around her eyes. So far so good, we’ll see how it holds up over the season.
My previous favorite was the Professionals Choice with the lattice type weave, but the material on the ears was a bit too flimsy.
Cashel, definitely. When the long nose model first came out I couldn’t get it here fast enough: Bald face and a pink muzzle. An hour later it was on the ground. Again and again and again. I called Cashel and they asked if the ears were on it. They were. Cut them off. Problem solved. I don’t know if they still make the long nose without ears. All I know is ears cost an extra 3 bucks. The riding mask is terrific. Ears are okay but I don’t know why. I like the light weight.
I had to change barns last fall. It’s a lot more expensive now, but I’m luxuriating this year: leave fly mask, fly spray and sunblock (Equate SPF 50 from Walmart) on the door and barn hands put it on before they are turned out. If they have fly sheets they are changed if necessary. I have a couple of masks so I can keep them clean with a hose.
A million years ago, there were very simple masks that were basically headstalls with fringe hanging off of the browband. Right, no sun protection, but they worked, and they weren’t hot for the horses. Here’s a new version: I’m going to try it: https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=20A9A47D-8481-4ABD-9B9E-8592B2D6E51F
I don’t hate it like some other fringes I have seen! I love the ear coverage. I am sure the velcro would come undone easy if snagged.
I adore the Cashel Crusader mask (with ears for my guy). @walktrot: I am pretty sure they still do any combination of ears (or none) and nose length. Also, donkey-sized ears as needed!
I bought Weatherbeeta fly masks this year, and they are great. I also have Shire’s with the fringe.
Love them both. Cashel is also another good one, some versions are pretty stiff but in years past I had a white nose that would get sunburned. The long nose Cashel solved that just fine.
