If you have a horse, then there is no doubt that your top priority is to ensure it is comfortable comes rain comes sunshine. We all know that bugs, flies, insects, sunlight, or dust is of the greatest enemies for our horses often causing allergies and infections. For instance, while there are several options to protect the horse against these annoying elements, investing in a horse fly control mask takes the lead.
The truth of the matter is that horse fly control masks are never created equally so that some are remarkable while others are not. Therefore, the bottom line is that you need to find the best piece that ultimately meets the needs of your horse. Since there tens of hundreds of these masks, we have narrowed down to the top best for your consideration in 2021.
Best Horse Fly Control Masks – [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
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The following below are the best horse fly control masks reviews based on consumer reports:
10. Kensington Signature Horse Fly Mask
Are you looking for a horse fly control mask that offers comfort and protection in an equal measure? If the answer is yes, then perhaps the Kensington Signature Horse Fly Mask is a perfect choice. This piece of clothing has been designed to protect your pony’s eyes and face from insect bites, thus preventing infections and injuries. Also, it features a fleece for added comfort and protection against flies, insects, and bugs around eyes and face. This mildew resistant fabric with vibrant color doubles up the protection vibe by insulating your horse against harmful UV rays. Adding that, its woven mesh fabric, which is a 78 percent permeable and non-heat transferring delivers the much-needed comfort in hot weather.
Specifications:
- Available in multiple sizes –M, L, and XL
- Fabric material –Textilene
- Color -bay
9. TGW RIDING Horse Fly Mask
The TGW RIDING Horse Fly Mask has been designed with convenience and comfort in mind. This award-winning fly mask slips on and off the horse easily for a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, its snug-fitting Lycra specifically eliminates gaps between the skin and mask, thus keep pests at bay. Made of soft mesh, this also protects the ears and eyes while ensuring horses enjoy full visibility. Its highly elastic and high-strength nylon mesh fabric feature better handle and tensile properties so it would not be too tight or loose on the horse’s head. Moreover, this piece of clothing is an excellent option for horses to remove the conventional, strap-on masks.
Specifications:
- Available sizes –large and medium
- Material –nylon Lycra fabric
- Item weight -5.3 ounces
- Product dimensions -12.6 by 5.9 by 1 inches
8. Pro-Force Equine Fly Mash by Manna Pro
The Pro-Force Equine Fly Mash by Manna Pro has been crafted for maximum comfort and protection for your horse. This clear-view mesh protects ponies from harmful UV rays. On the other hand, its fleece-lined trim prevents insects like flies and bugs from irritating the horse. It is fitted with a comfortable fit featuring durable, adjustable locking fastener so it properly fits horses from 900 to 1200 pounds. Its attached straps can be adjusted for a custom fit so the entire mask does cause an undesirable rubbing or friction.
Specifications:
- Item weight -8 ounces
- Product dimensions -7.5 by 2.8 by 7 inches
- Color –tan
- Style -standard
7. Derby Originals Reflective Fly Mask
The Derby Originals Reflective Fly Mask has been designed with your pony’s comfort and protection in mind. Available in patriotic design and fun colors, this product shades and protects the horse from harmful UV rays and flying pests. This fly mask comes with a fleece edge, which prevents rubs and eye darts from irritating the sensitive skin. The beauty about this innovative mask is that it features a nose fringe design that keeps the mask open and breathable allowing the horse to drink and eat without any frustration. Its adjustable loop throat and double hook straps offer an additional fitting and grip.
Specifications:
- Item weight -7.2 ounces
- Warranty –one year
- Material –sturdy nylon mesh
6. SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask
Are you looking for one of the best horse fly control masks to wick away frustrations associated with insect bites and tormenting UV rays for your pony? If the answer is yes, then the SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask is the right choice. This product has been built to last, built to fit, and built to stay on. It has been designed to cover most parts of the horse’s face keep away flies, debris, and dirt from reaching the face’s most sensitive parts. While this mask does not obstruct vision, it ultimately stays in place thanks to its double-latch closure fasteners. The fabric used in making this mask is a highly breathable material that accelerates healing after eye injury besides providing maximum comfort with no harsh abrasion or rubbing.
Specifications:
- Recommended weight range -900-1200 pounds
- Item weight -6.1 ounces
5. Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask
The Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask is one of the finest horse fly control masks available in the market. It has been crafted specifically to keep small insects and bugs away from the ears and face. It also provides up to 90 percent protection against the harmful UV rays. This close-fitting pony mask features comfortable, soft fleece padding along the seams keeping the mask away from the eyes besides avoiding gaps. Then, It also features a highly flexible, strong, durable, and fully breathable material with adjustable safety fasteners ensuring that horse’s comfort is never compromised. Its ergonomic shape allows for full vision and eating/drinking flexibility.
Specifications:
- Color –teal
- Material –nylon fabric
4. Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask With Long Nose and Ear Covers
The Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask is highly recommended by many equine clinicians and publications for fit and design. Featuring unique style with both long nose and ear covers, this mask is well-known for its stellar protection against annoying biting insects and flies. Made of nylon micromesh, this fly mask can effectively block up to 70 percent of the devastating UV sun rays, hence the reason why it is best suited for horses with sunlight sensitive eyes/skin. Its patented three-hole design eliminates firelock damage ensuring uncompromised comfort throughout the day.
Specifications:
- Item weight -3 pounds
- Product dimensions -30 by 17 by 14 inches
- Material –soft coated nylon
- Color –grey
3. Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Long Nose Cover
Unlike the previous model, this one does have the ear cover. The Cashel Crusader Horse Fly Mask with Long Nose is the number one rated fly control mask by equine publications and clinicians thanks to its unmatched comfort, fit, and design. It is designed to protect the horse’s face against annoying flies and insects. Made of soft-coated nylon micro-mesh, this mask blocks at least 70 percent of UV sun rays from damaging sensitive, soft tissues of the forehead and around the eyes.
Specifications:
- Item weight -3 pounds
- Product dimensions -30 by 17 by 14 inches
- Material –soft-coated nylon mesh
2. Cashel Crusader Standard Horse Fly Mask No Nose or Ears Covers
The Cashel Crusader Standard Horse Fly Mask is yet another best horse fly control masks taking the industry with a storm. Adding that, with no ears and nose covers, this standard mask presents unprecedented comfort, fit, and design. It excels in providing stellar protection against insects and flies. Besides that, its soft-coated nylon micromesh fabric blocks up to 70 percent of the damaging UV sun rays. Its split-top opening featuring a forelock cap keeps ponies comfortable.
Specifications:
- Item weight -3 pounds
- Product dimensions -30 by 17 by 14 inches
- Material –soft-coated nylon micro-mesh fabric
1. Professional’s Choice Comfort-Fit Fly Mask
If you are looking for one of the best horse fly control masks without straps and velcro, then the Professional’s Choice Comfort-Fit Fly Mask is a perfect choice. Plus, this is a highly affordable piece of clothing boasts of a soft, Lycra material delivering frictionless wear. Adding that, this perhaps explains why this mask is best suited for ponies that wear masks throughout the day. Moreover, It comes with a mesh around the ears and eyes section, this mask allows for greater visibility as there is plenty of space for the horse to open or close their eyelids. With a mesh fabric around the face, this mask is highly breathable allowing plenty of air to circulate. The beauty of it all is that material used in its designing is stretchy, hence the reason why there is no need for straps and velcros.
Specifications:
- Color –purple
- Item weight -9.6 ounces
- Product dimensions -7 by 6 by 3 inches
Buying guide for the best horse fly control masks:
You have already learned that a fly mask deals with annoying insects and prevent the damaging effect of UV sun rays. However, that is true only if you manage to get the very best piece. It is unfortunate, nonetheless, to note that it has become increasingly hard to find the best masks for your horses for the simple reason that there endless brands/models of these products out there in the market. Nevertheless, if you have sufficient knowledge about this field, then it is more likely that you will buy the best item.
Well, perhaps it is your first time buying these products for your pony and you know nothing about choosing the best fly control masks! Worry not because this section will highlight some of the factors you will need to consider when choosing the best horse fly control masks.
Factors to consider when choosing the best fly mask for ponies:
1. The material of the fly mask
Clinicians in the equine industry advise that the best fly mask should be made of a material that not only lasts longer but also delivers a comfortable and soft wearing experience. Similarly, it is obvious that you do not want something that irritates your horse, as this will imply that the animal will be consistently trying to remove it.
2. The fabric structure
While it is important to consider a mask with soft lining for comfortable wear, the fabric structure matters a lot. More often than not, we have two options to choose from –the rugged, non-stretchy masks secured by velcro and the lightweight stretchy masks. As far as the fabric structure is concerned, it is important to analyze what your horse like most. For instance, if your phone does not like rugged materials, then it is highly recommended that you consider the non-stretchy one.
3. Price tag
There is an endless debate whether you can find cheap, best products in every category. Whereas a low price tag is highly attractive, more often, they are of low quality. It can be cheap, but costly in the end. Therefore, when choosing fly masks for your horses, make the right tradeoffs between price and quality of the item.
4. The mask’s size
Does the mask you are considering buying perfectly fits the head of your horse? This is one of the questions that you must be answered when choosing the best masks. Remember, a mask of the right size brings ultimate comfort and delivers unmatched protection.
5. Consider your pony’s needs
Since horse fly masks are designed to offer targeted protection, it is important to consider your pony’s needs. Do you want to protect the face alone? Do you want to protect the face with eyes, nose, and eyes? With the said needs in mind, you choose either forehead mask only or mask with ear/nose/eyes covers. Also, while most of these extended covers are removable, others are fixed.
Conclusion
We already mentioned in the introductory section that horse fly control masks are designed with comfort and protection in mind. So, while some of the products you will find in the market fail to meet this threshold. Adding that, all the masks making into our list are guaranteed to meet and exceed your expectations. When compiling this list, we considered all the factored explained herein. We are, therefore, certain that picking any one of the above high-quality horse fly masks brings maximum comfort and protection to your horse. Good luck as you sort to find the most suitable piece for your equine!
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