Best Horse Fly Masks of 2024

As horse owners, we all know how challenging it can be to deter flies and bugs during the summer months. Luckily, fly masks are an easy way to protect our beloved equines from the pesky insects that are attracted to their moist eyes and noses. Watching bugs continually attack your horse's face is annoying, but it can also be quite stressful for some equines. Fly masks do not only serve the purpose of a physical barrier against bugs, dirt, and wind; most also offer UV protection for light-sensitive horses that are susceptible to bleached coats or sunburn (think pale eyes with pink eyelids and pink-skinned noses).

We completely understand how tricky it can be to pick the best fly mask for your horse's needs because we all have the same goal in mind: keeping our equine companions comfortable. Want more details on horse gear product considerations in general? Get the full breakdown in our Guide to Fly Control Gear for Horses.

In this particular buying guide, we evaluated a full range of fly masks to bring you our top picks based on a variety of factors. Whether gathering from our own bug-battle experiences or extensively researching pros and cons, we have done the work to narrow down the very best fly masks on the market!

Our Top Picks by Type

These are some of the most important things we kept in mind while choosing our top fly masks. When shopping, always remember to take into account the specific needs and preferences of your horse. If your equine does better with, or you prefer to use, fly spray on their face instead of a fly mask, we encourage you to check out our Best Fly Sprays of 2024.

Fit: A poorly fitting fly mask that is too tight or loose can cause irritation and potentially rub or even fall off. Make sure to choose a fly mask that both securely and comfortably fits your horse.

Material: If your horse is particularly hard on equipment, or you live in a harsh environment, keep an eye out for a fly mask constructed from durable materials. The fly mask needs to be able to hold up to repeated use in outdoor conditions.

UV Protection: Some fly masks integrate UV resistance (by varying degrees of protection), which is a useful factor to consider for horses with light-colored coats or sensitive eyes and skin.

Visibility: Consider the visibility of the fly mask to help prevent accidents or spooking your horse. Some masks are manufactured with a clear panel or more finely woven mesh to offer improved visibility. Ensure your horse can see!

Breathability: A fly mask that is cumbersome or restrictive can cause your horse to become uncomfortable from the friction and heat. Look for a mask with good ventilation to help keep your horse cool, especially during the hot summer months.

Coverage: Decide on the amount of coverage you want for your horse, or if your horse specifically needs one type of fly mask over the other. Some fly masks only cover the eyes, others the eyes and ears, while others extend down the nose.

Closure Type: Fly masks are available with a variety of closures, typically a single hook-and-loop (or Velcro) strip or double hook-and-loop with locking security. Choose a closure that is secure on your horse and easy for you to use.

Price: Consider your budget, then balance it with your horse's needs to choose the best product that suits you both.

Our Review: This lightweight fly mask by Farnam may be lower in cost, but it is still an ideal option for the equestrian trying to save a little money! Made with a super fluffy fleece, it is comfortable for the horses—making this mask a game changer when fly season requires them to be dressed around the clock. The double-locking velcro works hard to keep the mask on 'Houdini' horses that like to escape from their clothes, making this Farnam mask a favorite among horse owners. Best of all - the color you receive is a surprise - which is even more fun and exciting when you receive your Riding Warehouse package!

Our Review: The Visor-Tek Fly Mask by LeMieux is a favorite among our staff, especially for the more petite horse, because it offers a close-contact fit while providing superior visibility. Pests will have a very difficult time sneaking up under this mask! The eye darts are strong, so there is no worry of the mask caving in on your horse's sensitive eyes. The mesh is durable and offers 70% UV protection against harmful sun rays. Polar fleece lining around the edge of the mask and below the ears are both soft and breathable, while offering improved comfort for your equine.

Our Review: Our crew loves these masks! There are so many fun prints available that it's hard to choose a favorite. The Mackey fly masks have a no-muss no-fuss design, which is perfect for the horse that needs basic protection. We also love the 73% UV protection offered, especially for those equines with sensitive pink skin! If that's your horse, go for the versatility of the Mackey fly mask with a detachable nose; the convenient hook and loop system allows for the nose fly mask to be converted to a standard one - but without sacrificing the integrity of the fly mask. Built to stand up to horse antics and play mates, there's no question why these masks made it on our favorites list!

Our Review: The Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask keeps your horse covered and protected from a range of bugs and debris, thanks to its fine yet durable mesh. We like this mask because it is light on the face while still being able to take a beating, making it a great option for horses that are hard on equipment. Plus, the double hook-and-loop closures hold up to any pasture pals trying to rip off their friend's mask! The addition of a stretch fleece poll and soft fleece binding also make this mask one of our top choices as an all-around option.

Our Review: Kensington is well known for making products from exceptionally durable materials, and we love them for it. Constructed of American-made Textilene, this fly mask not only expertly shields your horse from biting insects but also shades them with 90% UV protection. This fly mask is the perfect choice for especially light-sensitive horses that are prone to sunburn or irritated eyes. Hoping to also prevent a sun-bleached coat? Get the full collection in our exclusive Riding Warehouse color and customize the coverage needed for your horse. You can even match your stable supplies, and we all know how much fun that is!

Read more about Kensington fly products in our Kensington Fly Mask, Sheet, and Boot Guide!

Our Review: The Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit Lycra Fly Mask provides a comfortable feel for even the most sensitive of horses, with smooth, stretchy lycra. The lycra material makes this fly mask fit right up against your horse's face like a second skin to reliably prevent bugs from interfering. Extremely lightweight and breathable, this mask is an ideal option in especially hot and humid climates due to the lack of extra materials. The mesh ears and eyes allow clear vision while added binding around the edges minimizes fraying. Just slip this stretchy mask over your horse's head, and they are good to go!

Our Review: Cashel Crusader fly masks provide fly-free comfort with a unique design that has stood the test of time. The patented three-hole cap features a center hole for the forelock to avoid hair damage. Low-nap polar fleece seam edging will not attract burrs or other debris, keeping your fly mask clean and functional season after season! The soft-coated nylon micro-mesh is comfortable for your horse while also offering 70% UV protection. With so many different coverage and color options, add one or two (or all of them) to your fly-fighting arsenal!

Our Review: Whether you ride in an arena or enjoy hitting the trails, the Cashel Quiet Ride is perfect for keeping any pesky bugs off your horse's face while you are out and about. Simply slip this fly mask on over your bridle or headstall after tacking up! These masks offer dependable quality and comfort, with a sheer mesh that maintains full visibility and keeps your horse protected. The forelock hole feature also helps keep your horse from sweating as much during your ride. Available in a variety of coverage, color, and size options, there's sure to be a style to suit you and your horse's needs.

Q: Does my horse need a fly mask?

A: This is a tough question; does your equine actually need a fly mask, or do you simply want to give them one? A few things to ask yourself when determining whether your horse might need a fly mask include (but are not limited to): Does my horse have pink skin on its face? Does my horse have pale eyes with pink eyelids? Is my horse sensitive to bug bites or extremely irritated by bugs on its head? Is my horse suffering from an eye ailment? Does my horse's coat become easily sunbleached? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your horse will benefit from wearing a fly mask, particularly one with UV protection.

Q: How do I know which type of fly mask my horse needs?

A: The type of fly mask depends on your preferences and your horse's needs. For example, if you have a horse that does not like its ears touched, you might choose a standard fly mask. Or you might want to pick a fly mask with ears to use it as a training tool. A horse that becomes easily sunburned would benefit from a UV-resistant fly mask with nose protection. If you live in an environment with small pests, like gnats, fly masks with ear and nose protection will better keep these bugs away from your horse's face and help prevent them from getting trapped underneath the mask. Find further details in our Ultimate Guide to Fly Control, including the different types of fly masks!

Q: How do I know what size of fly mask my horse needs?

A: It is very helpful to have your horse's measurements on hand before you start shopping fly masks by size, as brands can size differently. Use a string or flexible measuring tape to find your horse's nose circumference, throatlatch circumference, and poll-to-nose measurement. Further details on how to do this can be found in our guide here. You can more effectively choose your horse's fly mask size from there by referencing the manufacturer's sizing chart. A fly mask should fit snugly with no excessive gaping (think two finger space all the way around). If your horse falls between sizes, we suggest going with the smaller of the two.

Q: How often should I replace my horse's fly mask?

A: Your fly mask should be replaced if there are any visible signs of damage, such as a torn strap or fraying material. We suggest regularly caring for your fly masks to help lengthen their lifespan. Remove your horse's mask daily to look it over for wear and tear, as well as to monitor your horse's head and eye health. Depending on use and how dirty your fly mask becomes, you should rinse or wash it down about every week or two. Allow your fly mask to fully dry before returning it to your equine's face. It is always a good idea to have multiple fly masks on hand for rotation; then if one becomes damaged, there is already another on hand to save the day!

We know that sorting through all of the fly masks available can be frustrating at times, so we hope our buying guide has helped you find the best option for you and your horse. Hoping to cover your horse's body to better protect against bugs? Take a look at our Best Fly Sheets! Please reach out to our friendly customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or at (800) 620-9145 should you have any lingering questions. Shop the best fly masks of the year below, or feel free to check out our entire fly mask collection!

Shop the Best Fly Masks of the Year