How to Choose the Best Horse Fly Mask

Farnam SuperMask II Classic Fly Mask

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!

Equinavia Algard Soft Mesh Fly Mask

It's easy to see why we picked the Equinavia Algard Fly Mask for visibility! A highly lightweight face screen effectively prevents biting insects, while providing UPF 45 protection. Offered with or without ears and nose, this mask is able to fit everyone's preferences. Even your sneakiest horse will have a hard time getting this mask off with the heavy-duty double Velcro closures. Detailed with a soft and breathable mesh so your horse can play hard without getting too sweaty!

Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit 2026 Patterned Fly Mask

As soon as our crew saw the patterns of the Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit Patterned Fly Masks, it was truly love at first sight. With so many pattern options available, we'd be hard-pressed to pick only one as our favorite! This mask is made of a smooth, stretchy Lycra, making it comfortable enough for even the most sensitive horses. The Lycra also makes this mask fit right up against your horse's face like a second skin to reliably prevent bugs from being bothersome. Extremely lightweight and breathable, this fly mask is an ideal option for especially hot and humid climates due to the lack of extra materials. The mesh ears and eyes allow clear vision, while the added binding around the edges minimizes fraying. Just slip this stretchy mask over your horse's head, and they are good to go!

LeMieux Visor-Tek Full Fly Mask with Ears & Nose

The LeMieux Visor-Tek 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. Soft fleece bindings at the base of the ear and bridge of the nose protect your horse from rubbing. Plus, the dark 3D spacer mesh aids their vision in the bright sun, while the structured eye-darts ensure the mesh stays away from their eyes.

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears & Nose

With the ability to block 80% of UV rays, the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Fly Mask is our selection for offering the best UV protection. Its impressive coverage makes it the perfect choice for especially light-sensitive horses that are prone to sunburn or irritated eyes. Constructed from breathable mesh fabric with fleece thrim, this mask not only shields your horse from the sun but does so in comfort. With six structured darts and soft mesh ears ensure continued comfort by preventing rubbing. Complete with double-layer elasticated Velcro that makes it extra challenging for escape artists to slip out!

LeMieux Bug Relief Fly Mask with Ears

The Bug Relief Fly Mask provides a comfortable feel for sensitive-skinned horses while keeping the flies away. Designed of a soft 4-way stretch lycra, this mask provides horses with a barrier against bugs as the anatomical shape keeps it down, limiting further potential pest contact and preventing unwanted rubbing. Breathable mesh ears offer further protection while allowing horses to stay cool with their additional coverage. With bug-eye darts to enhance visibility, this fly mask gives horses the bug relief they need to enjoy sunny days!

Equinavia Algrad Soft Mesh Long Nose with Ears Fly Mask

Equianvia has blown away the competition this year with their fly masks. Leaving almost no special features out, the Algard Soft Mesh Long Nose with Ears mask is truly the best of both worlds. Looking for full-face coverage and UV protection? You bet! Need a lightweight face screen with structured double darts? Got it! Soft and flexible mesh for all-day comfort? It has that too! Does it get even better? Of course it does! The friendly price point and heavy-duty velcro make this an easy choice, even for the fly mask Houdinis! As a bonus, Equinavia's fly sheets are the perfect color match, so you can have an affordable matching set for this summer!

P.S. Equinavia has an earless and ear-only version of this mask!

Cashel Quiet Ride Fly Mask

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.

Cashel Crusader Fly Mask

Cashel Crusader fly masks provide fly-free comfort with a unique design specially made to accommodate donkeys and mules. 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 equine while also offering 70% UV protection. Plus, with a design for additional nose coverage as well, the Crusader is an ideal addition to your fly-fighting arsenal!

A properly fitting fly mask is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Masks that are too tight can cause rubbing and irritation, while loose masks may shift or fall off. Look for a secure yet comfortable fit that stays in place without creating pressure points. (Pro tip! If your horse is hard to fit, look for a mask that has a wide size range to try)

If your horse is hard on equipment or lives with naughty pasture mates, durability matters. Look for fly masks made from sturdy, high-quality materials that can withstand daily turnout, weather exposure, and repeated use. Additionally, some horses are sensitive and require softer materials touching their skin.

Many fly masks offer varying levels of UV protection, which can be especially beneficial for horses with light-colored coats or sensitive eyes and skin. For horses that have UV related struggles, we recommend looking for a mask with 60+ UV protection and additional face coverage.

Clear visibility is key to your horse's comfort and safety. Masks with fine, light colored mesh help maintain a clear field of vision, reducing the risk of spooking or accidents.

A well-ventilated mask helps prevent heat buildup and discomfort. Look for breathable materials that promote airflow and reduce sweating. Some masks offer a lightweight mesh body that allows air to cicurulate through the entire mask, not just the front screen.

Fly masks come in several coverage levels to suit different needs and enviroments.

• Face-only masks (no ears, no nose) offer basic eye protection and are a great lightweight option for horses that prefer minimal coverage.
• Nose-only extentions (no-ears) add protection for sensitive noses against sunburn and biting insects while keeping the rest of the mask simple.
• Ear coverage helps protect against flies and irritation around the ears, making them ideal for horses that are sensitive in that area.
• Full coverage masks with both ears and an extended nose provide maximum defense against flies and sun exposure. This is a great option for extremely sensitive horses.

Fly masks come in a variety of closure styles, each offering different levels of security and convenience.

• Hook and loop or Velcro closures are the most common, with single or double straps that allow for easy on and off. Wider, reinforced straps tend to offer a more secure hold and better longevity. Some styles feature locking or double layer Velcro closure for added secuirty, helping keep the mask in place.
• Lycra pull-on styles offer a snug, slip-on fit with no hardware, making them a great option for horses that are senstivie to pressure points. Additionally, the "second skin" fit makes it a challenge for pasture mates to grip and pull off this mask.

Budget is a big factor in purchasing any equine product. With well behaved horses, you can often get away with lightweight and affordable options even though they are more prone to damage. However, for the destructive horses or ones outside with destructive horses, you may need to invest in a heavier duty mask or be okay with replacing it consistently.

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.

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!

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. 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

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!