When new riders came to our farm, they observed horses in the fields wearing masks. Our horses were wearing fly masks and looked like superheroes. Below I show pictures and explanations of how each fly mask protects the horse. A fly mask is a mesh material that hooks around the horse’s head. It shields their eyes from pests like flies and gnats. Some protect sensitive skin with UV Protection in the shield. Most masks stay on with velcro so they can safely come off if the horse got it caught on something.
Horse’s eyes are susceptible to flies. Flies like to drink the fluid in the corner of the eye. The flies carry bacteria that can cause infection. The fly mask helps to prevent the flies from reaching the eye.
Fly masks can cover each eye, ear, and nose. Yes, horses can see through the mesh. See below the various kinds of masks. I added some more pictures to show full body and leg protection. Most horses wear their masks overnight.
This mask is a regular mask that only covers the eyes.
Some fly masks will include a cover for each ear.
This one is a fly mask with a funny face.
This is a full face mask. It covers each ear, eye, and nose.
This horse has a fringe on his fly mask. The fringe moves around and chases flys away.
Fly collars for horse.
This is a body fly sheet.
Full body, head, ears, and legs protected from flies.