Finding the best fly mask for your horse that is going to stay on, is comfortable, and actually works to keep flies off of his face is sometimes a lot trickier than it might seem. In my own search for the perfect fly mask for a horse with extreme sensitivity to insects and a predisposition to uveitis, I researched and tried countless fly masks before finding the absolute best one.
Here, I explain why I think the best fly mask for horses out there is Kensington’s UViator fly mask (and no, they didn’t pay me to say that!). I also provide a few runner-up masks for specific purposes that you might want to look into if you decide against the UViator.
What’s the Best Fly Mask for Horses?
Hands-down, the best fly mask for horses on the market right now is the UViator fly mask from Kensington. This mask comes in several different models, so you can choose what’s best for your horses. The most expensive one is, in my opinion, the best of all worlds, but they do have much less expensive options if you’re not looking to spend $100 on a fly mask.
This mask features soft mesh ear covers, a forelock opening, removable nose flap, 90% UV protection, and an “easy catch” throat closure that allows you to attach a lead rope instead of putting a halter on over the mask. Because of all of these bells and whistles, the Kensington UViator really is the best mask for most situations, including:
- UV protection. The UViator with removable nose covering offers unmatched 90% UV protection, perfect for white faces, blue eyes, or even white snips and stars. Other less expensive models from Kensington still offer 73% UV protection.
- Uveitis. Thanks to its high UV protection, the UViator is excellent for horses with uveitis or prone to uveitis or other eye problems.
- With ears. The UViator comes with attached mesh ears that keep those pesky gnats, deer flies, and other ear-biting insects at bay. The ears fit well on my of my horses – one with smaller, daintier ears and one with larger, fluffier ears.
- Without ears. There is a version of the UViator mask that still offers 90% UV protection without ears or a removable nose flap. I also have this version that I used before I found the full-coverage UViator.
- With nose coverage. It’s hard to find a face mask with a comfortable nose cover, but the UViator is the perfect solution. Because the nose cover is removable – it attaches with Velcro strips – it can be easily modified based on the specific needs of your horse. The Velcro is very smartly designed, making it nearly impossible for a horse to detach it themselves.
- For horses who take them off. Speaking of horses detaching things, some are known to ditch their masks as soon as they get turned out. If this is your horse, give Kensington’s masks a try. They are very well-constructed, and the Velcro straps are strong, durable, and adjustable to make sure they snugly fit your horse’s face. As long as you strap the mask snugly, your horse should have a hard time getting this off.
- For horses who are hard on fly masks. Other horses are just plain hard on their masks. Again, because of the strength and construction of the UViator’s materials, this is a durable mask that will withstand your rough-and-tumble equines. If you’re someone who goes through mask after mask because your horse has destroyed them, it might be worth investing in this mask to save yourself money and time in the long run.
Runner-Up Horse Fly Masks
The major downside to the UViator mask is its price. At $100, this mask can be too expensive, especially if you need a mask for several horses. Kensington does have a wide variety of masks for all horse shapes and sizes, and not all are as expensive as the UViator. So I would recommend checking out some of their other models if you’re looking for something a little less expensive.
That said, there are some other good-quality horse fly masks out there as well. These would be my next-best picks outside of Kensington’s lineup.
Best Affordable Horse Fly Mask
The Shires fine mesh fly mask with ears is a solid choice for only around $25. It still offers 70% UV protection and features reinforced darting to keep the mask out of your horse’s eyes, as well as fleece padding and full ear protection.
The downsides to this mask are that it has no nose coverage and the fleece may run warm on sunny summer days. But if you’re not looking for full-coverage fly protection and aren’t worried about the extra UV protection, this mask gives you the most bang for your buck.
Best Fly Mask for Riding
Cashel’s Quiet Ride fly masks are some of the best I’ve seen for use while riding. They quickly and easily fit over the bridle and offer lightweight protection against flies to minimize head tossing and shaking during your ride. They range from basic models without ear or nose covers to full-face coverage, including both ears and a nose covering. You’ll pay around $30 for a Quiet Ride mask, no matter which model you choose, making it fairly affordable as well as functional.
Best Fly Mask for Durability
I have yet to find a more durable fly mask than Kensington’s, so I have to give this category to the Kensington UV fly mask. However, if you aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles, this $35 option will do the trick in terms of withstanding even the rowdiest of horseplay. All Kensington masks are made of a special USA-made fabric called Textilene® that’ll withstand everything from wear and tear to fading and mildew.
Best Foal Fly Mask
Farnam’s SuperMask II is a popular fly mask for foals, thanks to its wide range of sizes and plush fleece trim around the edges so it won’t rub your foal’s face. Plus, at only around $15 for the foal-size, you won’t spend a lot on a mask that your little guy or girl is going to quickly grow out of.
Bottom Line: Kensington Fly Masks are the Best
When it comes to the quality of construction, durability, coverage, and UV protection, Kensington fly masks are hard to beat. If you have a horse like mine with allergies or sensitivities to flies, gnats, and other insects, and/or eye concerns, it is well worth spending the extra money on this fly mask. Similarly, if you find yourself going through mask after mask because you’ve got a mask destroyer on your hands, spending the money on this super-durable fly mask could save you in the long run.
That said, the other options I’ve listed above are also high-quality and have a proven track record if you are looking for something less expensive or for a specific situation, such as to use while riding.
