Proper horse husbandry is an intricate and challenging affair that requires extensive knowledge on how to adequately care for a horse. In the process of researching the best care techniques, you will likely come across fly masks.
You might be wondering when to use fly masks and whether it is okay to leave them on your horses overnight.
Typically, horses do not require a fly mask at night and are generally safer without it. However, some horses with eye conditions or who are especially sensitive to flies might be advised by their veterinarian to wear a fly mask at night. While a fly mask does not impair vision during the daylight, it will slightly impair your horse’s vision in the dark, so head caution, so they do not get injured in the night due to their impaired vision.
If your horse does require a fly mask at night, be sure to regularly check on your horse’s health and make sure to remove the mask from time-to-time to prevent rubbing and irritation around the head. While fly masks prevent irritating bugs from bothering your horse, fly masks themselves can be an irritation. Read on for more details about proper fly masking!
When to Put a Fly Mask on a Horse
You will know when to put a fly mask on a horse because you will see flies swarming your horse at an unusually frequent rate. Most horse owners can anticipate this by putting preventative fly masks on their horses as the seasons change, and the weather grows hotter.
Flies tend to come out more in the summer months, so have a fly mask at the ready come June-July so that your horse does not spend too many days unprotected.
Fly masks are also good ideas in the summertime, not just to protect your horse from bothersome insects, but to provide facial protection from harsh UV rays.
Can Horses See Out of Fly Masks?
Fly masks are made of semi-transparent materials that allow horses to see and hear while wearing it. As previously stated, horses can see quite well in fly masks during the day.
However, their vision is somewhat impaired in fly masks at night, as the combination of mesh and darkness makes it more difficult to see.
Why Do Horses Wear Fly Masks?
Fly masks protect horses from insects and intense sunlight during the summer or periods of high heat. They are designed to provide comfort, and most horses do not mind wearing them when relief from flies and heat are given.
Fly masks can also be worn when a horse has an eye infection or some other kind of ailment that must be nurtured and protected from insects.
How Should a Fly Mask Fit?
You want your horse’s fly mask to fit properly and lie smoothly on their face. The lower ridge of the mask should fall just an inch below your horse’s cheekbones.
If it does not fit this way, then a gap may occur near the cheekbone, large enough to allow flies entry to your horse’s jaw, causing further agitation to your horse as your horse now can’t encourage the flies to escape the mask.
Ideally, you also want most of your horse’s face covered as well, if your horse does not mind. Some horses have little tolerance for full face masks. However, a full fly mask will provide the most amount of protection.
Your horse’s fly mask should not contact their eyes (even their eyelashes). This is crucial to prevent unnecessary damage to your horse’s corneas. Fly masks that touch horses’ eyes can cause corneal ulcers.
To ensure no contact between the fly mask and a horse’s eyes occur, a fly mask should have darts or rounded eye areas that cause the mask to rise upward to ensure full clearance and space around your horses’ eyes. Be diligent about checking every single angle as it sits on your horses face to ensure utmost safety and precaution.
While you do want your horse’s face mask to fit closely and comfortably, you don’t want it to be too tight on the face and jaw. A comfortable fit allows you to slip a finger in between the mask and your horses face with ease. If you can’t do this, the mask is too tight and will cause pain and sores on your horse’s mask.
A fly mask does not need to fit super snuggly because flies typically try to force their way into a mask. If there is a large gap, they will enter the mask, but they won’t try to nose through a mask that is snug but not tight.
The Best Fly Masks
The best type of fly masks are lightweight, made with a non-abrasive material with soft lining and, protect the horse from UV rays.
Equilibrium Field Relief Midi Fly Mask W/ UV Protection
This sleek, lightweight midi field fly mask by Equilibrium is ideal for the horse who cannot tolerate a full face mask. It is UV protective, keeping at bay at least 70% of the sun’s rays. This mask is also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean, so your horse is not exposed to unhealthy bacteria.
The material includes soft padding at the brow and around the noseband to prevent chaffing and comes with adjustable fastenings for the cheeks and ears.
Notice too how the mask protrudes outward above the eyes, ensuring ample clearance for the horses’ eyes and eyelashes. This is one of the more highly rated masks and runs around $50.
Cashel Crusader Long Nose Fly Mask W/ Ears
This full-face fly mask by Cashel Crusader is an excellent full coverage mask for the horse who does not make having their nose protected. It covers a horse’s face from ears to the nose and provides 70% protection from harmful UV rays.
It is a top-rated fly mask that also boasts recommendations from equine clinicians and veterinarians.
This fly mask is designed both with full protection and comfort in mind, made with soft coated nylon micro-mesh. Your horse will be shielded from flies, insects, and the sun, without impairing their vision or causing chafing. This Cashel Crusader mask runs around $30, which is inexpensive as far as adequate fly masks go!
This mask is offered in multiple colors ranging from grey, black to a light pink color! If visual aesthetics is a concern for you, this full-face fly mask is the way to go.
The Key Take Away
Unless instructed by your veterinarian, you do not need to put a fly mask on your horses overnight. While it will certainly keep the flies away, it can impair your horses’ vision at night, and keeping the fly mask on 24/7 can be a nuisance to your horse (as much as flies can be.)
It is paramount you invest in comfortable and effective fly masks so that your horse does not experience undue weight on their heads or uncomfortable chaffing.
Check your horse’s fly mask every day. If they seem agitated by a full-face fly mask, invest in a mask that only covers the eyes and ears.
Check for worn or torn areas of the mask and inspect your horse’s face daily to ensure they are experiencing no discomfort from the fly mask itself and that the fly mask is still serving its purpose. If your horse is outside roaming most of the time, invest in a mask that is both UV protective and lightweight.