Fly Protection

Fly protection for horses

Horseflies, house flies, black flies and deer keds can turn a fine summer day into a restless one. Effective protection usually comes in two parts: a physical barrier at the most sensitive places, and a product on the coat. 18 items from 4.50 to 129 euro.

Fly masks

The mask protects eyes and ears – where insects are most persistent and do the most harm. Our plain masks start at 12 euro, with ears from 14 euro. The Cashel fly mask with ears and UV protection at 29 euro and the version with ears and nose cover at 36.50 euro also cover the sensitive bridge of the nose. From Absorbine there is the mask with ears and UV protection at 55 euro.

UV protection: who really needs it

Horses with pale noses, blazes and little pigment genuinely get sunburnt on the bridge of the nose. For them a mask with UV protection and a nose piece is not a comfort item but the whole point. On darkly pigmented horses it is more about insects and about keeping a dark coat from bleaching.

Masks for riding

The Professional's Choice fly mask with ears at 37 euro can be worn under the bridle without interfering with the headstall. If you ride out in summer and watch your horse shake its head the whole way, this solves a problem no spray will.

Hoods, fringes, tail bags

The HKM Air-Mesh fly hood is 16 euro, the plain black hood 10 euro, the Flexible fly mask 15 euro. Fly fringes at 4.50 euro attach to the halter or bridle and keep insects away from the eyes – the simplest and oldest solution there is. The tail bag at 9 euro protects the tail from being rubbed away when the horse swishes constantly.

Sprays and repellents

TaonX horsefly repellent in the 1000 ml bottle is 38.50 euro, Cit Bremsentod 29.50 euro. Absorbine Ultra Shield Black comes in 0.94 litre at 46 euro and as a 3.8 litre refill at 129 euro – it smells of citrus rather than chemicals and works against flies, mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Worth knowing: in Germany, because of its ingredients, it is approved as a stable spray, not for application to the animal.

More insect sprays, including the vegan and pH-neutral products by Huebeli, are in insect repellent.

Rugs against insects

The fly rug with neck cover at 39 euro covers body and neck. More fly rugs and summer sheets are in rain and fly rugs.

Getting the size right

Fly masks come in sizes based on head shape – narrower cuts for Arabians, standard sizes for Quarter Horses and most western horses, larger ones for warmbloods. The mask must not touch the eyes: there has to be room between mesh and eye, or it rubs every time the horse blinks.

Frequently asked questions

Which fly mask for a Quarter Horse?
Usually the standard size. Arabians need a narrower cut, warmbloods a larger one.

Can you ride in a fly mask?
In the models made for it, yes – the Professional's Choice mask is worn under the bridle. Ordinary turnout masks are not intended for riding.

Does my horse need UV protection?
Mainly horses with a pale, unpigmented nose. They really do get sunburnt there.

Can Absorbine Ultra Shield Black go on the horse?
In Germany it is approved as a stable spray. For application to the animal there are other products in the range.

How do I clean a fly mask?
Shake out dust and hair, hand wash cold if needed and dry in the air. Mesh does not tolerate high temperatures.