Home Gear Guide Fly Masks Tried & Tested
Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Fly Masks

With summer on its way, we all want our horses to enjoy quality downtime and longer hours out in the field. Yet for many, irritating flies and biting insects can throw a spanner in the works. A gold-standard fly prevention strategy would be nothing without a fly mask that really works – but how can you pick a product that’s sure to provide your horse with some much-needed relief?

We’ve tested a variety of masks to help you with your search for a product that’ll stand the test of time and keep those pesky biting insects at bay.

Our testers: You can trust Horse&Rider tried and tested features to rigorously put products through their paces in real-life situations to help you make an informed decision on the right purchase for you. These fly masks got a thorough workout last summer with our testers. They were used on horses who were turned out daily at different times of the day and they were washed regularly. Our testers paid attention to the fit, ease of use, the effectiveness of the material and design. Our best in test and best value products were the most effective at keeping flies to a minimum, standing up to the job of regular wear and tear and staying on.

The products

Equilibrium Field Relief Max fly mask
RRP
£34.50

Equilibrium Field Relief Max

Offering full face protection with mesh ears and UV protection. 

  • UV protection

Mask and ears were a great fit and easy to put on. Didn’t rub and provided good coverage. Well-padded at the horse’s brow and noseband for comfort, and gave plenty of clearance around the horse’s eyes. Elasticated edges to give a snug but stretchy fit and detachable nosenet to keep out flies. Higher price point but performed well.

Lemieux Armour Shield Pro
RRP
£22.95

Lemieux Armour Shield Pro

Heavy duty mesh with bamboo lining and UV protection. 

  • Also available with nose protection
  • Also available without ears
  • UV protection

The strong, fine mesh has stood up well to wear and tear. It’s true to size, fitted well and offered plenty of protection. The forelock hole allowed the mask to sit comfortably and securely on the horse’s head while the mesh stayed away from the eyes. Washed well and in good condition despite regular use, so offers great value for money.

Felix Bühler Basic fly mask
RRP
£17.90

Felix Bühler Basic

Lightweight, fitted fly mask with fleece edging and soft mesh ears.

 

“Came up true to size around the face, but the ears were a snug fit. The two Velcro tabs at the back were a little fiddly but worked well to keep the mask securely in place. Padded forehead and fleece binding prevented rubs, and mesh stayed away from the horse’s eyes. The forelock hole offered added comfort and prevented rubs. It has worn and washed well.”

Woof Wear UV fly mask
RRP
£24.99

Woof Wear UV

With stretchy breathable fabric to prevent rubbing and fine UV mesh.

  • Also available with nose protection
  • Also available without ears
  • UV protection

The mask offered great coverage and the fabric around the mesh allowed for a close, comfortable fit without heating up the horse during the warmer months. The ears had plenty of room and it stayed secure with the double Velcro fastenings. The mask was worn for long periods of turnout, didn’t show any signs of rubbing and is still in good condition.

Kentucky Slim Fit fly mask
RRP
£40.00

Kentucky Slim Fit

Lycra fabric that fits like a second skin with zip and popper fastenings.

  • UV protection

Breathable, lightweight fabric that kept the horse cool. True to size, easy to fit and secure due to its stretchy fabric and back zip fastening. Stayed in place during turnout and the mesh around the eyes kept it off the horse’s face. Although pricer than others, it’s going into its second summer with no signs of wear and tear, so worth the investment. 

Harrison Howard Maskology Supreme fly mask
RRP
£27.99

Harrison Howard Maskology Supreme

Durable mesh for enhanced protection and comfort. Detachable nose. 

  • UV protection

Soft, comfortable edges ideal for sensitive horses. Secure, strong Velcro fittings ensured the mask didn’t come off. The raised frame over the eyes kept the mask from getting in the horse’s eyes and prevented rubbing. Mesh ears offered extra protection. The detachable nosenet was a useful feature. It has kept its shape and washed well with regular use. 

Bucas Buzz Off Zebra
RRP
£15.00

Bucas Buzz Off Zebra fly mask

Lightweight, fine mesh with zebra print. Features eye darts.

  • Also available without ears
  • Also available with nose protection
  • UV protection

The mask is very lightweight and, while there wasn’t much structure to the soft mesh, the darts kept it off the horse’s eyes. Generous in size and didn’t rub, but, despite relatively strong and secure Velcro strap, it did come off on days the horse was especially playful. Breathable material kept the horse cool and the ears offered extra coverage and a great fit.

Shires Air Motion fly mask
RRP
£21.99

Shires Air Motion

Made from breathable mesh with added UV protection. 

  • Also available with nose protection
  • UV protection

The light, flexible material kept the horse cool and held its shape well. Not the deepest mask so would suit finer types, but didn’t rub and the ears were generous in size. The wide Velcro fastening was secure, easy to use and the mask stayed in place all day. Great for regular use because it washed well and dried quickly.  

Decathlon Fouganza 500
RRP
£14.99

Decathlon Fouganza 500

Fleece trimmed with a semi-rigid mesh designed to allow wide field of vision.

 

The elasticated edging offered a snug fit that kept out flies and, though sizing was generous, gave great coverage. The mesh stayed off the horse’s eyes and Velcro fastenings kept the mask in place. Mesh ears seemed to keep the horse cool, even during very hot weather, and overall the mask has stood up well to wear and washing.

Busse Twin Fit fly mask
RRP
£32.90

Busse Twin Fit

Stretchy, second skin fit with soft mesh ears and central zip. 

Close-fitting mask that stayed secure all day long. Its unique zip fastening worked well but you needed to perfect the technique to avoid catching hairs when doing it up. Easy to put on and the mesh ears fitted well. The eye mesh had plenty of clearance and sat well away from the horses face. The forlock hole allowed the mask to sit comfortably.  

Horseware Amigo fly mask
RRP
£19.95

Horseware Amigo fly mask

Durable material with comfortable fleece edging. 

  • UV protection

A traditional style mask that’s proven hardwearing. The fleece edging provides a comfortable fit and helps to block gaps between the mask and the face. The mesh is structured so stays away from the horse’s eyes and face, however proved easier than others to get off. The ears are soft and generous in size, and overall the mask is showing very minimal signs of wear and tear. 

Weatherbeeta Comfitec fine mesh
RRP
£19.99

Weatherbeeta Comfitec fine mesh

Designed with fine mesh and double darts for the perfect fit. 

  • Also available without ears
  • Also available with nose protection
  • UV protection

Offered a great fit. The soft material felt like it’d be really comfortable and kept the horse cool while the darts near the eyes kept the mesh away from the eyes. The fleece edging and stretch poll area ensured a close, snug fit and the two touch-tape tabs kept it secure. Great value for all the extra details and the added bonus of UV protection. Still looks like new.   

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