Which UV fly mask should you choose for turnout?
In the field or paddock, horses spend long hours exposed to the sun and to repeated attacks from biting insects. A UV fly mask acts as a protective barrier, reducing restlessness in the herd and shielding the eyes from dust and midges. On very sunny days, a UV fly mask also cuts glare and helps prevent irritation around the eyelids.
Depending on your horse's activity and turnout routine, several designs can meet its needs:
- Pre-shaped structure: a rigid fabric keeps the mesh away from the eyelids so the eyelashes can move freely without touching the material, as on the EQUITHEME Anti-Fly Anti-UV Hoop Mask or the ABSORBINE Ultrashield Fly Mask.
- Stretchy, close-fitting fabric: to stop small insects slipping in under the edges, a supple lycra mask fits snugly around the head, like the Lami-Cell Lycra Fly Mask or the Equithème "LYCRA" fly mask.
- Fine, high-filtration mesh: a UV mask gives a clear view while softening the brightness, as with the Equithème Protec anti-UV fly mask or the COVALLIERO fly mask with UV protection.
Fly mask or fly hood for horses in work?
The question of kit comes up as soon as you move from turnout to ridden work. A fly hood is handy in the arena or out hacking to stop the head-shaking caused by flies and horseflies buzzing around the ears.
For flatwork, lunging or jumping, several options fit with your usual tack:
- Knitted ears under the bridle: worn directly under the headpiece of the bridle, the Lami-Cell Fly Hood with Ears or the Lami-Cell "TITANIUM" Hood with ears covers the ears without interfering with your contact.
- Lightweight riding mask: for summer sessions when insects also bother the eyes, the EQUITHÈME "Training" fly mask can be worn with your tack and leaves the field of vision clear.
- Moving forehead protection: designed without a rigid panel over the eyes, the RIDING WORLD lightweight fringed fly mask keeps midges away as the tassels swing with every stride.
How do you choose ear and nose options?
Every horse has its own build and skin sensitivity. By watching how your horse reacts to insects, you can work out how much protection it needs:
- Built-in ear protection: soft mesh covering the ears protects them from bites, as on the EQUITHEME Anti-Fly Anti-UV Extra Mask.
- Nose cover: horses with pink or unpigmented skin on the muzzle benefit from protection against glare, as on the COVALLIERO fly mask with ear and nose protection or the QHP fly mask with detachable nose flap.
- Modular system: to adapt to the weather and the number of flies, the EQUITHEME Anti-Fly Anti-UV 2-in-1 Mask lets you adjust the level of coverage as needed.