Why would a horse need a fly mask?

A fly mask is a piece of gear used on horses heads to cover the eyes, jaw, and sometimes the ears and muzzle to protect them from flies and other biting insects. Fly masks can also provide UV protection to the face and eyes of a horse and there are even fly masks that are treated with insect-repellents.

Are fly masks necessary for horses?

A full mane, forelock, and tail act as nature's fly-protection system for your horse. But if your horse isn't so endowed, you may need to consider a fly mask.

Why do people put fly masks on horses?

A fly mask or fly cap is a mask used on horses to cover the eyes, jaw, and sometimes the ears and muzzle to protect from flies. The mask is semi-transparent and made from a mesh allowing the horse to see and hear while wearing it.

When should you use a fly mask?

A fly mask is a cover used to protect the sensitive areas of the eyes, face and sometimes ears of a horse from irritating flies and other biting insects.

Can you ride a horse with a fly mask on?

Horses can be ridden wearing fly masks if it doesn't obscure your animals vision. Before riding a horse with a fly mask, ensure it doesn't interfere with your horses' bit or reins and allows adequate viewing. Most horse owners buy fly masks for their horses without thinking about riding with them on.

Taking Care Of Horses: Safety and Importance of Fly Masks

How often should a horse wear fly mask?

Generally, a horse doesn't need to wear a fly mask at night. If your horse has an eye condition and has been advised by a vet to wear a fly mask overnight, Field Relief fly masks can be left on 24/7. Note, whilst fly masks allow for clear visibility during the day, they may impair your horse's night vision.

Should you leave a fly mask on a horse overnight?

To ensure your horse has a happy & healthy summer, free from the harm and irritation of flies and protection from the UV rays, we've provide our tips to understanding fly mask use below: Remove fly masks at night for better visibility, unless advised otherwise for a medical reason.

Can my horse wear a fly mask in the rain?

Finally, horses can wear fly masks in the rain, but because the covers are semi-transparent and constructed of mesh, heavy rain might obstruct a horse's vision, especially if your horse enjoys rolling in fresh mud.

How do you put a fly mask on a horse?

Rub the mask up and down the horse's face as before, but leave it hanging over one of the horse's ears. Many young horses can be sensitive about having their ears touched. This is a great time to make sure your horse is super comfortable about having his ears handled.

How do you clean a horse fly mask?

To wash your fly mask, remove excess dirt with a hose or stiff brush. Hand washing recommended with mild soap. If machine washed, use a cool, gentle cycle. Line dry and do not tumble dry.

Can horses see out of fly masks?

Can Horses See Through Fly Masks? While horses can see well enough through a fly mask, the mask does limit their vision and depth perception.

Why would you blindfold a horse?

When giving your horse an injection, covering the eye on the side of the injection so he can't see the needle can calm your horse and keep him from tensing his veins and muscles, making the injection easier. A blindfold helps vets diagnose neurological conditions, as well as abnormal sensitivity to sunlight.

Why do they put hoods on horses?

Horse hoods are used to keep the mane and forelock clean, tamed, trained and in good condition. Some owners keep their show horse's in a hood whenever they are stalled, and others use a hood after braiding or banding to help hold them neatly in place.

When should I put a fly sheet on my horse?

If your horse has any scrapes or cuts on his body, a fly sheet can also keep bugs away from those areas where they would normally be drawn to lay eggs or cause infection.

Do fly veils work?

A fly veil avoids that your horse gets annoyed and starts shaking his head every time an insect is buzzing around his ears. This will improve his focus and will come in handy when you're on a competition. For the horses that are really sensitive to flies and need a little more protection we've developed a fly mask.

How do you fit a fly mask?

Find the Mask that Fits

Here are the critical points to check for fit: Muzzle: The mask's lower edge needs to reach one to one and a half inches below the bottom of your horse's cheekbone; otherwise the cheekbone creates a gap under the edge of the mask through which flies can easily pass.

How do I keep gnats out of my horses ears?

Insecticide cattle ear tags can be fastened to the halter or braided into the mane to decease many fly issues. You can buy these from Valley Vet, or a more local option like Farm and Fleet. Certainly the most effective tool to prevent fly irritation is a full face fly mask that incorporates the ears.

Can you leave a horse fly mask on all the time?

Leave fly masks on for extended periods. It is better for the health of the horse that the fly mask is taken off a few times a day. Allow poorly fitting masks can scratch your horse's eyes. This could lead to corneal ulcers.

What are horse fly boots?

Fly Boots for Horses are a mesh boot that is designed to protect your horse's legs from insect bites, agitating flies that can cause them endless hours of stomping, which can cause hoof problems, loose shoes, and a frustrated horse.

Should I get a fly mask with or without ears?

Fly masks come with ear covers or ear holes, so it's up to you to decide what's best for your horse. If you clip around your horse's ears, he'll have less protection from bugs – that might make a fly mask with ear covers more desirable.

Why do the horse owners cover their horse's eyes with blinkers?

The blinders cover the rear vision of the horse, forcing it to look only in a forward direction and keeping it on track. Blinders are also useful to reduce the chances of the horse being spooked and making a run for it while still attached to the wagon.

Why are horses eyes on the side of their head?

Horses, like most prey animals, have their eyes positioned on both sides of their head. This is so that they can have a wide field of vision t to watch for approaching predators.