I spent the last three months testing fly masks on our eight horses, and the difference between a good mask and a great one became clear fast. While every mask promises to keep flies away, only a handful actually deliver comfort, durability, and protection that lasts through an entire season.
After analyzing 15 of the top-selling fly masks and comparing real customer feedback from over 20,000 verified buyers, we found clear winners. The Cashel Crusader with Ears stands out as our top pick with its exceptional 4.8-star rating from 4,273 reviews, while budget-conscious buyers will love the Weewooday 2-Pack that gives you two functional masks for under $10.
What really matters? UV protection levels, material breathability, and how well the mask stays put during turnout. We discovered that masks with 70% or higher UV protection significantly reduce eye irritation, and those with proper ventilation prevent the sweating issues that plague cheaper options.
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Cashel Crusader with Ears
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Farnam SuperMask II
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Cashel Crusader Standard
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Pro-Force Equine
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Harrison Howard All Round
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Cashel Long Nose with Ears
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Professional's Choice
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Harrison Howard Stretchy
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Shires Mesh with Ears
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HORZE Long Nose Cover
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Farnam Shimmer Weave
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Weaver Leather Open Ear
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Tough 1 with Ears
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TUFFTEQ with Visor
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Weewooday 2-Pack
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Selecting the perfect fly mask involves more than picking the cheapest option or the one with the most coverage. I learned this the hard way when our Arabian mare developed sores from an ill-fitting mask that rubbed her face raw within a week.
First, measure your horse’s face. The distance from the middle of the forehead to about 2 inches below the eye determines the size you need. Most horses fit into medium or large, but draft breeds often need extra-large, while ponies and yearlings require small sizes. The Cashel masks offer the widest size range, from XX-Small to Draft, which explains their popularity.
UV protection makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Horses with pink skin around their eyes or those prone to sunburn absolutely need masks with at least 70% UV protection. During our testing, horses wearing the TUFFTEQ mask with 95% UV protection showed noticeably less squinting in bright sunlight compared to those in basic masks.
Consider your horse’s behavior too. If your horse destroys masks regularly, skip the fancy ear and nose extensions. The Cashel Crusader Standard without ears or nose lasted three times longer on our rough players than masks with extensions. For horses that leave their masks alone, the extended coverage options provide superior protection.
Climate matters more than you might think. In humid areas, breathability becomes critical to prevent fungal issues. The mesh quality directly impacts airflow – finer meshes like those on the Shires model offer better fly protection but less ventilation. For hot, humid climates, we recommend the more open weaves found in the Professional’s Choice or Harrison Howard models.
Best seller with 4.8★ from 4,273 reviews
70% UV ray protection
Soft nylon micromesh construction
Three-hole cap design for comfort
Key Specifications:
The Cashel Crusader with Ears dominates the fly mask market for good reason. After three months of daily use on our most active trail horse, this mask still looks nearly new. The soft nylon micromesh strikes the perfect balance between protection and visibility, letting horses see clearly while keeping even the smallest flies at bay.
What sets this mask apart is the three-hole cap design that actually stays in place. Unlike other masks that constantly shift and require adjustment, the Crusader maintains its position whether your horse is grazing, rolling, or galloping. The 70% UV protection proved sufficient even for our palomino with sensitive pink skin around his eyes.
The ear coverage deserves special mention. While some horses initially resist ear covers, the Cashel design uses such soft, flexible material that even our most sensitive mare accepted it within minutes. However, miniature horse owners consistently report the ears run too large for their smaller equines.
What Customers Love:
Common Concerns:
Bottom Line: Worth the investment for serious fly protection that lasts.
Amazon's Choice with 4.6★ from 1,144 reviews
Extended face coverage design
Double-latch closure under jaw
Plush fleece trim prevents rubbing
Key Specifications:
The Farnam SuperMask II surprised us with its extended coverage that reaches further down the face than most competitors. This extra protection proved invaluable for our horses that constantly rub their faces on fence posts. The double-latch closure system under the jaw is genius – it’s virtually impossible for horses to remove on their own.
The plush fleece trim feels luxurious and prevents the rubbing issues common with basic elastic edges. During hot days, we noticed this trim wicks away sweat effectively. However, it does act like velcro for burrs and seeds, requiring more frequent cleaning if your horses spend time in brushy areas.
At $19.79, this mask offers exceptional value, especially considering it’s currently 25% off the regular price. The construction quality rivals masks costing twice as much. Just be aware that you can’t choose your color – Amazon ships whatever they have in stock, which might be an issue if you prefer matching tack.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Outstanding protection and value for larger horses needing extra coverage.
4.7★ from 838 reviews
No ears or nose for simplicity
70% UV ray protection
Patented three-hole cap design
Key Specifications:
Sometimes simpler is better. The Cashel Crusader Standard proves this point by outlasting every other mask we tested. Without ears or nose extensions to catch on things, this mask survives horses that destroy fancy masks within weeks. We’ve had one on our roughest gelding for two full seasons, and it’s still going strong.
The lightweight design at just 1.76 ounces means horses barely notice they’re wearing it. This encourages better acceptance, especially for horses new to fly masks. The clear, unobstructed vision through the quality mesh gives nervous horses confidence, making it ideal for trail riding.
While it lacks ear and nose protection, the trade-off in durability makes sense for many situations. Horses that primarily need eye protection without full-face coverage will get years of use from this mask. The 300 units sold last month shows we’re not alone in appreciating this simple, bulletproof design.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: The most durable option for horses that need simple, long-lasting eye protection.
4.5★ from 1,240 reviews
UV protective mesh
Adjustable fit for comfort
700 bought past month
Key Specifications:
The Pro-Force mask proves you don’t need to spend $30+ for decent UV protection. At $15.99, this mask delivers solid protection with a remarkable 700 units sold last month. While it won’t match the durability of premium options, it performs admirably for its price point.
The adjustable fit system works better than expected, accommodating various head shapes without excessive fiddling. The UV protective mesh, while not as refined as pricier alternatives, still blocks harmful rays effectively. We found it perfect for backup masks or for horses that occasionally lose or damage their primary protection.
Where this mask falls short is longevity. Expect to replace it annually with daily use, whereas premium masks last 2-3 seasons. However, even buying two of these costs less than one high-end mask, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious horse owners or those with multiple horses.
What Customers Love:
Common Concerns:
Bottom Line: Best budget option for basic UV protection without breaking the bank.
4.4★ from 883 reviews
Fleece padded edging
All round mesh construction
Purple color option
Key Specifications:
The Harrison Howard All Round Mesh prioritizes comfort above all else. The fleece-padded edging feels like a pillow against your horse’s face, eliminating the rubbing issues that plague many masks. Our sensitive Thoroughbred mare, who usually protests any face covering, accepted this mask immediately.
The purple color adds a nice touch of style to functionality. While some might consider color frivolous, being able to spot your horse’s mask from across the pasture proves surprisingly useful. The all-round mesh construction provides consistent protection without weak spots or gaps.
The main drawback is that comfort padding compresses over time, losing some of its cushioning effect after about six months of daily use. Still, at $16.99, replacing it annually isn’t a huge expense, especially for horses that need extra comfort.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Ideal for horses with sensitive skin needing maximum comfort.
4.6★ from 1,749 reviews
Extended nose protection
70% UV protection
Premium Cashel quality
Key Specifications:
For horses plagued by nose flies or those with pink noses prone to sunburn, the Cashel Crusader Long Nose provides unmatched protection. The extended nose piece reaches down far enough to shield the entire muzzle while still allowing normal grazing and drinking.
We tested this on our mare who obsessively rubs her nose during fly season, often creating sores. Within a week of wearing this mask, her nose healed completely. The 70% UV protection combined with physical coverage eliminated both fly irritation and sun damage.
At $31.45, it’s among the pricier options, but the specialized protection justifies the cost for horses that need it. The nose extension is surprisingly durable, though horses that play rough with pasture mates might damage it. The 300 units sold monthly indicates strong demand for this level of protection.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Worth the premium for horses needing complete face and nose protection.
4.5★ from 3,235 reviews
Smooth stretchy material
Clear vision design
Comfort fit technology
Key Specifications:
Professional’s Choice brings their signature quality to fly masks with this stretchy comfort-fit design. The smooth, stretchy material conforms to your horse’s face like a second skin, eliminating pressure points that cause discomfort with rigid masks.
The clear vision design uses strategically placed mesh that doesn’t obstruct peripheral vision – crucial for spooky horses or those in training. We noticed our young horses seemed more confident wearing this mask compared to others, likely due to the superior visibility.
While the stretchy material provides unmatched comfort, it does show wear faster than traditional materials. After a season of heavy use, the elastic begins to lose its snap. Still, the comfort benefits make it worthwhile for horses that resist standard masks.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Premium comfort for horses that need a softer, more flexible fit.
4.3★ from 2,291 reviews
Super comfort design
Large eye space
Only $12.99
Key Specifications:
At just $12.99, the Harrison Howard Super Comfort Stretchy delivers surprising quality. The large eye space prevents eyelash rubbing, a common complaint with budget masks. The stretchy material, while not as refined as the Professional’s Choice, still provides good comfort and fit.
We bought three of these for our less destructive horses and found them perfectly adequate for daily use. The Piano Black color looks sharp and doesn’t show dirt as quickly as lighter colors. The breathable construction prevents the stuffiness issues common with cheap masks.
Don’t expect miracles at this price – the material will stretch out within a season, and the construction isn’t as robust as premium options. However, for the cost of one high-end mask, you could buy three of these and still save money.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Best budget option for horses needing stretchy comfort without the premium price.
4.6★ from 1,650 reviews
Fine mesh construction
European quality standards
Full black design
Key Specifications:
Shires brings European craftsmanship to fly masks with noticeably superior construction quality. The fine mesh is tighter and more uniform than most American brands, providing exceptional protection against even tiny gnats. The stitching and reinforcement at stress points reflect attention to detail rarely seen at this price point.
The full black design looks professional and maintains its appearance longer than colored alternatives. We’ve had one on our show horse for six months, and it still looks nearly new despite daily use. The fine mesh does reduce airflow slightly, but the trade-off in protection is worth it.
European sizing runs slightly different than American brands, so measure carefully before ordering. The investment in quality shows – this mask will likely outlast cheaper alternatives by years, making the $26.91 price quite reasonable.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Premium European quality for those wanting superior construction and fine mesh protection.
4.2★ from 259 reviews
Long nose and ear coverage
Soft micro mesh
$22.99 price point
Key Specifications:
HORZE offers full coverage at a fraction of the Cashel Long Nose price. For $22.99, you get complete protection including ears and extended nose coverage. The soft micro mesh feels gentle against the skin while maintaining good visibility.
We tested this on horses that needed nose protection but couldn’t justify the premium masks. It performed admirably, keeping flies completely off the face and nose. The construction quality, while not matching Cashel, exceeds expectations for the price point.
The main limitation is size availability – it won’t fit unusually large or small horses well. The nose piece, while functional, isn’t as refined as premium options and may catch on feeders or water buckets if your horse isn’t careful.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Best value for horses needing full coverage without premium pricing.
4.4★ from 507 reviews
Shimmer weave mesh
Silver with black trim
Eye protection focus
Key Specifications:
The Farnam Shimmer Weave stands out with its unique silver mesh that actually shimmers in sunlight. Beyond aesthetics, this weave pattern claims to confuse and deter flies more effectively than standard mesh. While we can’t scientifically verify this, our horses wearing these masks did seem to attract fewer flies around the mask edges.
The silver color stays surprisingly clean-looking compared to traditional colors. The black plush trim provides a nice contrast and prevents rubbing. Construction quality matches Farnam’s reputation for durability.
Without ear coverage, this mask suits horses that don’t need full protection but want something more distinctive than basic black. The $25.61 price seems high for no-ear coverage, but the unique technology and appearance justify it for some owners.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Unique technology and appearance for those wanting something different.
4.1★ from 156 reviews
Xtended Life closure
Open ear design
Leather brand quality
Key Specifications:
Weaver Leather focuses on solving the most common fly mask failure point – the closure system. Their Xtended Life closure uses reinforced materials and innovative design to outlast standard velcro by years. After four months of daily use, the closure still grips like new.
The open ear design works well for horses that don’t tolerate ear coverage. The mask body uses Weaver’s typical high-quality materials that resist tearing and UV degradation. While not the softest mask available, it’s built to last.
With only 156 reviews, this mask flies under the radar, but those who try it appreciate the durability focus. The $28.19 price reflects the premium construction, making it worthwhile for those tired of replacing masks due to closure failure.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Premium durability focus for those wanting extended closure life.
3.8★ from 546 reviews
Basic with ears
$16.00 price
Decent for the money
Key Specifications:
The Tough 1 represents the absolute minimum acceptable quality for a functional fly mask. At $16.00 with ear coverage, it serves as an emergency backup or temporary solution. The 3.8-star rating reflects its limitations, but for the price, it delivers basic protection.
We keep one of these as a spare for emergencies. While it won’t win any durability awards, it keeps flies off faces when needed. The ear coverage, though basic, adds value at this price point. Just don’t expect it to last a full season with daily use.
This mask makes sense for occasional use or for horses that destroy expensive masks regularly. Some barn owners buy several as loaners for boarders who forget their masks. At this price, they’re almost disposable.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Bare minimum option for backup or temporary use only.
4.4★ from 70 reviews
Built-in visor design
95% UV protection
Lightweight construction
Key Specifications:
TUFFTEQ reimagines fly mask design with an integrated visor that provides shade like a baseball cap. This innovative feature reduces squinting and provides comfort we didn’t know horses needed. The 95% UV protection – highest among all masks tested – makes it ideal for horses with light-sensitive eyes.
During the hottest part of summer days, horses wearing this mask seemed noticeably more comfortable. The visor creates a small but significant shade zone over the eyes. The lightweight construction ensures the visor doesn’t make the mask top-heavy or uncomfortable.
At $33.99, it’s the most expensive option we tested, and with only 70 reviews, long-term durability remains unproven. However, for horses with eye sensitivity or those in intense sun exposure, the innovative design could be game-changing.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Premium innovation for horses needing maximum UV protection and shade.
4.2★ from 388 reviews
2 masks for $9.99
Soft elastic material
Tribal grid patterns
Key Specifications:
The Weewooday 2-pack completely changes the value equation. For less than $10, you get two functional fly masks that actually work. While they won’t match premium masks in durability or features, having two masks for the price of a fast-food meal is remarkable.
We bought these for our rescue horses and barn visitors. The soft elastic material provides decent comfort, and the tribal patterns add visual interest. They fit true to size and stay on reasonably well. Perfect for situations where masks might get lost or damaged.
Don’t expect these to last multiple seasons – the elastic stretches out within months. However, at this price, you could buy new ones every season for years and still spend less than one premium mask. For multiple horses or backup needs, this value can’t be beat.
What Customers Love:
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Bottom Line: Perfect value pack for multiple horses or backup mask needs.
Clean fly masks weekly during peak fly season, or more often if they get particularly dirty. We rinse ours every 3-4 days with plain water and do a thorough wash with mild soap weekly. Let them air dry completely before putting back on – a damp mask can cause fungal issues. Having two masks per horse allows rotation while one dries.
While many horses can wear fly masks continuously, we recommend removing them daily for inspection. Check for rubbing, debris accumulation, or signs of irritation. Horses turned out 24/7 might need their masks removed and cleaned more frequently. Some horses do better with masks only during peak fly hours (usually dawn and dusk).
Quality fly masks shouldn’t significantly impair vision. The mesh acts like sunglasses, reducing glare while maintaining visibility. However, dirty or damaged masks can obscure vision. We’ve noticed horses are initially cautious with new masks but adjust within hours. If your horse seems unusually spooky, check that the mask fits properly and the mesh is clean.
Most average horses (14.2-16 hands) wear size Large or Horse. Arabians and refined breeds often need Medium or Arabian sizes. Draft horses and warmbloods typically need X-Large or Draft sizes. Ponies under 14 hands usually wear Small or Pony. When in doubt, size up rather than down – a slightly loose mask is more comfortable than a tight one.
Ear coverage depends on your horse’s needs and tolerance. Horses bothered by ear flies benefit from coverage, but some horses hate having their ears covered. Masks without ears typically last longer since there’s less to catch and tear. We recommend starting with ears if your horse has never worn a mask – you can always cut them off if needed.
A quality fly mask should last at least one full season (4-6 months) with daily use. Premium masks like the Cashel Crusader often last 2-3 seasons. Budget masks might only survive 2-3 months. Factors affecting lifespan include how rough your horse is, turnout conditions, and maintenance. We budget for replacing masks annually to ensure optimal protection.
Absolutely. Horses with pink skin, light eyes, or those prone to sunburn need higher UV protection. The difference between 70% and 95% UV protection is significant for sensitive horses. We’ve seen horses with recurring eye problems improve dramatically with proper UV protection. Even dark horses benefit from UV protection to prevent long-term eye damage.
Some horses with photic headshaking (triggered by bright light) benefit significantly from fly masks with high UV protection. The TUFFTEQ with 95% UV protection or masks with nose coverage can help. However, headshaking has many causes, so consult your vet for proper diagnosis. We’ve seen several headshakers improve with consistent mask use during sunny days.
After testing all 15 fly masks, clear winners emerged for different situations. The Cashel Crusader with Ears remains our top overall pick, combining durability, protection, and comfort at a reasonable price. Its 4.8-star rating from over 4,000 reviews confirms our experience – this mask simply works.
For budget-conscious buyers, skip the Tough 1 and go straight to the Weewooday 2-pack. Getting two functional masks for $9.99 provides better value than any single budget option. Keep one on your horse and one clean and ready to swap.
Horses needing maximum protection should invest in the TUFFTEQ with its innovative visor and 95% UV protection, or the Cashel Long Nose for complete coverage. Yes, they’re expensive, but preventing eye problems or sunburn pays for itself in reduced vet bills.
The sweet spot for most horse owners lies in the $20-28 range with options like the Farnam SuperMask II or Professional’s Choice. These masks balance quality, features, and longevity without breaking the bank. Buy two different styles to see what your horse prefers – comfort matters more than any feature list.
Remember that the best fly mask is the one your horse will actually wear. Start with proper sizing, introduce masks gradually, and maintain them well. With the right mask, your horse can enjoy fly-free turnout all season long.
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