Protect Your Horse’s Face With an Equestrian Face Covering

Horses are often seen standing in fields with masks covering their heads, looking kind of like they’ve been blindfolded. But do they need to be protected from flies or bugs or are these masks actually blindfolds? The answer to the latter question is no — these masks are not blindfolds. They are, instead, a type of equestrian face covering called a fly mask or a blinder.

These are designed to be worn over a horse’s eyes and head to protect them from flying insects and the bright sun. In fact, most horses welcome the protection of a fly mask when summer arrives. This helps keep them comfortable and happy and makes it easier for the rider to concentrate on the job at hand.

In addition to protecting the face and eyes from insect bites, a good quality mask will offer UV protection. This is particularly important for light-colored horses, who can be prone to sunburn and even skin cancer. The fabric of a fly mask is often made to include UV inhibitors to reduce the amount of harmful rays that get through to the face.

Fly masks can also be useful if your horse has a cut or wound on the face. Flies are very attracted to these areas and can introduce disease or infection. By shielding the wound with a mask, you can help your horse heal faster and recover from injury more easily.

When selecting a fly mask, make sure it is adjusted snugly enough to stay on but not so tight that it rubs against the face. Look at it from different angles to see if there are any gaps near the mouth or cheekbone, as these are areas that could allow flies to enter. Also, check that the lower edge of the mask falls at least an inch below the horse’s cheekbone and that there is no gap in the throat latch area.

You can find masks that are pull-on or have zippers and hook-and-loop closures, as well as those that have fleece padding around the poll and nose to prevent rubbing. If you have a horse with long forelocks, look for a style with a hole to pull their hair through, preventing it from getting in the way of the mask.

Some face coverings also have molded eye cups, which offer greater protection for medical issues like a corneal ulcer or a cataract operation. Others have ear covers that are large enough to let your horse move his ears freely, but that will also provide some protection from insects. Some are even designed to offer far infrared heat therapy, which can speed up healing and make your horse more relaxed. In any event, it is a good idea to inspect the mask regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace it if it shows any sign of damage or is ripped.