Tough1 Plaid Mesh Fly Mask

One horse owner shares her story as to why she chooses to put flywear on her horses to protect them from not only biting insects, but from the harmful UV rays of the sun. From battling allergies to eye injuries, Jackie's selection of flywear for her Miniature Horse, Olivia, and Quarab, Sierra, has grown and she now knows what works best for her horses, budget and lifestyle.

If you are reading this article, your horse probably wears a fly mask, fly sheet, fly boots or some combination to protect him from pesky flies and biting insects. Dirt, mud and sweat can easily accumulate throughout the summer and cause discomfort and potential health concerns. Routine cleaning of your horse’s flywear is important for the horse’s comfort and to prolong the effectiveness of the fly protection.

Just as certain as death and taxes are for humans, so are flies and biting pests for horses. Warmer temperatures bring out more flies. There are a variety of fly control products that you can buy to use around the barn and on your horse, but while shopping, you might question are these products are worth the investment. Why do I need to protect my horses from the flies?

Flies can be more than just an annoyance for your horse. These tiny pests can transmit diseases, cause welts and extreme discomfort and can damage hooves and cause lameness issues. Every summer horse owners spend the entire summer fighting flies and trying to keep their horses comfortable with the latest and greatest fly protection—from fly spray and fly masks to fly boots and fly sheets. All of this gear can be expensive, especially if you’re having to buy multiple bottles and multiple sets, so the million-dollar question is what really works?