I was recently looking for information on fly masks and sheets for my old girl and came across a helpful article here on the importance of protecting your horses from flies and other biting insects. Did you know that flies transmit serious diseases such as anthrax? It really opened my eyes to the importance of fly protection.

The two major points I learned from this article were –

Fly masks can be found in three styles. Each style has its own unique advantages.

1. Full-head – provides maximum protection from the horse’s nose up to its ears.
2. Partial head – the standard mask which provides defense from insects, sunburn and dust.
3. Partial head with no ear coverings – great for horses who do not like their ears touched or confined.

It is important to make sure you get the right size fly mask for your horse. The mask should fit snugly against the horse's head to keep flies out yet comfortable enough to prevent chafing of the skin. There is no one size fits all so be sure to take the time to properly measure your horse’s head and find the correct size. Properly fitted and maintained fly masks will:

• Protect your horse’s eyes, ears and skin from biting bugs
• Allow it to see clearly from all angles without any obstructions
• Protect its sensitive eyes and skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays
• Be comfortable enough that the horse can freely and easily graze

Another benefit of a fly mask is the protection it provides to your horse’s face from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Horses with pale coats or sensitive skin are especially susceptible to sun burn. Just as a hat protects your head from the sun, a fly mask covers those sensitive areas of a horse’s face most prone to getting sun burned.