6 Best Fly Masks For Horses Around Livestock That Withstand Herd Life
Herd life demands a tough fly mask. We review 6 rugged models designed to stay secure during rough play and offer durable protection around other livestock.
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a brand-new fly mask shredded in the pasture, hanging off a fence post, or completely MIA. When your horses live in a herd, especially with curious goats or cattle, a fly mask isn’t just a piece of gear—it’s a chew toy, a tug-of-war rope, and a status symbol to be ripped off. The search for a mask that can survive this daily gauntlet is a familiar quest for anyone managing a mixed-species herd.
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Choosing a Fly Mask for Rough Herd Life
The biggest challenge isn’t the flies; it’s the other animals. Horses are notorious for grooming each other and playfully pulling at halters and masks. Add a goat that chews on everything or a cow that uses its head to investigate, and a standard fly mask doesn’t stand a chance.
When you’re choosing a mask for this environment, the material is your first line of defense. Look for heavy-duty, coated mesh like Textilene, which is designed to resist tearing and UV degradation. The second critical component is the closure. A single, weak Velcro strap is an open invitation for a pasture mate to undo. You need double-locking, industrial-strength Velcro that requires significant effort to pull apart.
But durability often comes with tradeoffs. The toughest masks can be stiffer and heavier, which might not be comfortable for a sensitive horse. A mask with a breakaway feature is essential for safety in case it gets seriously snagged, but the release point has to be tight enough to withstand a simple pasture squabble. Your goal is to find the sweet spot between bombproof construction, safety, and all-day comfort for your horse.
Kensington CatchMask: Ultimate Herd Durability
If you’ve declared war on destroyed fly masks, the Kensington CatchMask is your heavy artillery. This mask is built from Textilene, a PVC-coated polyester fabric that’s famously tough. It’s the same kind of material used for durable outdoor furniture, and it stands up to an incredible amount of abuse from teeth, horns, and rubbing.
The design is all about survival. It features a double-locking Velcro closure under the jaw that is exceptionally difficult for other animals to undo. More importantly, the CatchMask has a patented breakaway system designed to release under a true emergency snag, but not during normal herd shenanigans. This gives you peace of mind without sacrificing the mask to a playful friend every afternoon.
The downside is its sheer bulk. The Textilene fabric is stiffer than other meshes, especially when new, and some horses find it a bit heavy. It’s not the most breathable option on the market, but if your number one priority is a mask that will still be on your horse—in one piece—at the end of the week, this is the one to bet on.
Cashel Crusader: Top Pick for All-Day Comfort
The Cashel Crusader is arguably one of the most popular fly masks on the market, and for good reason. It strikes an excellent balance between comfort and durability, making it a top contender for horses that live out 24/7. Its defining feature is the unique darting around the eyes, which keeps the mesh well away from the horse’s face and eyelashes, preventing rubs and irritation.
While not as heavily armored as the Kensington, the Crusader holds its own in a herd. The softer mesh is less abrasive, and the secure, contoured fit leaves fewer edges for another horse to grab onto. The closure is a solid, wide double-Velcro strap that stays put through rolling and mutual grooming sessions. Many horses who are fussy about other masks seem to tolerate the Crusader exceptionally well due to its ergonomic design.
Think of the Crusader as the reliable all-rounder. It may not survive the most determined mask-destroying goat, but for the average rowdy horse herd, it provides superior comfort that encourages the horse to leave it alone. This often translates to a longer lifespan than you’d expect, simply because the wearer isn’t constantly trying to rub it off.
Pro’s Choice Comfort-Fit: The Un-Snaggable Mask
This mask takes a completely different approach to herd durability. Instead of relying on heavy-duty materials to resist tearing, the Pro’s Choice Comfort-Fit mask is made from a smooth, stretchy Lycra-like material. Its form-fitting, "pull-on" design eliminates straps, buckles, and edges entirely.
The genius here is that there’s nothing for another animal to grab. A curious pasture mate trying to bite or pull on it will find their teeth just slide off the slick surface. It’s the opposite of a rigid mask—it’s so pliable and snug that it becomes part of the horse’s head, offering no purchase for destructive behavior. The mesh over the eyes is integrated smoothly, maintaining the sleek profile.
The major consideration is fit and environment. This mask must fit like a second skin; if it’s too loose, it can shift and be a hazard. The Lycra material can also be warmer than traditional mesh, making it less ideal for the hottest, most humid climates. However, for a horse that is an escape artist or lives with a particularly mouthy companion, this "un-snaggable" design can be the perfect solution.
Shires Fine Mesh Mask: For Superior Visibility
In a mixed herd or on varied terrain, a horse’s visibility is a key safety factor. The Shires Fine Mesh Mask prioritizes this with a super-fine, lightweight mesh that offers a clearer view than many of the heavier, more opaque materials. This can be crucial for an older horse or one lower in the pecking order who needs to keep a sharp eye on the herd boss.
This mask is designed for comfort, with fleece padding along the seams to prevent rubbing and create a good seal against smaller insects like gnats. The fit is generous without being sloppy, and it’s secured with two sturdy Velcro straps. It’s a great option for sensitive-skinned horses who get irritated by stiffer masks.
The tradeoff is clear: you are sacrificing some durability for that superior visibility and comfort. The fine mesh is more susceptible to snags and tears than a heavy-duty Textilene. This mask is best suited for a herd with more peaceful dynamics or for a horse that doesn’t invite rough play. If your primary concern is gnats and ensuring your horse can see perfectly, and your herd is relatively calm, the Shires is an excellent choice.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec: Best UV & Nose Guard
For horses with pink noses, pale skin, or sensitive eyes, sun protection is just as important as fly protection. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec line excels here, offering some of the highest UV protection ratings available, often blocking over 95% of harmful rays. Many models come with an optional long nose guard, which is a lifesaver for preventing sunburn on delicate muzzles.
This mask isn’t just about protection; it’s built to last. The main body is a durable, structured mesh that holds its shape well, keeping it off the eyes. It features a stretch fleece poll for a secure, comfortable fit and to prevent forelock damage. The double-sided Velcro closures are robust and hold tight against rubbing and rolling.
The one thing to watch for in a herd setting is the long nose guard. While essential for some horses, it can also become a tempting "handle" for a mischievous pasture mate to grab. If your herd includes a known mask-puller, you might opt for the version without the nose guard. But for providing maximum protection from both sun and flies, the WeatherBeeta is a top-tier, well-built option.
Farnam SuperMask II: A Time-Tested Classic
Sometimes, you just need something that works without fuss. The Farnam SuperMask has been a staple in tack rooms for decades because it’s a reliable, no-nonsense solution. It offers a great middle ground in durability, comfort, and price, making it a go-to for many farm owners.
The design is straightforward but effective. It features a plush, comfortable trim that prevents rubbing and a fit that’s specifically shaped to a horse’s head, which helps it stay in place. The mesh is sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear but flexible enough that most horses don’t mind wearing it. It’s the kind of mask you can buy without worrying if it will hold up for at least a season of normal use.
While it may not have the indestructible quality of a Kensington or the high-tech features of others, its strength is its consistency. You know what you’re getting. For a hobby farmer who needs to outfit several horses without breaking the bank, the SuperMask II is a smart, cost-effective choice that performs reliably in a typical herd environment.
Ensuring the Perfect Fit to Extend Mask Life
You can buy the most expensive, heavily-reinforced fly mask in the world, but if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t last. A poor fit is the number one reason masks get destroyed. It creates rubbing points that irritate the horse, causing them to scratch it on anything they can find. It also leaves gaps for flies to get in, defeating the entire purpose.
Take the time to measure your horse and check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. When you put the mask on, you should be able to easily slide one or two fingers between the mask and your horse’s cheek and jaw. The mesh over the eyes should have plenty of clearance, with the darts or shaping holding it well away from their eyelashes, even when they move their head. Ensure the bottom edge doesn’t interfere with grazing.
A loose, sloppy mask is a handle waiting to be grabbed by another horse. A mask that’s too tight will be rubbed off on the nearest fence post or water trough. A perfectly fitted mask becomes almost unnoticeable to your horse and presents a much smaller, less interesting target for its herd mates. Proper fitting isn’t just about comfort—it’s the first and most important step in making sure your investment survives the season.
Ultimately, the "best" fly mask is the one that best matches your horse’s needs and your herd’s specific brand of chaos. By focusing on material, closure, and a perfect fit, you can dramatically increase your odds of winning the war against torn, lost, and mangled masks. It means less money spent on replacements and more peace of mind knowing your horse is comfortably protected.
