Got Fly Mask?

It has been an unusually cool Spring in my neck of the woods. I have only had the fly masks on the horses a handful of times so far this year. But the hot and humid weather that attracts bugs is likely just around the corner.

If you are searching for a new fly mask this year, check out the Greater British Equinery of Indiana at https://greatbritishequinery.com/. They sell fly masks made by the UK company, Harrison Howard.

What first attracted me to this brand is the sheer material. So many fly masks sport materials, colors or patterns that I suspect block a horse’s vision. These Harrison Howard masks, especially the lighter color ones, are wonderfully sheer while still claiming to block 60 percent of UV rays. Despite the high visibility factor, the material is strong. I have masks that are almost a year old and have no tears yet. The eye darts work to keep the material off the eyes and the padding around the ears and nose-band seems like a comfortable touch.

I also really like that the masks come in different sizes and in various configurations (with ears and without, short and long). My horse, Bear, is well-fitted in the Cob size, while Shiloh takes the Large horse size. I have often gotten the sense that Bear does not like his ears covered so I generally have him wear the mask without ears (and wipe or roll-on fly spray on the ears). Shiloh seems fine with his ears covered so he gets the full one.

The masks come in a vacuumed-type bag so the mask is stored flat in the package. I suggest letting the mask “fluff up” overnight by taking it out of the bag. Hang it up with the eye darts pushed out so that the mask will be in the proper form before you place it on the horse the next day. If you are having trouble getting the eye darts to stand up, you can try applying clothes pins to help set the form while the mask hangs overnight.

The masks are easy to clean either by hand or in the washer (in a mesh bag so it doesn’t get caught on the agitator).

Last year, I met Debbie of the Greater British Equinery of Indiana at a horse show. She was so friendly, and I really enjoyed talking with her. Her website is attractive and easy to use. My orders shipped out promptly.

Check out these fly masks and many more horse items sold through Great British Equinery of Indiana at https://greatbritishequinery.com/!