Fly masks are pieces of crap and I hate flies

Mav2007 · 08-06-2008, 09:41 PM

It's august and I'm on my second fly mask of the season. The first, my horse ripped the ear off, which pretty much is the main reason I have the fly mask to begin with, so I tossed that one. The second, is a SuperMask, and the first day he had it on it caused all kinds of rub marks on his jaw and face, in really odd locations. I thought it was too tight, so I loosened it today, made sure there's plenty of give for his jaw to move and put it back on. I'm hoping, after paying $18 for this mask, that it does its job until the worst of the fly season it over.

Does anyone have any opinions on the different brands of fly masks? My first was a Defender, which didn't rub, but also didn't last long.

**beth55051** · 08-06-2008, 09:48 PM

I have some Defenders that are going on two full seasons of 24/7 wear and are still mostly there. Some are missing a bit of the fleece around the ear opening but otherwise solid.

I agree that the Supermask's tend to rub across the nose, but I have a few horses that won't leave anything else on so it's what bothers them the most? The bugs or the mask? They choose to wear the mask.

I had a few Evader brand flymasks but they didn't come large enough for my full size horses. They were great for horses that didn't mess with them. Had the cut out nose that didn't rub at all.

I don't clip ears so I don't use fly masks with ears, they never seem to fit and always rubbed my horses ears raw. I put War Paint or Vicks VaporRub on the inside tips of their ears instead.

Mav2007 · 08-06-2008, 09:53 PM

How well does war paint work?

I don't clip my horse's ears either, but he gets these tiny little bugs that take up residence in his ears and then his ears get all scabby and gross inside, so I have to keep the mask on. He's the only horse that I've noticed that gets these flies in his ears, I don't know why. I put SWAT in his ears to help heal the sores, and roll on fly repellent to keep the flies away, but that stuff only last for so long. The fly mask actually gives his ears a chance to heal. Of course, now I don't have to treat his ears, but his rub wounds....can't win

LuvMyMares · 08-06-2008, 10:01 PM

These are THE BEST!!!!
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...cd2=1218078008

Kristina Fortson · 08-06-2008, 10:15 PM

I use something from Jeffer's (or just about anyone else) called 'Ear Mite Killer'. It's a white lotion that you rub inside the ear about 3 times a week and it REALLY keeps the flies and gnats away. I also spray some fly spray in my hand and rub it all around their ears and poll. Just have to be more persistent than the bugs. They're bad here , too. Good luck. Praying for an early fall!!!

Baycrash · 08-06-2008, 10:57 PM

I've always used the Supermask and just bought one today for my new horse. I learned NOT to leave it on if the horse has access to woody places...because the horse comes back and you can NEVER find the mask! Kinda like socks in the dryer...
I watched my gelding rub his off one day while rolling...had to walk out and put it back on. He LOVES his mask and comes to me to put it on, his have no ears. It can rub if left on too tight so I make adjustments when necessary to avoid bare spots on his beautiful face.
I LOVE the look of that Absorbine mask and may buy one and give it a try!

I HATE FLIES TOO

Horselessnomore · 08-06-2008, 11:37 PM

Today -- I watched the arab rip the fly mask off the donkey and play with it. At least he was nice enough to leave it hanging on the gate when he was done

. Seriously though, it is hard to keep fly masks on the horses - - they think it is a game to try and rip each other's masks off and then fling them all over the place.

GreyDot · 08-07-2008, 12:22 AM

Mav2007, the only fly masks I have found that actually WORK and last, and are a good enough quality to survive being absolutely thrashed by the horses, are ones that a friend of mine makes here in AZ. She did one for me two years ago, and Dot is STILL using it. I just ordered two more from her, a couple months ago, because I wanted to make sure that I had enough for 'just in case' after we leave AZ. She charges $14/mask, has the funkiest colours (you can choose just about anything you want), and can adjust the sizing to fit your horse specifically. The mesh is nice and stiff, so that it doesn't bend and get in the horse's eyes, and the fleece is excellent quality. If you want, just PM me and I'll give you her phone number. She has different styles available, but they're all awesome.

Wolfie · 08-07-2008, 12:52 AM

I've never had any problems with my SuperMask IIs. The horses don't rub them off.

PaintsQH · 08-07-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyMares

These are THE BEST!!!!
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...cd2=1218078008

I havent bought those, but seen them on your girls and remember you saying you have had them for awhile and they all look in great shape and stay on. With the exception of Butter's ear

I might get some of those.

Mav, I have one and honestly cant remember where I got it from since Ive had it for some time now. It doesnt have the fleece anywhere except on the nose area and the velcro and strap are stretch so it doesnt get hung up on anything. Another one that I really like that has lasted forever is the Justin fly mask. Schneiders has them. They are $7.00 or something and no fleece and Ive had the same 3 for 4 years. No rips, tears and they stand up to just about anthing. The supermask is hard to keep on my yearling even with the double strap. I find it in his stall or paddock and he manages to get the ones off the other horses.

Slim Pikkens · 08-07-2008, 06:27 AM

The mask gets hot and make the horse itchy. I use petroleum jelly and use my thumb to rub it inside the ears and around the base of the ears. This seems to work better than anything and lasts about three days. (I've tried countless products). I also wipe used deep fryer oil on the lower legs to discourage what cattlemen call heel flies - the ankle biters.

BarnBum · 08-07-2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyMares

These are THE BEST!!!!
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...cd2=1218078008

I have to agree. I hated the Super Fly Masks b/c of the fleece linings- that is just too hot for a horse- 90 degree heat and they put a fur/fleece on their masks

They also hold alot of heat/moisture on the horses face. Defenders- hated them too b/c the netting was too heavy which casued alot of trapped / heat moisture under the mask also. The only plus I can say about the defender is that it didn't have fleece on it which is the reason I bought it in the first place. But it got tossed quick.

I got the fly mask above in the quotes and love it. Very lightweight but very durable and breathable. No fleece, nice absorbant material and super soft. It is also roomy on their face and not confining. I won't ever use another brand again. I am sold on these.

Maybe your horses are getting too hot under their masks and are destroying/rubbing them off on purpose. They do hold alot of heat not to mention the fleece/fur like material on them casues sweating. I would definatly give the Absorbine a try !!

oveywon · 08-07-2008, 08:45 AM

I think Cashel makes the best masks but they are pricey.

I found with my own horses, the longer they wear the masks, the less they tend to abuse them. Also helps to keep them clean.

chris6351 · 08-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Speaking of masks and bugs-I have the one with the ears and really like it but...the bugs get under her jaw and have just made a real mess

Got any tricks/tips of things to use for this area?

Goldun Acres · 08-07-2008, 09:29 AM

I have to use fly masks with ears too because of gnats. I only have them on during the day when the bugs are the worst. I fly spray in the evening and also spray some in my hand and rub it on their ears and poll and forelock...Works well for me!

I'm not sure on my brand of fly masks...I know the one is made by Weaver, it's small horse size and fits Cutty perfect - no rubs at all, and she loves her mask. The other is a cheap one from Horse.com, it rubs Boots' nose and she doesn't like the mask. I only have it on her on the worst days when the flies are eating them to death.

Jules · 08-07-2008, 12:13 PM

I have the Supermask as it's the only one I've found that both fits my horse, who has a huge head, and stays on when the horse in the stall next door grabs hold of it and tries to yank it off. Mine seem to last a season, which in Vegas is April - October. My mother's horse had a Cashel with the long nose - the nose piece lasted, oh... a good four days. The rest of the mask was trashed in about two weeks. He's a rubber - but the Supermask lasts around three months with him. I haven't noticed any rubbing or issues with the fleece and our daytime temps average 105 right now...

**beth55051** · 08-07-2008, 06:58 PM

I love War Paint! A little tiny bit goes along ways! I still have the same stick I bought over 2 years ago. I put a dab on the inside of each ear tip, a line under the jaw, one on the chest, one under the barrel and of course one down the back of the sheath.

Don't put it on the really soft, tender skin on their muzzle. It may be too strong for a fine skinned horse like my old paint gelding.

BarnBum · 08-07-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreyDot

Mav2007, the only fly masks I have found that actually WORK and last, and are a good enough quality to survive being absolutely thrashed by the horses, are ones that a friend of mine makes here in AZ. She did one for me two years ago, and Dot is STILL using it. I just ordered two more from her, a couple months ago, because I wanted to make sure that I had enough for 'just in case' after we leave AZ. She charges $14/mask, has the funkiest colours (you can choose just about anything you want), and can adjust the sizing to fit your horse specifically. The mesh is nice and stiff, so that it doesn't bend and get in the horse's eyes, and the fleece is excellent quality. If you want, just PM me and I'll give you her phone number. She has different styles available, but they're all awesome.

Can u post a pic of it ?

PaintsQH · 08-08-2008, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarnBum

Can u post a pic of it ?

I second that. I would love to get some

GreyDot · 08-08-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarnBum

Can u post a pic of it ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintsQH

I second that. I would love to get some

Sure

I'll get some pics tomorrow and post them!

They're pretty much like the SuperMask, except that the mesh is nice and stiff, so it doesn't collapse into the eyes, you can choose whatever colour your heart desires (she has some FUNKY fleeces), and the sizing is adjustable, so it can be higher or lower on the nose, bigger or smaller or whatever. Can also choose single or double velcro - but it's GOOD velcro, and even our little barn fly-mask thief gelding can't get them off, and leaves them alone after a couple of tries. Unlike the Crusaders and Absorbines, which he takes off another horse in a matter of seconds (he has learned to undo the velcro!). The other nice thing is that it's the polar-fleece type of fleece, not the 'furry' cheap kind, and it's a nice wide band, with lots of overlap onto the mesh, so it doesn't just come off the edge and leave that scratchy, prickly mesh edge like the SuperMasks have been doing over the last few years. Really, it's just a good quality product!

My apologies, but this is the best I can come up with for now, until I get better pictures

It kind of shows the general appearance, though. The velcro is under the jaw, but I think she can put it at the poll, too. I'll get a better view tomorrow.

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08-06-2008, 09:41 PM
Mav2007 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,489	Fly masks are pieces of crap and I hate flies It's august and I'm on my second fly mask of the season. The first, my horse ripped the ear off, which pretty much is the main reason I have the fly mask to begin with, so I tossed that one. The second, is a SuperMask, and the first day he had it on it caused all kinds of rub marks on his jaw and face, in really odd locations. I thought it was too tight, so I loosened it today, made sure there's plenty of give for his jaw to move and put it back on. I'm hoping, after paying $18 for this mask, that it does its job until the worst of the fly season it over. Does anyone have any opinions on the different brands of fly masks? My first was a Defender, which didn't rub, but also didn't last long.

08-06-2008, 09:48 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,736	I have some Defenders that are going on two full seasons of 24/7 wear and are still mostly there. Some are missing a bit of the fleece around the ear opening but otherwise solid. I agree that the Supermask's tend to rub across the nose, but I have a few horses that won't leave anything else on so it's what bothers them the most? The bugs or the mask? They choose to wear the mask. I had a few Evader brand flymasks but they didn't come large enough for my full size horses. They were great for horses that didn't mess with them. Had the cut out nose that didn't rub at all. I don't clip ears so I don't use fly masks with ears, they never seem to fit and always rubbed my horses ears raw. I put War Paint or Vicks VaporRub on the inside tips of their ears instead. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

08-06-2008, 09:53 PM
Mav2007 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,489	How well does war paint work? I don't clip my horse's ears either, but he gets these tiny little bugs that take up residence in his ears and then his ears get all scabby and gross inside, so I have to keep the mask on. He's the only horse that I've noticed that gets these flies in his ears, I don't know why. I put SWAT in his ears to help heal the sores, and roll on fly repellent to keep the flies away, but that stuff only last for so long. The fly mask actually gives his ears a chance to heal. Of course, now I don't have to treat his ears, but his rub wounds....can't win

08-06-2008, 10:01 PM
LuvMyMares Halter broke Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 160	These are THE BEST!!!! http://www.doversaddlery.com/product...cd2=1218078008 __________________ I Luv my 3 mare's-Cheyanne-Palomino Paint, Butter's-Sorrel Arabian & Katie Lou-Black AQHA

08-06-2008, 10:15 PM
Kristina Fortson Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pensacola,Fl Posts: 198	I use something from Jeffer's (or just about anyone else) called 'Ear Mite Killer'. It's a white lotion that you rub inside the ear about 3 times a week and it REALLY keeps the flies and gnats away. I also spray some fly spray in my hand and rub it all around their ears and poll. Just have to be more persistent than the bugs. They're bad here , too. Good luck. Praying for an early fall!!! __________________ To love, and be loved is life's greatest gift.

08-06-2008, 10:57 PM
Baycrash Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Missouri Posts: 140	I've always used the Supermask and just bought one today for my new horse. I learned NOT to leave it on if the horse has access to woody places...because the horse comes back and you can NEVER find the mask! Kinda like socks in the dryer... I watched my gelding rub his off one day while rolling...had to walk out and put it back on. He LOVES his mask and comes to me to put it on, his have no ears. It can rub if left on too tight so I make adjustments when necessary to avoid bare spots on his beautiful face. I LOVE the look of that Absorbine mask and may buy one and give it a try! I HATE FLIES TOO

08-06-2008, 11:37 PM
Horselessnomore Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,343	Today -- I watched the arab rip the fly mask off the donkey and play with it. At least he was nice enough to leave it hanging on the gate when he was done . Seriously though, it is hard to keep fly masks on the horses - - they think it is a game to try and rip each other's masks off and then fling them all over the place.

08-07-2008, 12:22 AM
GreyDot Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Between AZ and OH Posts: 2,295	Mav2007, the only fly masks I have found that actually WORK and last, and are a good enough quality to survive being absolutely thrashed by the horses, are ones that a friend of mine makes here in AZ. She did one for me two years ago, and Dot is STILL using it. I just ordered two more from her, a couple months ago, because I wanted to make sure that I had enough for 'just in case' after we leave AZ. She charges $14/mask, has the funkiest colours (you can choose just about anything you want), and can adjust the sizing to fit your horse specifically. The mesh is nice and stiff, so that it doesn't bend and get in the horse's eyes, and the fleece is excellent quality. If you want, just PM me and I'll give you her phone number. She has different styles available, but they're all awesome. __________________ ...There is nothing to be done till a horse's head is settled. ~William Cavendish Stuipid CAN be fixed... you just have to hit it hard enough! ~A rare moment of inspiration

08-07-2008, 12:52 AM
Wolfie Coming two Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,547	I've never had any problems with my SuperMask IIs. The horses don't rub them off.

08-07-2008, 06:27 AM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	The mask gets hot and make the horse itchy. I use petroleum jelly and use my thumb to rub it inside the ears and around the base of the ears. This seems to work better than anything and lasts about three days. (I've tried countless products). I also wipe used deep fryer oil on the lower legs to discourage what cattlemen call heel flies - the ankle biters.

08-07-2008, 08:45 AM
oveywon Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,035	I think Cashel makes the best masks but they are pricey. I found with my own horses, the longer they wear the masks, the less they tend to abuse them. Also helps to keep them clean.

08-07-2008, 08:57 AM
chris6351 Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New England Posts: 105	Speaking of masks and bugs-I have the one with the ears and really like it but...the bugs get under her jaw and have just made a real mess Got any tricks/tips of things to use for this area? __________________ Chris "THERE IS NO KEY TO HAPPINESS, THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN"

08-07-2008, 09:29 AM
Goldun Acres Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern MN Posts: 1,368	I have to use fly masks with ears too because of gnats. I only have them on during the day when the bugs are the worst. I fly spray in the evening and also spray some in my hand and rub it on their ears and poll and forelock...Works well for me! I'm not sure on my brand of fly masks...I know the one is made by Weaver, it's small horse size and fits Cutty perfect - no rubs at all, and she loves her mask. The other is a cheap one from Horse.com, it rubs Boots' nose and she doesn't like the mask. I only have it on her on the worst days when the flies are eating them to death. __________________ "And, by the way, I adore you... in frightening, dangerous ways!" - Edward Cullen

08-07-2008, 12:13 PM
Jules Halter broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 167	I have the Supermask as it's the only one I've found that both fits my horse, who has a huge head, and stays on when the horse in the stall next door grabs hold of it and tries to yank it off. Mine seem to last a season, which in Vegas is April - October. My mother's horse had a Cashel with the long nose - the nose piece lasted, oh... a good four days. The rest of the mask was trashed in about two weeks. He's a rubber - but the Supermask lasts around three months with him. I haven't noticed any rubbing or issues with the fleece and our daytime temps average 105 right now... __________________ Jules Living in Las Vegas... loving my horse

08-07-2008, 06:58 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,736	I love War Paint! A little tiny bit goes along ways! I still have the same stick I bought over 2 years ago. I put a dab on the inside of each ear tip, a line under the jaw, one on the chest, one under the barrel and of course one down the back of the sheath. Don't put it on the really soft, tender skin on their muzzle. It may be too strong for a fine skinned horse like my old paint gelding. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.