TLC FOR FLY MASKS

A fly mask can provide important protection for your horse against summer’s insect onslaught, but you’ll want to take some steps to prevent it from doing more harm to your horse than good.

1. Make sure it fits. A properly fit and adjusted fly mask will not rub a horse behind the ears or under the jaw. It will also provide plenty of clearance for the horse’s eyelashes, which may have as much to do with contour and style than fit of the mask. If a mask doesn’t have ample room over the eyes, lid function could be impaired and the eyelashes may sweep dirt and dust into the eye with each blink. Horses have differently

shaped heads, so a style that works well for one of your horses may not be best for another.

2. Keep it clean. A fly mask crusted with dirt, mud or grease from the horse’s coat will only attract more flies and/or irritate the horse’s skin and eyes. Masks can be washed in a bucket of water with a tiny bit of soap or even run through a washing machine and double-rinsed. It’s helpful to have two or three fly masks on hand so you can put on a fresh one while the others are being cleaned.

3. Make sure it’s in good repair. Missing or dirt-clogged fasteners will result in a mask on the ground, not on your horse. Frayed or unraveling mesh

poses an irritating or poking hazard, particularly when it’s around the eye area. It’s not unusual to go through more than one mask a season, so be prepared to make a replacement for this hard-used but important item.