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  Discussion on Fly masks/safe?
Author Message
Member:
Annes

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 10:05 am:

For the first time I am putting fly masks on all four horses this summer because the flies are so bad. Last year I had one on my older mare and since she seems to stay out of trouble, I wasn't worried about her getting caught on something. With the geldings (one is 3 yrs) I worry if it will break-away if caught on a fence or tree. The only masks I found this year have extra velcro to keep it on. Has anyone found these to be unsafe? I do take them off at night. Thanks.
Member:
Stacie

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 11:03 am:

Hey Ann,

I use Farnam SuperMask II. Ben has to wear his 24/7 for protection to his eye and UV light. this one blocks 70% of the UV. I put it on loose enough that if he scratches it on a tree and it gets hung, he can pull out of it. I just do not feel comfortable placing it on tightly. It works great and has some pleats at the eyes to ensure that the mask does not touch them. Good luck
Member:
Warwick

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 12:47 pm:

Hi Ann

I've used flymasks for years on all my horses - from babies on up - and have found them to be very safe. If they get caught, they pull right off. The 2 gelding tend to use them as a form of entertainment and often pull them off each other. On occasion I find their masks in the neighbour's paddocks so I know the tug-of-war goes on over the fenceline as well.

I have tried all makes of masks and find the ones that have velcro at the crown as well as under the jaw work best. Seems to make for a better fit. For big horses, it's hard to find a good fit. For my really big gelding (18+ hands so we are talking a BIG head!) I like the Crusader and Farnam brands as they offer draft sizes.

One suggestion is make sure you wash them on a regular basis. Helps stop the sweat from breaking down the fabric and it's a good opportunity to check for damage.
Member:
Quatro

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 1:18 pm:

Hi Ann, I too use fly masks on all my horses. I use the ones with ears, I don't even know why they would make them without, as my horses ears get chewed on so severely by flies. The funniest part is that sometimes levi will come stomping back to the barn, with 4 ears, when the mask slides off of his face. I am sure the other horses are wondering what kind of creature is in the pasture with them. But they do break away if they put their heads in the trees or bushes. Washing them is important too!
suz
Member:
Annes

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 1:52 pm:

Thanks Sue and Susan. I am glad to hear they will come off in an emergency. Also, I am going to try not putting it on so snug, just to be sure. So far, the flies do not seem to bother their ears.

Susan - That is funny about the 4 ears....one of my horses is also named Levi. I've already had to clean one mask after the 1st afternoon. My TB decided to go in the pond 30 min. after I put it on him and then roll in dirt. A stiff brush quickly got the dried mud out. He stood perfectly still for me to put it on him this morning so I guess he liked it.
Member:
Annes

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 1:57 pm:

Stacie, thanks for the tip about not putting it on too snug. I was trying for snug to keep the flies out but realize that may not be the best thing to do. Mine are also the SuperMask II.- Ann
Member:
Leilani

Posted on Monday, Jun 6, 2005 - 11:11 pm:

Aloha all:

I recently purchased 2 Wrangler fly masks for my 2 mares. Mele has managed to remove the mask without altering the velcro more than once. Very strange. We find the mask sitting intact on the grass. I will probably go back to Farnam as I don't care for the neoprene on the Wrangler; it leaves a sweat mark on their nose. All in all, fly masks are great for the eyes.

Leilani
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