Best Fly Mask for Horses with Sensitive Skin
Julie's Story: Protecting a White-Faced Mare from Flies and Sun
Julie loves everything about her Quarter Horse — especially her bald white face and blue eyes. Every spring and summer, she worries about protecting that sensitive skin from sun damage while also preventing fly bites in tender areas that can lead to sores.
What didn't work
Julie spent a lot of money on sunscreens and fly deterrents in cream, salve, stick, and spray formulations. They offered some protection, but the results were inconsistent and the application was messy.
Her game-changer
The Cashel Crusader Fly Mask —From poll to the tip of their muzzle, the Crusader provides a reliable, comfortable barrier against insects while blocking up to 70% of harmful UV rays — helping prevent sunburn and eye issues in horses with light-colored or sensitive skin.
Available with or without ear coverage, the Crusader features a patented three-hole cap design that keeps ears free and allows the forelock to pass through, reducing rubbing and hair breakage. Shaped eye darts keep the mask away from lashes for comfort and safety.
Fully adjustable fit: Cashel offers a Hook-and-Loop Extender that adds up to 5 inches for a roomier fit, plus trimmable sections in 3/4-inch increments on every Crusader mask for a truly customized fit.
Best Fly Gear for Riding and Everyday Use
Tom's Story: Keeping a Working Gelding Comfortable Under Saddle
Tom uses his Quarter Horse gelding for everything — moving cattle, trail riding, and general ranch work. Even with chemical fly sprays applied generously before rides, his horse still attracts biting insects that sour his attitude and make rides increasingly unsafe as agitation builds.
What didn't work
Tom tried every chemical fly repellent he could find and even repurposed other equipment to create barriers. Nothing fit right or worked reliably under saddle.
His upgrade
The Cashel Quiet Ride Fly Protection line. Designed specifically for use while riding, the Quiet Ride line ranges from the full-body Bug Armor Set — which covers poll to tail — to individual pieces like a belly guard, neck cover, or mask. Every item in the line is engineered to shield horses from biting insects without restricting movement or creating hazards under saddle. No more unsafe workarounds.
Best Fly Sheet for Horses That Live Outside
Kristy's Story: Preventing UV Bleaching and Fly Bites
Kristy's beautiful sorrel gelding is pasture-boarded, which means he's outside 24/7. Every summer, his coat bleaches out from constant UV exposure — and flies are a persistent problem on top of that.
What didn't work
Specialized shampoos helped restore some color after bleaching occurred, but Kristy wanted a proactive solution that prevented the problem rather than corrected it.
Her fix
The Cashel Crusader Lightweight Fly Sheet. Its lightweight, breathable mesh stands up to the hottest, buggiest days without causing overheating. The sheet is contoured to prevent shoulder rubbing, and an extra-wide belly band adds comfort and coverage. As a bonus, Kristy can hose her horse down while he's wearing the sheet for a cooling evaporative effect on hot days.
Affordable Horse Fly Protection for Large Herds
Mark's Story: Fly Control Solutions for 30 Head on a Budget
Mark manages 30 Quarter Horses, so budget is always a factor. After noticing several horses fighting flies heavily last summer, he needed effective fly control that wouldn't break the bank across a large herd.
What didn't work
Very inexpensive masks from other brands failed within days — far short of a full fly season. Frustrating and wasteful.
His solution
The Cashel Econo Line of fly protection. Designed to deliver reliable fly and sun protection at a budget-friendly price point, the Econo Line includes masks and sheets with lightweight mesh to reduce sun exposure, soft edges to prevent rubbing, and adjustable fits to keep gear securely in place — even across a large herd with varying sizes.
Best Fly Boots for Horses That Stomp
Lisa's Story: Stopping Incessant Leg Stomping in a Stalled Horse
Lisa's Quarter Horse gelding lives in a stall with a run. Even with a sheet and mask, he stomps constantly from fly irritation on his legs — something Lisa worries could eventually cause injury.
What didn't work
Topical fly sprays on the legs provided only short-term relief and required frequent reapplication.
What's working now
The Cashel Crusader Contoured Leg Guards. Lisa had heard complaints about fly boots not staying in place, but the Crusader Leg Guards address that directly. Soft yet durable, they feature four hook-and-loop closures that keep them securely in place during movement and stomping — providing reliable, all-day protection for horses that struggle most with leg flies.
