Why Fly Masks Are a Must-Have—and How Kensington Stands Out from the Rest

When it comes to protecting your horse from summer pests, a high-quality fly mask is an absolute essential. These simple-yet-powerful tools offer a shield from biting flies, UV rays, and dust, helping to keep your horse comfortable, healthy, and focused.

But with so many fly mask brands on the market—Cashel, Shires, Tough-1, Professional's Choice, Horseware, and Weaver Leather, to name a few—how do you choose the best one for your horse?

Let’s break down the key benefits of fly masks, what features matter most, and why Kensington Protective Products continues to lead the pack.

The Top Benefits of Fly Masks

1. Fly and Insect Protection

The most obvious benefit—fly masks provide a physical barrier that protects your horse’s eyes, ears, and face from flies, gnats, and other biting insects. This helps reduce irritation, eye infections, and stress.

2. UV Protection

Many horses—especially those with light skin or pink noses—are prone to sunburn and photo-sensitivity. High-quality masks offer UV-blocking materials to shield your horse from harmful rays. Kensington’s UViator masks lead the industry with up to 90% UV protection, offering the highest level of sun defense on the market.

3. Dust and Debris Defense

Fly masks also help prevent windblown dust, sand, and hay particles from irritating sensitive eyes. This is especially helpful for horses with allergies or healing eye injuries.

4. Durability and Fit

A poorly fitting mask won't stay in place and may cause rubs or discomfort. Look for masks that offer secure closures, strong mesh, and optional ear and nose covers.

How Kensington Compares to Other Leading Brands

Let’s look at how Kensington stacks up against the competition:

• Cashel Crusader Fly Mask – Known for soft materials and good fit. However, Cashel masks typically offer less UV protection and durability than Kensington’s UViator with 90% UV blocking power.

• Shires Fly Masks – These are popular in the UK and budget-friendly. Shires’ masks often feature fleece trim, but some customers report quicker wear and tear compared to Kensington’s heavy-duty mesh.

• Tough-1 Fly Masks – Affordable and widely available. However, their thinner mesh may not hold up to heavy use or turnout as well as Kensington’s reinforced designs.

• Professional’s Choice Fly Masks – Stylish and breathable, but limited sizing and configurations. Kensington offers more fit options, including draft, mini, forelock opening, and long nose styles.

• Horseware Amigo Fly Masks – Lightweight with a soft lining, good for sensitive horses. Kensington’s UViator mask provides significantly stronger UV protection.

• Weaver Leather Fly Masks – Comfortable and cost-effective, but Kensington’s premium construction and protective power stand up to daily wear-and-tear better.

What Makes Kensington Different?

At Kensington, we combine protection, comfort, and performance in every mask:

• UViator Fly Masks with up to 90% UV Protection – Our most advanced sun-shielding design, perfect for sensitive horses or harsh climates.
• Textilene® Mesh – Rugged and breathable, our signature material resists tears, fading, and mildew.
• Custom Fit Options – From earless to full-face with ears and nose, we have over a dozen configurations to fit every horse.
• Color and Style Choices – Choose from vibrant plaids and patterns to match your gear and stand out in the barn.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're shopping for a new fly mask from Cashel, Shires, Tough-1, Professional's Choice, Horseware, or Weaver, don’t overlook the superior durability, fit, and industry-leading UV protection that Kensington Protective Products fly masks deliver —especially with our UViator collection.

Your horse deserves the best. Let Kensington be your first line of defense this fly season.