Kendra G.
Last updated October 2026
6 min read
Some bought it because the vet said "UV protection." Some because their horse wrecks every other mask. Here is what 160 reviews say they found.
A standard Kensington mask blocks about 73% of UV. The UViator blocks 90%, through Solar Screen Textilene. For a blue eye, pink skin or a face with no pigment, that gap is the reason this mask exists. "Light eyes and no pigment around one of them, makes it mandatory that my horse have year round UV protection." — Jo H.
90% UV vs ~73%
90% UV
When the diagnosis is uveitis or moon blindness, the mask stops being fly gear. It goes on in the morning and often stays on. The UViator stands off the eye and passes 78% of the air, so around-the-clock wear is realistic. It doesn't treat anything. It keeps the sun off. "He wears a Kensington mask 24/7. He even wears one when he is working and roping steer. It has drastically cut down on his flare ups." — Gina B.
Keeps the sun off — around the clock
EYE CARE
A mask only works if it's still on at dinner. Double-locking throat closure, and a cut that sits clear of the eyes so there is less to rub and less to grab. "My two horses have always been able to remove their masks. I have about 6 different masks for each horse and this is the only one that works." — Deborah D.
The only one that works
STAYS ON
You know the cycle. Cheap mesh in April, holes by June, another one in the cart by July. The UViator is 1000 x 2000 denier Textilene, made in the USA, fade and mildew resistant. "I just bought my second Kensington fly mask after my first one finally gave out after 3 years!" — Kassandra P.
Reviewers report 2–3 years
THE MATH
Snap a lead through the double-locking throat and walk them in. No more peeling the mask off just to catch them. "Makes turnout easier for the people that turn them in and out and they don't forget to put on their fly masks now." — Nicole M.
Snap a lead and walk them in
TWO-IN-ONE
The flies leave. The sun doesn't. The UViator is designed to cut glare off wet and snowy ground, and it fits under a bridle, so the horse who needs it keeps it on through winter. "Winter sun reflecting on the snow can cause as much damage as the summer sun." — Mary R., five years of UViators on a bald-faced paint
Wear it through winter
ALL-SEASON
A 90% UV mask sounds dark. Owners put it on their own faces to check. "...the view through it is amazing. (Seriously, try it on.)" — Kim B.
Seriously, try it on
SEE THROUGH
One mask for the eye you're worried about, in every season.
Protect their eyes year-roundThe honest comparison
One mask for the eye you're worried about, in every season. Measure with the size chart. 30-day returns. Free shipping at $150+.
“This is our third time purchasing a UViator. Highly recommend it stands up to daily use. A must to protect her light eyes from the sun's rays.”
“My girl always tore her mask off! Any kind I tried would rub her hair off behind her ears! This one stays on and she has hair left behind her ears!”
“I just bought my second Kensington fly mask after my first one finally gave out after 3 years! If you are debating whether the price is worth it or not, trust me it is.”
“The UV protection has been a game changer for my gelding who suffers from uveitis. He wears a Kensington mask 24/7 — even when he is working and roping. It has drastically cut down on his flare ups.”
“I've used UViator masks exclusively for my senior paint for over 5 years. Winter sun reflecting on the snow can cause as much damage as the summer sun. This mask stays on!”
“Light eyes and no pigment around one of them makes year-round UV protection mandatory. In addition to blocking 90% of UV rays, this mask is so tough it can last for years.”
“It's durable but not ridiculously stiff, and the view through it is amazing. (Seriously, try it on.) Fits well, stays away from eyes, doesn't rub the forelock, and stays on.”
“My two horses have always been able to remove their masks. I have about 6 different masks for each horse and this is the only one that works.”
“My horse has uveitis in both eyes. The UViator provides the daily UV protection his eyes need from the Colorado sun. I truly believe this mask has made all the difference.”
“My Houdini horse rarely ever gets it off. He wears this mask 24/7 for sunlight and branch protection. It lasts a year to two years with heavy abuse and is still functional.”
“My horse lost one eye due to uveitis so he lives 24/7 in a fly mask. I've tried many at all price points — this is the only one that will last over a year. Quality is top notch.”
“This is my second mask after the first lasted over 2 years. My horse has uveitis and is light-sensitive — this mask makes a major difference. He greets me waiting for me to put it on.”
“I used to call my fly masks "the $40 toys" — they get them off daily. After using the CatchMask with 90% UV, the rest of my herd wears them, including crafty donkeys. Durable and wash up great.”
“Third year for my mare's UViator. She is totally blind and wears a mask 24/7 year round. Heavy summer use, washed many times — yet to tear or come apart as others have.”
“White mule with pink skin at over 6600 feet. The UViator is perfect — even with other mules ripping it off, it lasts for 2 years. Protect your partner's eyes.”
“Our QH gelding has moon blindness and needed UV protection. Fit is perfect. The material is surprisingly very durable. I'm very impressed with this purchase.”
