Fly season brings nonstop irritation, stress and health risks. Here’s what actually helps horses stay comfortable when flies won’t let up.
It’s a beautiful spring day, grass is growing, and before long, ticks and flies will start coming out. A swish here, a stomp there, and soon your horse is restless in the rising heat. These parasites do more than just irritate; flies and ticks can wear horses down and carry health risks that extend far beyond mere annoyance.
Dr. Ben Nabors, veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at Mississippi State University, says flies are more than just a nuisance for horses. Constant irritation can lead to stress and discomfort, especially during peak season.
“If a horse is constantly fighting flies, it’s not able to relax,” Nabors says. “That can impact everything from comfort to performance.”
Fly protection can help reduce irritation, allowing horses to settle and stay more comfortable throughout the day. Proper fit plays a key role, ensuring the protection works as intended.
Here are three practical solutions that can help to protect your horse.
Leg Guards
Leg guards can help prevent ticks from getting up onto a horse’s legs, similar to how people wear long pants in wooded areas for protection. In pasture settings, that includes not only flies and ticks, but also burrs, stickers and coarse vegetation that can irritate the skin or lead to small abrasions.
Because the lower leg has little muscle or fat for protection, even minor irritation can cause a noticeable reaction. Horses often respond by stomping or shifting their weight, which over time can lead to fatigue, or added strain on joints.
“It’s important to consider how to protect your horse. Covering the face and ears, along with the body and legs, is a good place to start,” Nabors says.
As with any piece of equipment, fit and condition matter. Guards should be checked regularly for debris, proper placement and signs of wear. When used correctly, they offer a simple, effective way to keep horses more comfortable through the height of fly season.
Fly Sheets
Fly sheets offer another layer of defense, helping shield horses from biting insects including deer flies, horn flies, horse flies and mosquitoes. According to Dr. Nabors, it helps keep those insects from reaching the horse.
“It’s not just about preventing disease, it’s also about maintaining the horse’s comfort and keeping them safe,” Nabors says.
Unlike sprays that wear off or call for reapplication, a fly sheet provides constant protection across the horse’s body. This is especially important for horses that are sensitive to bites or prone to skin irritation. Repeated insect activity may cause rubbing, hair loss and agitation, all of which can affect overall condition.
“It’s not just about preventing disease, it’s also about maintaining the horse’s comfort and keeping them safe.”
Dr. Ben Nabors, DVM
When selecting a fly sheet for horses, coverage is a key factor to consider. Innovative features, such as extended belly protection, are created to protect parts of the horse that are repeatedly targeted by insects. These areas are typically more difficult to protect using topical products alone, making comprehensive sheet coverage especially beneficial.
When used properly, fly sheets offer significant benefits for equine comfort and health. They effectively reduce daily insect irritation, allowing horses to remain comfortable even during extended periods in the pasture.
Fly Masks
Ticks often start low and move upward, climbing the face and ending up in the ears. This can cause significant irritation. Horses may rub because of the discomfort, which can lead to sores. In some cases, the horse becomes sensitive around the head, making it difficult to put a bridle on.
“There isn’t a vaccine to prevent this,” Nabors says. “But simple protection over the ears can help reduce the likelihood of ticks getting into those areas.”
“It also helps with fly protection,” Nabors continues. “The eyes benefit as well, especially when pollen is in the air. Horses can experience drainage, and that moisture can attract flies, which may lay eggs and create additional issues.”
For proper protection, adjust fly masks from horse to horse. Most masks feature stitched inch-markings on the closure strap, enabling owners to tailor the mask to each animal’s unique contours. For horses with larger jowls, extenders offer an easy way to add length without compromising comfort.
Fly masks also provide valuable eye protection from debris and airborne particles, such as dust or hay, during hauling, making them useful beyond just fly season.
Western Horseman’s Fly Protection Picks:
Cashel Crusader Turnout Leg Guards help protect a horse’s lower legs from flies, biting insects, burrs and stickers. Designed for easy application, the boots can be worn comfortably in the stall or pasture. Structured in-seams help prevent sagging for consistent lower-leg coverage, while a nonbinding design allows a loose, comfortable fit. Each set includes four boots for full turnout protection.
Cashel Crusader Contoured Leg Guards are designed to help reduce stomping caused by insects or contact with burrs. Infinitely adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners allow a secure fit across a range of leg conformations and help prevent chafing. Sold as a set of two, these guards are intended for use in the stall or trailer.
Cashel Crusader Fly Sheet is built for warm-weather use, offering breathable mesh coverage when insects are most active. A contoured shoulder provides a secure fit, while an extra-wide belly flap adds protection for sensitive areas and helps keep the sheet in place. Designed for comfort and durability, it offers reliable defense against biting insects.
Cashel Crusader Fly Mask is a trusted, top-rated design long relied on by horsemen. Made from soft-coated nylon micromesh, it provides breathable coverage while staying clear of the eyes, lashes and forelock for unobstructed vision. The three-hole cap and double-dart construction help maintain shape, while the mask blocks up to 70% of harmful UV rays. An adjustable closure strap with trim-to-fit guidelines allows for a customized fit.
Cashel Econo Fly Mask offers reliable protection at a budget-friendly price. Lightweight mesh helps reduce sun exposure while keeping insects at bay, and soft edge binding with darted construction protects sensitive areas for all-day comfort. A hook-and-loop closure strap with pre-stitched trim guidelines allows for a precise, customized fit.
When parasites start to take over, the right protection can make all the difference in keeping your horse comfortable, focused and safe. From legs to face, thoughtful coverage helps reduce irritation before it becomes a bigger issue. To learn more about Cashel’s fly protection solutions, visit cashelcompany.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @cashelcompany.
