A Shires fly mask is a mesh face cover that keeps flies and midges off your horse’s eyes and face during turnout. Shires’ FlyGuard Pro fine mesh masks also filter UV light, which Shires rates at “70+% average UV blocking” with a “minimum rating 60+% for eye mesh,” and they come with or without ear and nose coverage.
Watching your horse stomp, swish and shake its head all afternoon is tough. Flies are more than an annoyance: some carry parasites to the eyes and to wounds, and constant harassment makes turnout miserable. Sprays and traps have their place, but they don’t give round-the-clock coverage of the face. That’s why so many horse owners rely on a fly mask, and why Shires’ FlyGuard Pro masks are among the most popular we carry. In this guide we answer the questions we hear most about Shires fly masks, using Shires’ own product descriptions for every feature and UV figure, so you can pick the right model for your horse.
Your Complete Q&A Guide to Shires Fly Masks
Q: Why are flies a problem for my horse’s eyes and face?
A: Flies, and face flies in particular, are drawn to the moisture around a horse’s eyes, nose and mouth. That habit is more than irritating. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes two problems linked to flies feeding on the face:
- Eyeworms: According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “the face fly, which feeds on secretions from the eye, transmits eyeworms in North America.” Merck notes that mild to severe inflammation of the conjunctiva and of the eyelids can occur, though some infections show no obvious signs.
- Summer sores (habronemiasis): Merck explains that these sores are caused by the larvae of stomach worms that flies carry to horses. The flies feed on existing wounds or on moisture from the eyes or genitals, and the larvae then enter the skin. The sores usually appear in summer and heal slowly.
- Stress and irritation: Even without disease, a horse that spends turnout shaking its head, stamping and swishing at flies is not resting or grazing in peace.
- Sun: Flies aren’t the only reason owners reach for a mask. Shires says the UV blocking on its FlyGuard Pro fine mesh masks helps “diminish the risk of sunburn and sun bleaching.” Our UV fly mask guide explains which horses veterinary schools say need UV protection most.
A mask is a physical barrier for the face, but it is one part of fly control, not the whole plan. Merck stresses good fly control directed especially against the face fly, and notes that controlling fly populations and regularly collecting and stacking manure may reduce cases of summer sores. If you see discharge, swelling, squinting, a cloudy eye or a sore that won’t heal, call your veterinarian; a fly mask can’t diagnose or treat any of these.
Q: What makes Shires fly masks a popular choice?
A: Shires Equestrian describes itself as “a family-owned business since 1968” with “over 50 years experience” making equipment and apparel for riders. FlyGuard Pro is Shires’ fly protection brand. When you look at a FlyGuard Pro fine mesh mask, these are the features Shires itself highlights:
- A shaped eye frame: Shires says the contoured eye frame “is shaped to stand away from the eyes,” and its deluxe masks lift the eye mesh away from the face “by a combination of reinforced darts and fleecy seam padding.” Keeping the mesh off the eyes and lashes is one of the most important things a mask can do.
- Fine mesh for small insects: Shires says its fine mesh masks “offer protection against the smallest of flies and midges,” and that the fine mesh “allows free flow of air and enables good visibility.”
- Soft, close edges: Shires’ “UltraFit refinement utilises fleece bindings at the seams to ensure excellent edge contact with the head,” which it says restricts insects getting under the mask and guards against rubs.
- Quick fit secure straps: Shires lists these on its FlyGuard Pro masks to make the mask easy to put on and keep in place.
- A choice of coverage: FlyGuard Pro masks come with ear covers, with ear holes, with a nose piece or with a nose fringe, so you can match the mask to your horse.
What to Look For Before You Buy
When you compare Shires masks, start with the problem you’re solving. A horse that is bothered by gnats around the ears needs ear covers. A horse with a pink muzzle may need a nose piece. A horse in an area thick with midges benefits from fine mesh. Then look at fit: the eye frame should hold the mesh clear of the eyes, the edges should sit close to the head without pressing, and the straps should be easy to fasten and adjust.
Durability matters too. A mask spends long hours in the field, so check the stitching and edging, and keep an eye on wear through the season. Shires describes its masks as “durable for the field,” but every mask eventually stretches, tears or loses grip at the closures. Many owners keep a second mask so one can be washed and dried while the other is in use.
Finally, read the product page carefully. Shires gives its UV ratings as an average with a minimum for the mesh, and its masks are made of 100% polyester. If a listing shortens the UV rating to a single number, check Shires’ own wording, which we quote below.
Q: How much UV protection do Shires fly masks give?
A: Shires states its UV figures carefully, so it’s worth quoting them exactly. For the FlyGuard Pro Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears, Shires lists “70+% UV blocking, helping to diminish the risk of sunburn and sun bleaching” and a “minimum rating 60+% for eye mesh.” For the FlyGuard Pro Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears & Nose, Shires says the fabrics give “the mask an overall 70+% average UV blocking*,” again with a “minimum rating 60+% for eye mesh.” For its deluxe mask with ears and nose, Shires lists “70+% average UV blocking, reducing the risk of sunburn and sun bleaching” and a “minimum rating 60+% for mesh.”
Two notes come with those figures on Shires’ pages:
- “*Effectiveness may diminish over time,” so an old, worn mask may not perform like a new one.
- Shires says the test was “carried out in accordance to BS EN 13758-1-2002+A1:2006.”
In short, the average rating Shires gives for these masks is 70+%, and the minimum it gives for the eye mesh is 60+%. An earlier version of this post said most Shires masks block “over 70%” of UV rays; Shires’ own wording is the average and minimum above. If your horse has pink skin around the eyes, a history of skin cancer or recurrent uveitis, ask your vet what level of UV protection they want, and read the UV fly mask guide linked above before you choose.
Q: How do I choose the right size and type of Shires fly mask?
A: Choosing the right fit is the single most important factor for your horse’s comfort and the mask’s effectiveness. A mask that is too loose can slip over the eyes or let flies in; one that is too tight can rub.
Step 1: Sizing
Shires lists its FlyGuard Pro deluxe masks in Small Pony, Pony, Cob, Full and Extra Full. Size names aren’t standardized between brands, so don’t guess from breed or from another brand’s size. Use the size chart for the specific Shires mask you’re buying, measure with a soft tape as the chart directs, and check the fit on your horse before the first turnout.
Step 2: Choosing the Type
Next, think about your horse’s specific needs:
- Are the ears a problem? If gnats swarm in your horse’s ears and cause head shaking, choose a mask with ear covers. Shires says its “Airstream fabric ear coverings keep the air flowing whilst blocking bothersome insects.” If your horse dislikes fabric over the ears, an ear-hole style such as the Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ear Holes leaves them free.
- Is the muzzle pink or bothered by flies? A mask with a nose piece covers the muzzle. Shires says the full face of its deluxe mask “offers UV protection to the delicate nose area,” and describes the contour nose on its fine mesh mask as offering “coverage while keeping the airways clear.”
- Would a fringe suit better? A nose fringe moves with the horse and, in Shires’ words, is “helpful in discouraging flies from landing on the delicate nose area,” without a solid piece over the muzzle.
- Do you have tiny midges? Choose a mask Shires describes as fine mesh, which it says protects “against the smallest of flies and midges.”
Q: What is the FlyGuard Pro line, and which models do you carry?
A: In Shires’ words, “FlyGuard Pro is a brand of Shires Equestrian.” We carry several FlyGuard Pro masks so you can choose your coverage:
- The Shires FlyGuard Pro Fine Mesh Fly Mask, a fine mesh mask for everyday turnout, offered with a choice of ear and nose coverage.
- The Shires FlyGuard Pro Deluxe Fly Mask with Ears, a deluxe mask with ear covers and no nose piece.
- The Shires FlyGuard Pro Deluxe Fly Mask with Ears and Nose, which Shires calls “ideal for sensitive horses,” with fine mesh over the eyes and a full face that covers the nose. Shires adds that the mask “is stretchy at the poll for a close fit.”
- The Shires FlyGuard Pro Deluxe Fly Mask with Ears and Nose Fringe, which Shires describes with “a structured eye frame that keeps its 3D shape as the horse moves,” a sunshield visor for “shading the eyes from sun glare,” and “sun defence ears” that “protect against insects, filter UV rays and allow air flow.”
The deluxe masks add features such as reinforced darts and fleecy seam padding around the eyes and, on the nose fringe model, a sunshield visor. Whichever you choose, check Shires’ own page for the exact UV wording and size chart for that model.
Q: I’ve got the mask. How do I fit it and get my horse used to it?
A: Proper fitting is key. A badly fitted mask can rub, slip over the eyes or let flies in under the edges. And remember, patience is everything when you introduce something new to your horse.
Fitting Checklist
- Eyes and eyelashes: The eye mesh should stand clear of your horse’s eyes and lashes all the way around. Shires designs its eye frames to do this, but check it on your horse.
- Edges and seams: Run your hand along every edge where the mask touches the cheeks, jaw and poll. The fleece binding should sit close to the head with no tight spots or gaps.
- Straps: Fasten the straps so the mask can’t slide down over the eyes or be pulled off easily, without pressing into the jaw.
- Ears and nose: Ear covers shouldn’t twist or pull on the ears. A nose piece or fringe shouldn’t get in the way of grazing or drinking.
Acclimation Tips
- Let your horse investigate. Let your horse see and sniff the mask first, and reward calm curiosity.
- Keep the first sessions short. Put the mask on for a few minutes while you groom or feed, so it becomes part of a good routine.
- Supervise at first. The first time you turn out in the mask, watch for a while to make sure your horse can see, graze and drink normally and isn’t trying to rub it off.
- Check daily. Take the mask off at least once a day to check for rubs, debris or trapped insects, and give the face a quick groom.
Think about turnout safety, too. Look for fence wire, gates or hay feeders where a strap could catch, and take a torn or stretched mask out of use until you can replace it.
Q: How do I care for and clean a Shires fly mask?
A: Regular cleaning keeps the mesh clear and the edges soft against the skin. Shires gives the same care instructions on its FlyGuard Pro mask pages: “Fasten all straps and hand wash cool with non-detergent soap. Air dry away from direct heat.”
- Daily: Shake and brush off loose dirt, hay and burrs when you take the mask off.
- Washing: Follow Shires’ instructions: fasten the straps first, then hand wash in cool water with a non-detergent soap and rinse thoroughly.
- Drying: Air dry the mask away from direct heat, and make sure it is completely dry before it goes back on your horse.
- Rotation: Having two masks per horse makes it easy to keep one on while the other is washed and dried.
Replace a mask when the mesh tears, the closures stop gripping or the eye frame no longer holds its shape. Remember that Shires notes UV effectiveness “may diminish over time,” which is another reason to retire a worn mask.
Q: Does Shires make other fly protection?
A: Yes. Effective fly control usually takes more than a mask, and Shires makes fly protection for the body and legs as well. Alongside its masks, we carry Shires fly sheets such as the Shires Highlander Fine Mesh Horse Fly Sheet with Detachable Neck Set and the Shires Tempest Original Standard Neck Fly Sheet, and leg protection such as the Shires Airflow Turnout Socks. Combined with good manure management and a fly repellent used as its label directs, these let you build protection from head to tail, adjusted to how bad the flies are where you live and how sensitive your horse is.
Q: Where can I find Shires fly masks?
A: Shires masks are sold by tack shops and online retailers. We carry the FlyGuard Pro models listed above in a range of sizes and styles, with and without ear covers and nose pieces, and you can see them alongside other Shires gear in our Shires collection. Whichever retailer you use, compare the listing with Shires’ own description, especially for the UV rating and size chart.
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Key Takeaways
- A fly mask is protective gear, not a treatment: it keeps flies off the face, and UV-rated mesh reduces sun on the eyes and skin. Eye or skin problems still need your vet.
- Quote the maker, not the listing: Shires rates its FlyGuard Pro fine mesh masks at 70+% average UV blocking with a 60+% minimum for the eye mesh, and notes that effectiveness may diminish over time.
- Fit and coverage come first: use the size chart for the exact mask, and choose ear covers, a nose piece or a fringe to match your horse.
- Check daily and clean as Shires directs: hand wash cool with non-detergent soap and air dry away from direct heat.
Give Your Horse the Gift of Comfort
A well-fitted fly mask is one of the simplest things you can do for your horse’s comfort in fly season. It puts a physical barrier between the face and biting insects, and a mask with UV-rated mesh cuts down the sun reaching the eyes. Shires’ FlyGuard Pro masks give you a choice of mesh, ear and nose coverage, with UV ratings Shires states clearly on its own pages. Measure carefully, check the fit, keep the mask clean, and pair it with good fly control around the barn for a more peaceful summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my horse eat and drink with a fly mask on?
Yes, a correctly fitted mask shouldn’t stop your horse grazing or drinking. Shires says the contour nose on its fine mesh mask offers coverage “while keeping the airways clear.” When you first turn out in a new mask, watch your horse graze and drink, and adjust the fit if a nose piece or fringe gets in the way.
Can a fly mask replace fly spray?
Not entirely. A mask protects the face, but flies also bite the legs and body. Most owners use a mask together with fly sheets or leg protection, manure management and a fly repellent applied as its label directs. Merck notes that good fly control directed against the face fly is critical in preventing eyeworms.
Do Shires fly masks keep out midges?
Shires says its FlyGuard Pro fine mesh masks “offer protection against the smallest of flies and midges.” Choose a fine mesh model and check that the fleece edges sit close to the head, since gaps at the cheeks or jaw let small insects in.
How long does a Shires fly mask last?
It depends on how much turnout it sees and how rough your horse and its pasture mates are on gear. Replace the mask when the mesh tears, the straps stop gripping or the eye frame loses its shape. Shires also notes that UV effectiveness may diminish over time, so a mask that looks fine may not filter UV as well as a new one.
