Important Fly Mask Tips This Summer
If there’s one thing equestrians dislike about summer, it’s hands down the flies! For horses and humans alike, flies are a complete nuisance. As well as being downright annoying, flies can cause potential harm to your horse in the form of bites, right through to the transmission of diseases. Fly Masks are a great way to protect your horse from insects, flies, dust and even UV rays. All WeatherBeeta Fly Masks have been tested against UV rays and provide at least 70% UV Protection.
To ensure your horse has a happy & healthy summer, free from the harm and irritation of flies and protection from the UV rays, we've provide our tips to understanding fly mask use below:
- Remove fly masks at night for better visibility, unless advised otherwise for a medical reason
- Remove the mask when it’s raining, to avoid the mask becoming covered in dirt/mud if they roll, reducing visibility
- Fit the fly mask correctly, ensuring the mask isn’t too tight across the head, eyes, ears or nose
- Remove the mask regularly and allow your horse to have time off, checking for any signs of rubbing, especially in very hot conditions
- Don’t put a dirty mask on a horse. This can cause more harm than good and possibly decrease visibility
- Create a cleaning schedule, aim to wash the fly mask every week to two weeks, or when the mask is dirty as this can often attract more flies. If you use a fly mask with a Nose flap, you may need to wash more frequently as this can build up hair and dirty more quickly.
- It can often be handy to have a spare fly mask, if you do find yourself needing to wash one you can pop on the other in the meantime!
- To wash your fly mask, remove excess dirt with hose or stiff brush. Hand washing recommended with mild soap. If machine washed, max temp 30C on a gentle cycle. Line dry and do not tumble dry
- Washing care instructions may vary depending on brand of mask, always refer to the tags on your fly mask
- During times when you're not using your mask, it is best to store away to keep it in good condition
