Fly mask rubs - suggestions?

[asb_own_me]

Both horses and both mini donks are getting rubs on their jaws (the side where the velcro is) from their fly masks. The masks fit well and have fleece edging for comfort, but they are still getting the rubs. The flies are AWFUL here and even when I fog them head to toe with Pyranha, including wiping it on their faces with a mitt, the flies made them look like the unfortunate horse in the SmartPak banner ad that keeps popping up here on COTH!

What can I do?

[asb_own_me]

Bumping - no ideas?

[cashin_IN]

had that same problem with a very expensive fly mask... come to find out my gelding was rubbing it on anythign he could to get the fly maks off... waiting on flymask #3 to come in the mail... good luck.

[Penthilisea]

I had my mom sew on extra fleece from a halter fleece set. You could probably even do it by hand. I also read recently that fly masks *should* be put on loosely around the jaw area.

[ljc]

I have five horses and use four different fly masks because certain masks rub certain horses and there is nothing I can do to fix that. So, through trial and error, I have found which mask works for which horse. A well-fitting mask shouldn't cause any rubs.

In other words, maybe you should try a different mask! I'm currently using the Cashel masks on my two minis; the Absorbine mask on a 17.3 hand TB, the basic ol' farnam mask on my tb/percheron cross and a Wrangler's mask on my other TB.

[andy825]

My TB has sensitive skin and always gets rubs, so I use two different masks on him (not at the same time ;))
They fit differently enough that they wouldn't rub him in the same place, so he wears one for a few days and then the other one for a few days. If I keep switching them he doesn't get rubs.

[ride2endure]

Similar to Andy, I use two different style of masks on my fellow. I started using my old standby, the Farnam SuperMask, but found that it was rubbing my horse - especially around the poll where the side away from the ears lacks fleece. I had to be careful with the Farnam mask because if I tightened the velcro too much, it rubbed Huck's jaw, but if I didn't tighten it enough, the mask would be off within one good hearty roll in the dirt.

My second mask, I've had about a month, is the Cashel fly mask (I wanted it to begin with but the tack store didn't have them when I needed one). I've found this one to fit really well and it hasn't caused a rub yet. It's lighter, IMO, and it has a light layer of fleece around all sides touching the horse. Now I alternate the masks, and try to use the Cashel masks on the hotter days since I think it's cooler and lighter.

It's important to remember not leaving the flymask on 24/7, if you can, since that creates irritation as well. Also, make sure you're washing them regularly. I put Huck's mask on during the morning feeding and take it off around dark, then give it a quick rinse with the hose and set it to dry overnight. It's a little easier for me, since Huck's right outside my back door.

[cloudyandcallie]

I've never had any rubs on my horses from either the cashel crusader or the rambo. Both have the eye darts that keep them away from the eyes.
When I tried to use other masks, eye lashes would get caught in them and they would rub the masks off.

One thing I do is have more than one mask, so that one can be in the washing machine while the other is being used. When the masks get sweaty and dirty, they can make the horse's skin itch, and that causes rubbing. You can also rinse out the masks in a bucket, but the washing machine gets all sweat and hair and dirt off. (no ringer washer)

[CB/TB]

Good ideas . Another thing is to try and keep the masks clean. Check the seams and fleece /velcro for grit or any dirt that might adhere and cause an irritation that might make the horse scratch. I usually slather SWAT on the ears, lightly around the eyes and under the jaw. I, too , have an assortment of fly masks of all shapes and sizes that get rubbed off, chewed up and otherwise hidden all over the place!

[asb_own_me]

Thanks!

I usually wash them every couple days, more often if it's been muddy and less if it's been dry. I hadn't been taking them off at night because it seems like the flies here don't sleep :eek:

The masks fit well, but I do think I could put them on a little looser around the jaw. I'll start pulling them at bedtime and rinsing them. The horses are here at home so that won't be difficult. Thanks for the tips!

[Montanas_Girl]

Make sure the mask fits well (only the Kensington works with my guy's face shape) and is clean. Don't leave it on 24/7. I leave mine off if it is raining or very muddy. Also, contrary to what others have said, I've found that my guy gets rubs when the mask is too loose under his jaw - it seems to move around less (and therefore rub less) when the velcro is farily snug.

[Riley0522]

Make sure the mask fits well (only the Kensington works with my guy's face shape) and is clean. Don't leave it on 24/7. I leave mine off if it is raining or very muddy. Also, contrary to what others have said, I've found that my guy gets rubs when the mask is too loose under his jaw - it seems to move around less (and therefore rub less) when the velcro is farily snug.


I found the total opposite! When my guy's mask is fitted snug on him he gets rubs, so when it's on it's loose. My guy is a fairly thin-skinned TB and gets pretty beat up by the bugs, but I've found he prefers to be without the mask. Sometimes I will put it on if the 'skeeters are really bad, but I make sure it comes off for a few hrs during the day. No fly sheet for my guy either, I debated it, and he'd much rather just take a mud bath, and I'd much rather not waste money on a sheet that he's either going to sweat in or destroy!

[pony89]

I just got my mare a cashel fly mask with the long nose - the same one in the short nose model never caused a rub, but this one does. I strapped it on her and reached inside to feel what the problem is, and came to the conclusion that I had it on too tightly. The seam between the mask part and the nose part hits a little lower in this model, and I think it is rubbing while she chews. I am headed out tonight to see how it looks after a few days of being attached more loosely.

Has anyone stuck a little moleskin on the rubbing area? That was the next thing I was going to try.

[Ozalynda]

I have a couple of fly masks that are make with lycra. They pull up over the face and fit the face tight enough that no flies can creep in but not so tight that they cause rubs or constrictions. No idea if you can get them in the US, but here is a link to them in Denmark so at least you can see what they look like:

http://www.tikarideudstyr.dk/Graphics/Products/7642.jpg
(not exactly the one I have. This one apparently has a zipper)