Fly Masks with UV protection

[asbocob]

Hi all,
I’ve got a horse who suffers badly with headshaking, all tests done and nothing found however there is an improvement when he wears a fly mask. He currently has the Harrison Howard Maskology Supreme but they’ve stopped stocking them. The Guardian masks look good however they’re so expensive and he needs a mask that also covers his ears. I’ve also seen the Kensington UViator masks but never seen any reviews of them. Equick Evysor looks like they could solve the problem but they can’t be turned out wearing them so those are out too sadly. Any advice/opinions please? Thanks!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

How much UV protection do you need?

I saw that Shires fly masks claim to have 60% + and Cashel claim 70% and both of those can come with ear covers as an option.

 

[asbocob]

As high as possible, the HH mask claims to be 90%+ plus but I’m not sure how accurate this is.

 

[LEC]

As high as possible, the HH mask claims to be 90%+ plus but I’m not sure how accurate this is.

It is worth spending the £8 for the David Marlin research. I found it really useful for deciding what to buy for my UV horse. He also has some great stuff on bedding this month as well so I would say £8 well spent with material on there for making better decisions in the long run such as fly rugs as well.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

This thread might be helpful as it discusses some of D.Marlin's fly mask research.

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/keeping-a-guardian-mask-on.810096/#post-14724718

 

[HollyWoozle]

Our horse with uveitis is primarily wearing a Guardian and a Kensington Uviator and they are great. The Guardian does seem less comfortable and he's had it off a few times whereas the Kensington option appears very comfortable, light and is far more affordable. Another poster on here who had read D. Marlin's info said the Uviator rated as having 81% UV protection and the Guardian as 91% iirc so the Guardian does win but the Uviator is likely sufficient for many purposes.