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Discover our collection of fly hoods and fly masks for horses,... Read More

Discover our collection of fly hoods and fly masks for horses, designed to help protect your horse from irritating flies and insects while supporting comfort in the arena, stable and field. Although the two products serve different purposes, both can be useful additions to your horse’s wardrobe during the warmer months and throughout the competition season.

A horse fly hood, also known as a fly veil or horse ear bonnet, is worn while riding. It sits beneath the bridle and covers the horse’s ears, helping to reduce the distraction caused by flies during training, hacking and competitions. Fly hoods also have an important aesthetic role and are often selected to match a saddle pad, bandages or horse boots.

A horse fly mask, by contrast, is designed primarily for turnout. It covers more of the horse’s face and is worn in the field, paddock or turnout area to help keep flies and other insects away from sensitive areas around the eyes, ears and face.

Whether you are looking for a stylish matching fly hood for a competition outfit, a noise-reducing ear bonnet for a sensitive horse or a practical fly mask for field use, explore our collection at My Breeches and find the right protection for your horse.

Fly Hoods for Training and Competition

Horse fly hoods are a popular choice for riders across dressage, showjumping, eventing and everyday leisure riding. Their close-fitting ear design helps prevent flies from landing directly on or around the ears, reducing one potential source of irritation while your horse is working.

A horse that is distracted by flies may shake its head, flick its ears or struggle to concentrate. Wearing a correctly fitted fly hood for horses can help create a more comfortable riding experience, particularly during warm weather when insects are most active.

Fly hoods are designed to sit neatly beneath the bridle without creating unnecessary bulk. The front section usually rests against the horse’s forehead, while the shaped ears cover each ear individually. Many designs also include crochet, mesh or technical fabrics that allow airflow while creating a smart and professional appearance.

Always check that the fly veil fits comfortably around the ears and does not pull tightly beneath the browband or headpiece. The hood should remain secure without restricting natural ear movement or causing rubbing.

Matching Fly Hoods and Saddle Pads

For many riders, the visual appeal of a fly hood is almost as important as its practical benefits. A coordinated fly hood and saddle pad set creates a polished look for training, clinics, photographs and competition days.

Leading equestrian brands regularly release fly veils in colours and designs that coordinate with their saddle pads, bandages, boots and other horse accessories. This makes it easy to build a complete matching horse set in your favourite seasonal shade.

A classic navy, black, white or grey ear bonnet offers a timeless look and can be paired with several different saddle pads. Riders who prefer something more distinctive can choose seasonal colours, contrasting bindings, glossy trims, crystal detailing or branded finishes.

When creating a coordinated outfit, begin with your chosen saddle pad and then select a matching or complementary fly hood. Add horse boots or bandages in the same colour family to complete the look. Even when an exact match is unavailable, combining similar tones or coordinating trims can produce a stylish result.

Matching fly hoods are especially popular among riders who enjoy Eskadron, Pikeur, Cavalleria Toscana, Vestrum and other premium equestrian collections. As seasonal colours may be produced in limited quantities, it is worth purchasing the coordinating ear bonnet when you find the right saddle pad.

Noise-Reducing Fly Hoods

Some horses are sensitive to noise or become distracted in busy riding environments. A noise-reducing fly hood features padded or sound-dampening ear material designed to soften surrounding noise and help the horse focus on the rider.

The Eskadron Mute fly hood is an example of a design created with this purpose in mind. In addition to helping protect the ears from flies, its specialist ear construction can muffle some external sounds, making it a useful option for horses that find loud, busy or unfamiliar environments distracting.

Noise-reducing ear bonnets may be particularly useful during competition warm-ups, clinics, travelling events or training in a busy arena. They do not remove all sound, and the horse should still remain aware of its surroundings, but they can help reduce the intensity of certain noises.

These products may also be described as sound-dampening fly veils, acoustic ear bonnets or noise-muffling horse hoods. Riders competing in an affiliated discipline should check the relevant competition rules before using any noise-reducing equipment.

Competition Fly Veils

A smart competition fly veil can provide the finishing touch to your horse’s presentation. Showjumpers, dressage riders and event riders often choose ear bonnets that complement their saddlecloth, jacket or overall competition colours.

White, navy and black fly hoods are popular competition choices because they offer a clean and traditional appearance. More decorative styles may feature cord edging, crystal trims, subtle logos or elegant fabric combinations.

When selecting a fly hood for competition, fit and comfort should remain the priority. The material should sit smoothly beneath the bridle, and any decorative elements must not interfere with the horse’s vision or equipment.

A well-chosen competition ear bonnet should look refined while remaining practical enough for performance. Check the product description carefully to determine whether a particular fly veil is designed for standard insect protection, noise reduction or both.

Fly Masks for Turnout

Unlike fly hoods, fly masks for horses are designed for use in the field, paddock or turnout area rather than beneath a bridle. They cover the face and create a barrier between the horse and irritating insects.

Flies often gather around the horse’s eyes, ears and muzzle, which can lead to repeated head shaking, rubbing and general discomfort. A properly fitted turnout fly mask helps prevent insects from reaching these sensitive areas while allowing the horse to see and move normally.

Different styles provide varying levels of coverage. Some fly masks cover the eyes and upper face, while others include ear covers or an extended nose section. Depending on the design, a longer nosepiece may offer additional coverage for horses with sensitive or pink skin.

A good horse fly mask for turnout should provide adequate clearance around the eyes. The mesh must not press against the eyelashes or eye area, even when the horse lowers its head to graze. Secure fastenings help keep the mask in place, while soft edging can reduce the risk of rubbing.

Fly Masks with Ears and Nose Protection

A fly mask with ears is a useful choice for horses that are particularly bothered by insects around the ear area. The ear sections are generally made from a lighter, flexible material that helps keep flies away without preventing natural movement.

For horses requiring greater facial coverage, consider a fly mask with nose protection. These designs extend farther down the face and can help keep insects away from the muzzle and nose.

Some turnout masks may also offer a degree of protection from sunlight, but the level of coverage and UV protection will vary between products. Always read the individual product information rather than assuming that every mask provides the same features.

Horses should be checked regularly while wearing a fly mask. Remove the mask to inspect the eyes, face and skin for signs of rubbing, damage or trapped dirt, and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choosing Between a Fly Hood and Fly Mask

The main difference is where and when the product will be used.

Choose a horse fly hood when riding, training or competing. It is worn beneath the bridle, protects the ears from flies and can coordinate with your saddle pad and horse accessories.

Choose a horse fly mask for turnout in the field or paddock. It covers the horse’s face and provides broader protection around the eyes, ears or nose, depending on the style.

A riding fly hood should not be used as a substitute for a turnout mask because it does not provide sufficient facial coverage and may not remain secure without a bridle. Equally, a turnout fly mask is not designed to fit beneath riding tack.

Many horse owners keep both products available so their horse can remain comfortable while ridden and during turnout.

Shop Horse Fly Hoods and Fly Masks

Explore our range of fly hoods and fly masks for horses at My Breeches. Shop stylish horse ear bonnets for training and competitions, matching fly hoods for coordinated saddle pad sets, noise-reducing fly veils and practical turnout fly masks for protection in the field.

Choose from classic colours, seasonal equestrian designs and functional options created for different horses and environments. Whether you need an elegant competition fly hood, an Eskadron matching set or a durable field fly mask, find comfortable and practical insect protection for your horse today.