I liked the overall look of this Hy Mesh Half Mask – it’s quite similar in style and colour to the WeatherBeeta Fine Mesh Mask and the Woof Wear UV mask. The Hy mask is also available without ears, with just ears (no nose/fringe), or with ears and a nose – so there is plenty of choice to find the right combination for your horse.
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I tried the Hy Mesh Half Mask in a cob size. My pony, Utah, is 13.3hh but has quite a chunky head. I tested all the fly masks in cob or medium sizes and found this one ran the smallest. It didn’t quite meet under the chin and it fitted quite close to his face. It is slightly elasticated at the poll to help aid fit, which was good to see.
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Of all the fly masks I tested, I think this one had the closest fit to the face – although the mesh was darted, I found that Utah’s eyelashes kept poking through the mesh when he blinked. I tried the same mask on my friend’s Morgan horse and this wasn’t the case due to a different head shape – I’d say this mask is more suited to the finer head, rather than a cob with a broad or chunky head. The ears are soft and unlikely to cause any rubbing, but may be damaged if caught in a hedge.
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I really like the detachable nose fringe. While it doesn’t offer full coverage, there’s no danger of it becoming bent up and it’s less likely to be damaged than a nose that’s too long.
This fly mask doesn’t have a forelock hole – and with such a big forelock Utah could really do with one – so this is something to note if you prefer the forelock to be out.
I put this mask through the washing machine and it came up clean aside from hair stuck in the Velcro and brow padding, which prevents rubbing.
Utah did manage to get this mask off quite quickly, but so far the Morgan hasn’t managed this.
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Verdict
This was a good fly mask although it’s suited to a horse with a finer head. Having a nose fringe is a great option for horses with a shorter nose, too, as it’s less likely to become damaged.
Who tested this fly mask?
Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who usually lives out 24/7. He is well known for putting a lot of effort into removing fly masks as well as putting his head in places he shouldn’t, which makes him a perfect candidate for testing.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
