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Top 5 Full Face Protective Fly Hoods in Canada for 2025: Expert-Tested Options for Comfort, Durability, and Fly-Free Relief

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Full face protective fly hoods provide full coverage of the horse's head — eyes, cheeks, ears, and often the nose — to guard against flies, midges, and other biting insects. Designed with fine mesh, reinforced seams, and anatomically shaped panels, these hoods prioritize comfort, breathability, and long-term durability. In Canada, buyers look for hoods that balance high mesh density (to stop small insects) with airflow for hot summer days, durable stitching for pasture use, and UV protection for horses with light-colored skin. Fit, ease of cleaning, compatibility with bridles and turnout gear, and proven comfort for sensitive or white-faced animals are top consumer priorities. Whether you need full daytime coverage for high-fly regions or a tough turnout hood for pasture use, full face fly hoods reduce irritation, help prevent wounds from rubbing and insect bites, and make riding and turnout more pleasant for both horse and handler.

Quick Menu

1. Best Value Full-Coverage

2. Best UV-blocking Protection

3. Best Fine-Mesh Fit

4. Best Comfort-Fit Design

5. Best Durable Heavy-Duty Protection

1
BEST VALUE FULL-COVERAGE

Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Ears and Nose

Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Ears and Nose

The Cashel Crusader is a practical full-face protective fly hood that balances broad coverage with breathable mesh and integrated ears and nose for complete protection. It holds its position as a best-in-class value option by delivering reliable insect and sun protection at a typically lower street price than premium brands, while still offering more coverage than many budget masks. Compared with the list, it trades some of the fit refinements found on high-end models for a durable, cost-effective design that suits owners looking for strong protection without a premium spend.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Nose guard — crusader snoot

  • Soft mesh — cloud comfort

  • Nose guard — crusader snoot

  • Soft mesh — cloud comfort

Review Summary

92%

"Well-made and comfortable with excellent coverage and visibility; most users report long-term durability and a marked reduction in fly irritation, though a few mention occasional sizing or Velcro wear."

  • Ear covers — floppy-friendly

  • Durable nylon mesh provides broad face coverage while maintaining visibility.

  • Ear covers — floppy-friendly

  • Durable nylon mesh provides broad face coverage while maintaining visibility.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Cashel Crusader is a practical full-face protective fly hood that balances broad coverage with breathable mesh and integrated ears and nose for complete protection. It holds its position as a best-in-class value option by delivering reliable insect and sun protection at a typically lower street price than premium brands, while still offering more coverage than many budget masks. Compared with the list, it trades some of the fit refinements found on high-end models for a durable, cost-effective design that suits owners looking for strong protection without a premium spend.

  • Nose guard — crusader snoot

  • Soft mesh — cloud comfort

  • Ear covers — floppy-friendly

  • Durable nylon mesh provides broad face coverage while maintaining visibility.

  • Includes full ears and nose protection to keep insects off sensitive areas.

  • Nose guard — crusader snoot

  • Soft mesh — cloud comfort

  • Ear covers — floppy-friendly

  • Durable nylon mesh provides broad face coverage while maintaining visibility.

  • Includes full ears and nose protection to keep insects off sensitive areas.

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$35-60 CAD

2
BEST UV-BLOCKING PROTECTION

Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask

Kensington

The Kensington UViator stands out as a technical leader among full-face protective fly hoods with fabrics engineered for enhanced UV blocking and very fine mesh to shield sensitive eyes and skin. It earns a market-leading position for riders who prioritize advanced sun and light management—even if that often comes at a higher price—making it a strong choice when UV protection is the primary concern compared with more general-purpose masks in this list. Relative to other masks here, the UViator is marketed as a specialty, higher-cost option that delivers measurable extra sun defense and fine-mesh performance.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • UV shield — sun-smart visor

  • Clear vision — hawk-approved

  • UV shield — sun-smart visor

  • Clear vision — hawk-approved

Review Summary

84%

"Lightweight mask with UV protection that many owners find comfortable and breathable; reviewers generally like the fit and sun-blocking properties but note occasional durability or sizing inconsistencies."

  • Robust build — travel-ready

  • Specialized UV-blocking mesh reduces sun exposure while keeping flies away.

  • Robust build — travel-ready

  • Specialized UV-blocking mesh reduces sun exposure while keeping flies away.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Kensington UViator stands out as a technical leader among full-face protective fly hoods with fabrics engineered for enhanced UV blocking and very fine mesh to shield sensitive eyes and skin. It earns a market-leading position for riders who prioritize advanced sun and light management—even if that often comes at a higher price—making it a strong choice when UV protection is the primary concern compared with more general-purpose masks in this list. Relative to other masks here, the UViator is marketed as a specialty, higher-cost option that delivers measurable extra sun defense and fine-mesh performance.

  • UV shield — sun-smart visor

  • Clear vision — hawk-approved

  • Robust build — travel-ready

  • Specialized UV-blocking mesh reduces sun exposure while keeping flies away.

  • Contoured face design with soft fleece edges for reduced rubbing.

  • UV shield — sun-smart visor

  • Clear vision — hawk-approved

  • Robust build — travel-ready

  • Specialized UV-blocking mesh reduces sun exposure while keeping flies away.

  • Contoured face design with soft fleece edges for reduced rubbing.

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From 205.05$
3
BEST FINE-MESH FIT

Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears and Nose

Shires

Shires’ fine mesh full-face fly hood is noted for its precise fit and quality construction, offering thorough coverage including ears and nose while remaining breathable for everyday turnout. It occupies a mid- to high-tier position by combining durable materials and a close fit that reduces rubbing, providing a technical advantage for horses with sensitive skin or those that need a secure fit compared with bulkier or cheaper alternatives. In comparison to the more value-oriented or ultra-technical masks here, Shires aims to deliver a dependable balance of comfort, durability, and price.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Fine mesh — whisper-thin

  • Nose protection — sneeze-stop

  • Fine mesh — whisper-thin

  • Nose protection — sneeze-stop

Review Summary

88%

"Fine mesh offers good fly protection and visibility and is regarded as durable and well-cut by most buyers; a minority report rubbing or fit problems on certain head shapes."

  • Eared design — barn-cozy

  • Fine anti-insect mesh ideal for horses with high fly sensitivity.

  • Eared design — barn-cozy

  • Fine anti-insect mesh ideal for horses with high fly sensitivity.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Shires’ fine mesh full-face fly hood is noted for its precise fit and quality construction, offering thorough coverage including ears and nose while remaining breathable for everyday turnout. It occupies a mid- to high-tier position by combining durable materials and a close fit that reduces rubbing, providing a technical advantage for horses with sensitive skin or those that need a secure fit compared with bulkier or cheaper alternatives. In comparison to the more value-oriented or ultra-technical masks here, Shires aims to deliver a dependable balance of comfort, durability, and price.

  • Fine mesh — whisper-thin

  • Nose protection — sneeze-stop

  • Eared design — barn-cozy

  • Fine anti-insect mesh ideal for horses with high fly sensitivity.

  • Padded eye and nose areas minimize chafing and improve comfort.

  • Fine mesh — whisper-thin

  • Nose protection — sneeze-stop

  • Eared design — barn-cozy

  • Fine anti-insect mesh ideal for horses with high fly sensitivity.

  • Padded eye and nose areas minimize chafing and improve comfort.

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From 46.99$
4
BEST COMFORT-FIT DESIGN

Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit Fly Mask

Professional's Choice

Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit is a market leader for full-face protective fly hoods thanks to its anatomically contoured design, soft edging, and secure closure system that minimize rubs and improve long-term comfort. It holds this position by emphasizing fit and horse comfort over lowest price, often commanding a premium yet reducing returns and replacement frequency—an economic advantage for owners who prioritize durability and reduced maintenance. Compared with the other masks listed, it is frequently chosen when preventing rubs and ensuring a snug, comfortable fit are top priorities.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Contoured fit — hug-grade

  • Padded edges — rub-free

  • Contoured fit — hug-grade

  • Padded edges — rub-free

Review Summary

90%

"Consistently praised for a comfortable, contoured fit, secure closures and long-lasting materials; most customers report extended use without rubbing, though a few have issues with very tall ears."

  • Breathable mesh — airy view

  • Anatomical shape preserves peripheral vision while protecting the face.

  • Breathable mesh — airy view

  • Anatomical shape preserves peripheral vision while protecting the face.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit is a market leader for full-face protective fly hoods thanks to its anatomically contoured design, soft edging, and secure closure system that minimize rubs and improve long-term comfort. It holds this position by emphasizing fit and horse comfort over lowest price, often commanding a premium yet reducing returns and replacement frequency—an economic advantage for owners who prioritize durability and reduced maintenance. Compared with the other masks listed, it is frequently chosen when preventing rubs and ensuring a snug, comfortable fit are top priorities.

  • Contoured fit — hug-grade

  • Padded edges — rub-free

  • Breathable mesh — airy view

  • Anatomical shape preserves peripheral vision while protecting the face.

  • Soft binding and fleece noseband reduce rubbing and pressure points.

  • Contoured fit — hug-grade

  • Padded edges — rub-free

  • Breathable mesh — airy view

  • Anatomical shape preserves peripheral vision while protecting the face.

  • Soft binding and fleece noseband reduce rubbing and pressure points.

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From 74.63$
5
BEST DURABLE HEAVY-DUTY PROTECTION

Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask

Farnam

The Farnam SuperMask II is a widely available, budget-friendly full-face protective fly hood known for its ultra-fine mesh and generous coverage that work well in heavy fly pressure. It holds a strong market position as a cost-effective, broadly effective option that performs reliably for many horses and turnout situations, offering good protection for the price compared with higher-cost, feature-rich masks. Versus the premium or specialized products in this list, the SuperMask II typically appeals to buyers seeking maximum coverage and availability at a lower purchase cost, though it may lack some of the refined fit and advanced fabrics of top-tier models.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Molded nose cup — snoot armor

  • Tear-resistant mesh — rugged-run

  • Molded nose cup — snoot armor

  • Tear-resistant mesh — rugged-run

Review Summary

86%

"Popular lightweight option with good coverage and breathable mesh that many owners find good value for routine use; some reviewers report strap wear or tearing after heavy extended use."

  • Adjustable straps — custom snug

  • Heavy-duty ballistic-style mesh offers long-lasting tear and UV resistance.

  • Adjustable straps — custom snug

  • Heavy-duty ballistic-style mesh offers long-lasting tear and UV resistance.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Farnam SuperMask II is a widely available, budget-friendly full-face protective fly hood known for its ultra-fine mesh and generous coverage that work well in heavy fly pressure. It holds a strong market position as a cost-effective, broadly effective option that performs reliably for many horses and turnout situations, offering good protection for the price compared with higher-cost, feature-rich masks. Versus the premium or specialized products in this list, the SuperMask II typically appeals to buyers seeking maximum coverage and availability at a lower purchase cost, though it may lack some of the refined fit and advanced fabrics of top-tier models.

  • Molded nose cup — snoot armor

  • Tear-resistant mesh — rugged-run

  • Adjustable straps — custom snug

  • Heavy-duty ballistic-style mesh offers long-lasting tear and UV resistance.

  • Molded nose and eye panels keep fabric off delicate areas to prevent rubbing.

  • Molded nose cup — snoot armor

  • Tear-resistant mesh — rugged-run

  • Adjustable straps — custom snug

  • Heavy-duty ballistic-style mesh offers long-lasting tear and UV resistance.

  • Molded nose and eye panels keep fabric off delicate areas to prevent rubbing.

Order Now
From 44.95$

What Research and Field Evidence Say About Full Face Fly Hoods

Scientific studies and field trials in equine health and behavior support the practical benefits of well-designed fly protection. Research in equine dermatology and behavior shows that effective insect barriers reduce skin lesions, lower behavioral signs of agitation, and can reduce stress markers when insect pressure is high. Fabrics with UV-blocking properties reduce sun damage on vulnerable areas, and properly fitted masks prevent rubbing and secondary skin trauma. The key is choosing the right mesh density, fit, and construction for your horse and local insect pressure.

Reduced skin damage: Equine dermatology reports and field studies show that physical barriers over sensitive areas (face, cheeks, nose) reduce fly-bite lesions and secondary infections.

Lower stress signals: Behavioral observations indicate horses spend less time head-shaking, tail-swishing, and stomping when well-protected from flies, which can correlate with lower cortisol in high-infestation conditions.

UV protection matters: UV-blocking fabrics can prevent sunburn and reduce progressive skin deterioration in light-skinned or pink-nosed horses, especially during long daylight hours in summer.

Mesh density trade-off: Finer mesh blocks smaller insects but can reduce airflow; look for engineered meshes that balance filtration with breathability.

Fit and construction prevent rubbing: Reinforced seams, soft edging, and anatomically shaped nose and ear panels reduce friction and the risk of sores from prolonged wear.

Maintenance and hygiene: Regular cleaning and inspection prevent buildup of sweat and debris that can cause irritation; durable materials that withstand repeated washing extend the life of the hood.

In the Canadian context, full face protective fly hoods are an essential piece of summer and turnout gear for many horse owners. The five models highlighted here each bring specific strengths: the Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Ears and Nose for all-round coverage and fit, the Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask for its balanced UV protection and breathable mesh, the Shires Fine Mesh Fly Mask with Ears and Nose for fine-insect filtration, the Professional's Choice Comfort-Fit Fly Mask for padded comfort and secure closures, and the Farnam SuperMask II Horse Fly Mask for rugged turnout use. For many Canadian owners looking for a single, dependable option across varied conditions, the Kensington UViator Protective Fly Mask stands out as the best overall choice because it combines effective UV protection, durable construction, and good breathability. We hope you found what you were looking for — use the search to refine by size, UV protection, or ear/nose options to expand or narrow your results.

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