Product Review: Absorbine UltraShield Fly Mask

Perfect for your horse … AND mule!

Destructive mule vs. Absorbine UltraShield Fly Mask. Photo by Maria Wachter.

With the crew at my ranch, fly masks normally have a one- to two-week life span. My (lame, hay burning, pasture ornament that I love dearly) mule has an uncanny ability to rip every fly mask that graces his face into two with a week or less: even though he hobbles around, he has the flexibility of a ballerina/ninja/yoga instructor, and is able to put his back feet over his head to scratch himself between the ears. This remarkable move has been the silent killer of many … many fly masks.

Well, I tell you what: I am PLEASANTLY surprised with the Absorbine UltraShield Fly Mask. Not only did the mask last all month long (and counting), he also wasn’t able to rip it off! Thank you, Absorbine!

The fly mask wins. Photo by Maria Wachter.

This “stickability” comes from the shape and construction of the fly mask: the UltraShield Fly Mask is made of the same kind of fabric as your athletic wear, with stretch to help conform to the horse’s face and moisture wicking to keep him cool. The mask extends behind the ears a little bit further than the average mask to keep it in place (which is why my mule-ninja is still wearing it).

I also tested the “eared” version out on the gentlest one at the ranch, my old Quarter horse gelding. He seemed to approve, and I was also very pleased with the results. The only thing I could think of that would make this mask better would be a place for their forelock to lie: there was no opening between the ears, so the forelock has to lie flat under the mask. Not a deal-breaker for something with this much durability and quality.

The eared version. Photo by Maria Wachter.

Neither mask rubbed them at all, thanks in part to thoughtfully-rolled seams, and there’s extra space for big “jowled” horses and mules. A mule tends to have a larger head than an average horse, but not large enough to be considered draft size. I opted for the warmblood size for my mule (the masks also come in cob and horse sizes), and it fit like a T.

Even though the masks are a very dark shade of black, they both seemed to see surprisingly well out of them. According to Absorbine, the black fabric helps block up to 80% of harmful UV rays, especially important when you live at elevation like me!

Kudos to Absorbine for finally putting a mask on the market that lasts. Now instead of shelling out money twice a month on cheap masks that my herd will destroy,  I can spend my money on more important things … like feeding my hay burners.

Absorbine drastically lessens the blow for or the season we all dread, fly season, and for that, I thank them!

Learn more about the UltraShield Fly Mask here, and go riding!