OVERVIEW:

Happy Sunday!

It is once again time for The Sunday Review. If you are new to this segment feel free to peruse the past reviews. The Sunday Review posts every other Sunday, a new feature as of January 2020.

This week I am covering the Cashel Crusader Quiet Ride Fly Mask.

As you might know, my horse Blade hated bugs. I believe he might have developed head-shakers syndrome but it was hard to tell during bug season as any little gnat would set him off. He lost a lot of weight in the summertime running from the bugs.

Blade’s hatred for pests impacted our exercise, too. We would often have riding sessions that were completely pointless because Blade would have a hissy fit when he felt something land on him.

That’s when I found the Cashel Company’s Quiet Ride gear. I first used the quiet ride mask on my camping trip in 2019 on the chestnut quarter horse I rode, Fred.

I noticed a difference so I bought one for Blade. Our riding sessions once again became productive. Sure, we had some bugs, but the bugs on the face were significantly reduced and he didn’t spend 80% of the ride shaking his head or flinging it up in the air.

The quiet ride fly mask comes in many different styles to accomodate all sorts of horse and rider preferences; standard covers just the eyes and face but not the nose or ears…that also can be purchased with ears. You also have the long nose option for the extra protection down toe the nostrils. This option can also be available with or without ears. The mask can be worn above or underneath the bridle, and it doesn’t impair their vision at all.

The mesh material of the quite ride mask is lightweight and breathable. The standard turnout masks are made with a much heavier mesh. This lighter material makes riding safer and more enjoyable.

There are six sizes available; foal, yearling, arab, horse, warmblood, and draft.

The Cashel Crusader Quiet Ride Fly Mask with Ears in horse size is the mask I purchased and if you bought the same it would cost you about $35. In my opinion it is totally worth it.

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PROS:

• Lightweight
• Velcro is strong and easy to use
• Effective in keeping flies off the face during rides
• Variety in options and sizes
• Affordable
• Does not interfere with reins or the bit

CONS

• Though I like the black mesh it would be interesting to see a bigger variety of colors or patterns.

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Alternatives:

• Horze Bridle Fy Mask: This option is cheaper, and it attaches to the bridle byvelcro straps. It only covers the face eyes and ears. The Cashel mask offers more coverage.
• Other fly masks: other fly masks are thicker and bulky. They are more difficult to see through and fold awkwardly if not positioned just right.
• Lycra fly masks: Though the mesh on lycra fly masks are cheaper I have never thought to use them with my bridle. For that to work best I would imagine you’d pull the bridle over the mask, so the options are limited. Possible, however.

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Final Word:

I highly recommend the Cashel Crusader Quiet Ride fly mask. Personally I really like the long nose with ears option. I recently went on a camping trip with Tiger (stay tuned on that) and Tiger enjoyed the mask on our excursions.

If your horses really hates bugs Cashel also offers a full line of bug riding gear. You can find a neck cover, full body “fly aromor,” ad even a belly fly sheet. I have not yet tried these options but to see for yourself check out: https://www.cashelcompany.com/

At the end of the day I love my purchase and would buy it again. I also highly recommend these if you ride in a buggy environment. You will notice less head tossing and a happier horse.