OVERVIEW:
I’m long overdue to get back into my Sunday Reviews. In honor of bug season I want to go over some bug stuff!
This week I’m highlighting the SmartPak Deluxe Fly Mask.
This mask is a full-face fly mask with nose. I originally purchased this mask for both Stanley and Nahe after loving it for my friend’s horse, Reality. It was one of the only masks that stayed on this mare. In the past I’ve also been handed down a SmartPak mask that I loved for Nahe.
Both horses got horse sized masks, full with nose and ears. Nahe got a slate blue and Stanley got green glow. The colors are just around the trim; subtle and classy. I honestly wanted the masks to match the brand new fly sheets I bought them, but they had neither hunter nor purple (same brand). Suzanne also got Tiger a blue one.
These are designed well, the single velcro hook and loop flap is thick, roughly 3″ or so. The nose is attached, so there is no option to remove it besides buying the one without a nose. The ears have a softer mesh, which I’m sure the horses appreciate. The mesh on the face feels durable; it’s PVC material with up to 65% UV blocking abilities.
The price point sits around midrange. I paid around $35 each for these and you can usually find good deals around holiday sales if you’re a savvy shopper.
I was bummed when I arrived to the farm on the second day and Stanley’s face was naked. He was headshaking and very bothered by the bugs. I’m assuming he lost it during a Stanley/Tiger bite-face session.
Nahe’s mask didn’t stay on terribly well either, he left his in the field after a nice roll in the grass.
Stanley wears this mask daily, and normally comes in with it still on only about 50% of the time. Nahe has been wearing other masks.
Since Stanley wears his daily, he’s a better test of durability…. which unfortunately I was underwhelmed with. He looks like a ragamuffin. The piping around the edge of the nosepiece has been completely taken off, and the mesh fans out wide. The soft mesh ears have worn to the point that the tips of his ears stick out of the tops.
I expected better from SmartPak. I still have fly masks I bought from other brands that are years old but this particular mask made it a month, maybe two.
PROS:
- Thick velcro attachment, more hold.
- Hole for forelock
- Available in different colors and sizes, with or without nose, with or without ears
CONS
- I was hoping to match the mask with the sheet but it didn’t work out.
- Was not as durable for my playful guy
- Did not stay on my itchy guy
Tips:
- These masks run generous in size. Plan accordingly
Alternatives:
- Cashel Crusader
- Kensington
- Absorbine
- Professionals Choice
Final Word:
I wanted to rave about this fly mask. I bought them despite them not matching because I had confidence in SmartPak’s great reputation for quality…and I had already had a great experience with two masks of the same brand on two different horses.
Unfortunately, the two masks I bought do not hold up to the test. Nahe is mellow but loves to roll and itches. It would not stay on well for him.
Stanley is incredibly sensitive to bugs and he plays a lot with his brother. It not only doesn’t stay on well but it’s deteriorated in only a couple short months. It has fallen apart and only stays on him half the time. I’m not a happy mom when I see him flailing his head trying to get away from bugs (and the chiropractor routinely needs to adjust his poll).
Would I buy these again? I don’t know. Maybe I’d see if the non-nose mask would hold on better as I suspect it gets bitten off. The price is reasonable enough to give it a go, but I’d need more incentive to pull the trigger on that one.
Would I recommend this mask? Possibly.
Over the years I have found different brands and types of mask work better for different horses. It could be fit, closure style, sizing, shape, or a combination of it all. I have a playful horse and I think the nose creates a tempting option for his brother to grab and tear. It was a no for us this time, but it might be suitable for a less aggressive horse.
Bottom line: give it a shot if you’re still looking for the perfect fit and your horse is pretty mellow.
The Green Horseman 
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