Be Fly Free with Cashel Fly Protection

As the days get warmer, the fly fight begins, it's more than just an annoyance. While they make you cringe and swat, they can make your horse downright miserable. Constant tail swishing, head tossing, and foot stomping aren't just irritating, they can lead to sores, stress, and even illness.

That’s where Cashel comes in. With thoughtful planning and the right gear, you can help your horse Fly Free this season.

Not sure where to start? We’ve gathered real-life scenarios from riders just like you to help you match your needs with the perfect fly protection. Whether you're riding the trails, managing a big herd, or keeping one special horse happy in the pasture, there's a solution that fits.

The Concern: Sensitive skin.

Meet Julie and Her Mare: Julie loves everything about her Quarter Horse, especially her bald white face and blue eyes. In the spring and summer months, Julie worries about protecting that sensitive skin from sun exposure on top of keeping flies from biting in tender spots, leading to sores.

What Didn’t Work: Julie’s spent buckets of money on various sunscreens and fly deterrents in cream, salve, stick and spray formulations. They offered some protection from insects and UV rays, but she wasn’t impressed with the results nor the messy applications.

Her Game-Changer: After searching tack stores and scouring the internet for the best option, Julie decided to try the Cashel Crusader Fly Mask this year. From her mare’s poll all the way to the tip of her nose, these masks provide a reliable and comfortable barrier against pesky bugs. They also block up to 70% of harmful UV rays, helping to prevent sunburn and eye issues.

Available with or without ear coverage, the Crusader features a patented three-hole cap design that keeps the ears free and allows the forelock to pass through, reducing rubbing and hair breakage. Shaped eye darts ensure the mask stays away from the horse’s lashes for comfort and safety.

She was also impressed by the adjustable fit options. Cashel offers a Hook-and-Loop Extender that adds up to 5 inches for a roomier fit, as well as trimmable sections in 3/4-inch increments on every Crusader mask, allowing for a truly customized fit.

The Concern: Bugs ruining your ride.

Meet Tom & His All-Around Gelding: Tom uses his Quarter Horse gelding for everything, from moving cows with his neighbors to trail riding. Toms found that, even with chemical fly sprays applied generously, the horse still attracts biting and annoying flying insects that sour his attitude and can even make rides get a little dangerous when the horse gets increasingly agitated.

What Didn’t Work: Tom has used every chemical fly repellant he can find, and he’s even tried to repurpose other products to create barriers for flies. He’s not happy with the results...nor the fit of his non-fly-gear being used as fly gear.

His Upgrade: Tom recently saw another rider with a specialized belly band and neck covering to protect the horse. When he inquired about the gear, he learned about the Cashel Quiet Ride line of fly products. From the full-body Quiet Ride Bug Armor Set, which goes from poll to tail, to a simple belly guard, neck cover or mask, the entire line is specifically designed for use while riding—no more unsafe repurposing of products. Every item in the line is designed to provide a cool comfortable shield from biting insects without restricting the horse’s movement or creating unsafe situations under saddle.

The Concern: A bleaching bay.

Meet Kristy & Her Bay Gelding: Kristy has a beautiful bay gelding that she pasture-boards. Every summer his coat bleaches out to a brassy tone due to UV exposure. Flies are also a concern, since he’s outside 24-7.

What Didn't Work: Kristy has tried specialized shampoos to return depth to her gelding’s bleached-out coat, but she wasn’t too impressed with the results and would rather be proactive and prevent the problem while also protecting her horse from fly insects.

Her Fix: The Crusader Lightweight Fly Sheet checks all of Kristy’s boxes. Its lightweight, breathable mesh offers breathability, even on the hottest, buggiest days. The sheet’s design is contoured to prevent shoulder-rubbing and offers an extra-wide belly band for additional comfort and protection. Additionally, Kristy can hose off her horse while he wears the sheet for a cooling effect, kind of like an evaporative cooler in your home!

The Concern: Protecting a large herd on a budget. 

Meet Mark & His 30 Horses: Mark manages 30 head of Quarter Horses on his place, so budget is always a concern no matter what the problem. After noticing a few of his horses really fighting flies last summer, he decided he needed to find solutions to keep them comfortable and healthy but remain within his budget.

What Didn't Work: In the past, Mark purchased a couple of very inexpensive masks, but they didn’t hold up for a few days, let alone for an entire fly season. It left him frustrated and wondering if he had other options.

His Solution: After researching his options, Mark plans to try items from Cashel’s Econo Line, which offers all the standard fly gear on a budget. The masks and sheets feature lightweight mesh that helps reduce sun exposure, and soft edges prevent rubbing and irritation. Each piece can be adjusted for the perfect fit to keep it securely in place.
 

The Concern: Constant stomping.

Meet Lisa & Her Gelding: Lisa’s Quarter Horse gelding lives in a stall with a run. Even with her efforts to control flies around her property, she can’t eliminate them all. She’s noticed that even when outfitted in a sheet and mask, her gelding stomps incessantly, which causes her concern about possible leg injuries.

What Didn’t Work: To this point, Kristy has only employed topical fly sprays to offer some relief to her horse’s legs. Unfortunately, she hasn’t seen long-term relief for her horse.

What’s Working Now: She’d read about fly boots, but heard many people complain about them not staying in place. Then one of her friends recommended Cashel Crusader Leg Guards, and they seemed like the perfect fit—literally. The boots are soft, yet durable, and offer a perfect fit with four hook-and-loop closures that keep them securely in place.

Help your American Quarter Horse be Fly Free this season with Cashel’s trusted line of fly protection.

Explore the full collection at CashelCompany.com or shop at your favorite local retailer. Follow @cashelcompany on social media for the latest gear, seasonal tips, and ways to keep your horse comfortable all year long.