HY Equestrian Fly Fringe Horse Fly Mask Fringe Insect Protection Horsewear

Hy Equestrian Fly Fringe – Assorted Colours, One Size

A fly fringe is the cheapest way to stop flies settling on a horse's eyes, and this is Hy's plainest version: a browband-width strip of cord fringe that fastens with hook and loop onto whatever the horse is already wearing. Hy make it fully adjustable rather than in sizes, so one fringe covers pony through to full-size heads.

It is supplied in assorted colours and Hy state that the colour sent varies with availability, so treat this as a working item rather than something to match a set. At this price it is worth keeping a spare in the tack room, because a fringe pulled off in the hedge is the usual way they are lost.

Performance & Benefits

• Hanging cord fringe breaks up the approach to the eyes, so flies settle less and the horse shakes its head less.
• Hook and loop fastenings at each end — no buckles to undo and nothing to unthread.
• Fully adjustable, which Hy say removes the need for separate sizes.
• Fits a headcollar or a bridle, so the same fringe covers turnout and hacking.
• Light enough that it does not pull on the browband or shift the headpiece.

Suitable For

• Turnout through fly season, on any size of head from pony to full.
• Hacking and schooling where a full mask would sit in the way of the bridle.
• Horses that shake their heads at flies rather than those that need their whole face covered.
• Yards wanting a cheap, replaceable fringe rather than a matched set — the colour supplied varies.
• Not enough cover for a horse with sweet itch or sore, weeping eyes; a full fly mask with ears and a nose section is the right answer there.

How to Use

• Lay the fringe over the browband of the headcollar or bridle with the cords hanging in front of the eyes.
• Wrap each hook and loop tab around the headpiece or cheekpiece and press it closed.
• Adjust the tabs so the fringe hangs just clear of the eyes — long enough to move, short enough not to catch in the corners.
• Rinse the cords in cool water when they get sticky with fly repellent or sweat, and dry away from direct heat.
• Press the hook and loop tabs together when storing, so they do not pick up hay and bedding.

Specification

• One size, fully adjustable. Hy publish no separate pony, cob or full option for this fringe.
• Hook and loop fastening at each end for attaching to a head collar or bridle.
• Assorted colours; Hy state the colour supplied will vary depending on availability.
• Battles product code 1013215, barcode 5027286154345.
• Hy publish no fibre content, cord length or weight for this fringe, so none is stated here.

Care & Caution

• If the fringe is fitted to a headcollar the horse wears in the field, that headcollar should be a breakaway type — the fringe adds another thing to catch on a fence.
• Check the fringe daily and reposition it if the cords have worked into the corners of the eyes.
• Replace it once the hook and loop stops gripping; a fringe that slips down over the eyes is worse than none.