Horse fly masks are a common piece of equipment for horses, but many people don’t realize that they also provide UV protection. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of UV protection for horses and how horse fly masks can help. We will also provide some tips on choosing the right fly mask for your needs.
UV rays can damage the skin and eyes of horses.
Preventing sunburn. Horses can get sunburned, just like humans. Sunburn can cause pain, inflammation, and even skin cancer. Horses with pink skin are more susceptible to this, however prolonged exposure can still cause damage for all horses.
Protecting the eyes. UV rays can damage the eyes, leading to cataracts, corneal ulcers, and other problems. Just as you might buy sunglasses with UV protection for you own eyes, horse equivalents are available too!
Preventing photosensitization. Photosensitization is a condition that occurs when a horse’s skin is overexposed to UV rays. It can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and painful.
UV and Headshaking.
UV light can be a trigger for headshaking in horses. Headshaking is a condition in which a horse shakes its head violently, often in response to a trigger such as wind, sunlight, or dust. The exact cause of headshaking is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and is responsible for sensation in the face. Inflammation of this nerve can cause pain, which can trigger headshaking.
- Allergies. Allergies to pollen, dust, or other environmental factors can also trigger headshaking.
- Nerve damage. Damage to the nerves in the head and neck can also cause headshaking.