If you’ve ever stood in front of the fly mask display wondering whether to grab a Cashel or a Kensington, you’re not alone. These are two of the most popular fly masks on the market, and for good reason - they both work. But they’re not identical, and depending on your horse, one might be a better fit than the other.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cashel Crusader | Kensington UViator |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Overall protection, sensitive horses | Max UV protection, style variety |
| UV Protection | 70% | 90% |
| Fit | Structured, stays off eyes | Soft, flexible |
| Durability | Excellent | Good |
| Ear Coverage | Available | Available |
| Nose Coverage | Long nose option | Standard |
| Price | ~$29-35 | ~$35-42 |
| Colors | Limited (mostly black/gray) | Wide variety |
The Bottom Line Up Front
Choose Cashel Crusader if: Your horse has a sensitive face, pink nose, or tends to rub masks off. The structured fit keeps mesh away from eyes, and the long-nose option is unbeatable for horses prone to sunburn.
Choose Kensington UViator if: UV protection is your top priority (90% vs Cashel’s 70%) or you want color options that aren’t boring. The softer material is more flexible but may not stay off the eyes as well.
Cashel Crusader: The Workhorse
The Cashel Crusader has been around forever, and there’s a reason it’s still the go-to recommendation in most barns.
What I like:
- The mesh is structured enough to stay off your horse’s eyes - no sagging onto eyelashes
- Forelock hole keeps their hair out and lets it flow naturally
- The long-nose version is a lifesaver for pink noses and grays
- Holds up season after season (I’ve had the same one last 2+ summers on a horse who is NOT gentle with his belongings)
What could be better:
- Color options are limited unless you like black and gray
- The 70% UV protection is good, but not the highest on the market
Best for: Horses with sensitive skin, pink noses, or those who rub. Also great for turnout where durability matters.
Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Ears on Amazon (~$29)
Cashel Crusader Long Nose with Ears on Amazon (~$35)
Kensington UViator: The UV Champion
Kensington’s claim to fame is their 90% UV protection rating - the highest you’ll commonly find in fly masks. If you’re in the South or your horse lives out 24/7, that extra protection matters.
What I like:
- 90% UV protection is no joke, especially for horses with light coloring
- The fabric is soft and comfortable
- Actually cute colors and patterns (teal? yes please)
- The Textilene material is breathable even in serious heat
What could be better:
- Softer fit means it can sag onto eyes more than Cashel
- Some horses seem to lose them more easily
- Slightly pricier for comparable coverage
Best for: Horses who need maximum sun protection, riders who want their horse to look cute in turnout, and climates with intense UV.
Kensington UViator Fly Mask on Amazon (~$38)
What About Fit?
Here’s the thing about fly masks - the “best” one is the one that stays on YOUR horse.
Horses with:
- Wide foreheads/draft crosses: Kensington tends to run slightly larger
- Narrow faces/Arabians: Cashel’s sizing is more adjustable
- Rub-prone horses: Cashel’s fleece trim is gentler on coat
Both brands offer sizes from mini to draft, so you should be able to find something that works. But if you’re between sizes, Cashel runs slightly smaller in my experience.
Do You Need Ears?
Honestly? Yes, for most horses. Flies LOVE ears, and a mask without ear coverage is only doing half the job. Both Cashel and Kensington offer ear options, and I’d recommend spending the extra few dollars.
The exception: if your horse absolutely cannot tolerate having their ears covered, a standard mask is better than no mask.
My Recommendation
For most horses, I’d grab the Cashel Crusader with Ears. It’s the better value, more durable, and the structured fit works for a wider range of face shapes.
If your horse is out in intense sun all day or you have a gray/pink-nosed horse who’s already had sun damage, upgrade to the Kensington UViator for that 90% UV protection.
And if your horse has a pink nose? Get the Cashel Long Nose version. It’s worth every penny to avoid that end-of-summer sunburn.
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