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LeMieux Fly Masks and Ear Bonnets: Where Each One Shines
The right ears, the right fit and the look you want, from LeMieux and the brands riders weigh it against.
LeMieux makes the show-ring ear bonnet riders know and fly masks to match. Riders who compare it with Shires, Horze, Dapplebay and WeatherBeeta talk about ear room, fine mesh, matching colors and price tier, and each brand does one of those best.
The short version
LeMieux fly mask or ear bonnet: what to try beside it
Shires gives more ear room than LeMieux's masks, Dapplebay matches colors at a lower tier, and Horze makes a plain ear net that costs less than a LeMieux bonnet.
If you like
A LeMieux fly mask, with more room in the ears
Also consider
Deluxe Fly Mask w/EarsRiders with large-eared horses say Shires ears fit where LeMieux's were small.
Shop nowIf you like
A LeMieux Armourshield Pro full mask
Also consider
FlyGuard Fine Mesh Fly Mask w/EarsA fine mesh with ears, at the same tier as LeMieux's Visor-Tek and Bug Relief masks, and riders call the mesh easy to see through.
Shop nowIf you like
A LeMieux Classic ear bonnet, simpler
If you like
LeMieux bonnet, boots and pad in matching colors
Also consider
Dapplebay Fly VeilPrints that match Dapplebay pads and boots, at the lowest tier on this page.
Shop nowIf you like
A LeMieux acoustic ear bonnet
Also consider
ARMA Calm Noise Reducing Ear NetShires ARMA's noise-reducing ear net, a tier below LeMieux's acoustic bonnets.
Shop nowIf you like
A LeMieux fly mask that your horse rubs
Also consider
Comfitec Stretch Fly Mask w/EarsA stretch mask with ears at the lowest tier here; riders say WeatherBeeta masks stay on.
Shop nowRider voices
What riders say about LeMieux ears, fit and the alternatives
Riders tell us LeMieux's ears can run small on a large-eared horse, that Shires and WeatherBeeta masks stay on, and that a matching set pulls the look together.
Ear room
The brands they point to
Shires Deluxe Fly Mask w/EarsShires FlyGuard Fine Mesh
Riders with large-eared horses point to Shires.
See ShiresA mesh that stays on
The brands they point to
Shires FlyGuard Fine MeshWeatherBeeta Comfitec Stretch
Riders who need a mask to stay put name Shires and WeatherBeeta.
See WeatherBeetaMatching sets
The brands they point to
Dapplebay Fly VeilHorze Adepto Ear Net
For a set that matches the pad, riders look at Dapplebay and Horze.
See DapplebayEar room
Riders say a LeMieux mask sat too high or felt small, while Shires gave their horse's ears room. One rider who owns both calls both long lasting.
Shires fly masks
My horse has larger than normal ears and I've found that Shires give enough ear room so that the mask fits correctly. PE was good too and I particularly liked the hole for forelock. Lemieux, Howard Harrison, KM Elite ears were too small so the mask hovered an inch too high and the eye darts were in the wrong place.
Shires fly masks
Definitely Shires. I have a le mieux one and it is a bit on the small side. The Shires ones are much bigger.
Shires fly masks
Another one for Shires. It’s pretty old now and really needs replaced though. It’s the one with ears and nose net. Le Mieux has been too small.
LeMieux and Shires fly masks
I love Le Mieux and Shires fly masks - both are long lasting never rubbed my sensitive chap!
A mesh that stays on
Riders call Shires mesh fine and easy to see through, and say WeatherBeeta's closures keep masks on horses that remove them.
Shires fly masks
By far my horses' favorite fly mask! The mesh is very fine and easy to see through, it is lightweight and stays well away from their eyes. The ears are breathable and keep the tiniest of gnats away. The gnats and flies are terrible in Northern Virginia and they wear them all summer during the days. I have at least three for each horse to give them plenty of time to dry after washing away debris.
Shires fly mask
I ordered the Shire’s fly mask this year, it’s orange, fine mesh, has a nose fringe, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. I can find it (because of the orange!) the horses can see thru it, the fringe stays clean (as opposed to the long nose fly masks always having to be washed), and they (so far!) are quite durable
WeatherBeeta fly masks
Love this fly mask! The only one that holds up to mud, rolling, rain, and sun! And the mesh is so fine, that it really keeps flies out! The closure has never failed…not one horse has been able to get their mask off. I especially love the sale prices I’m able to buy them for! With several horses, that is most important!!!
WeatherBeeta fly masks
My two horses were removing their fly masks and leaving them all around. Then one horse got a huge sore, aggravated by flies, right between his nostrils. So I figured I better find some new fly masks. I found these WeatherBeeta masks with a full nose and no ears on sale. (my horses don't like masks with ears) I wasn't sure they'd wear the full nose mask, but was pleasantly surprised. Horses have been leaving them on, and I have not had to go around searching for fly masks left on the ground or in the trees!! The long nose helps keep flys away from my horse's sore and makes it easier to successfully doctor it. These masks were such a good quality and value that I ordered two more.
Matching sets
Riders buy a Dapplebay veil or bonnet with the matching pad and boots, and a Horze ear net to match a Horze pad.
Dapplebay fly veil
This pad is absolutely stunning on my chromey chestnut OTTB! I got the matching fly veil and we get a lot of compliments on the set - I call the pad his "Christmas sweater" around the holidays
Dapplebay bonnet
I love the Constellation collection!! I purchased a Dressage Pad, and also a Cob size bonnet. Upon arrival, they exceeded my expectations! The colors are beautiful, bright and deep. The pad is very well constructed, in every way, neat and attention to detail in its finish. The bonnet is also beautiful and very well made. My mare is a petite Arabian and they both fit well. No photos, as it's the spring transition and my mare is a mess!! I'm looking forward to our first matchy matchy tack up!! She'll be the belle of the barn!
Horze ear net
I ordered this ear net in chocolate brown to match the Horze River dressage saddle pad that I got for my birthday. The colors are a spot-on match and look really snappy on my big bay. I have paid MUCH more for ear nets of this quality and would recommend these to jumpers, dressage riders, or anyone looking to keep those awful flies, gnats, and "no-see-ums" out of their horses' ears.
WeatherBeeta bonnets
I love ear bonnets. They bring an outfit together and make my horse look amazing! The material is a lightweight crochet pattern with full fabric around the ears. The bonnets fit my horse perfectly (he is a draft x), and he looks great in them. The bonnets are affordable while still having quality material. I recommend that anyone get them!
Swap guide
Swap guide: LeMieux fly masks and bonnets, and what sits beside them
Find the LeMieux you are comparing in the left column. The alternatives riders weigh beside it sit in the middle, with a price tier for each.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest). LeMieux's masks run $$ to $$$$ and its bonnets $$$ to $$$$.
| If you like | Also consider | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| LeMieux Armourshield Pro, Visor-Tek or Bug Relief fly mask | More room in the ears for a large-eared horse, in a fine mesh. | |
| LeMieux Kudos AeroGuard fly mask | Full-face coverage at a lower tier. | |
| LeMieux Classic, Vogue or Essence ear bonnet | A plain ear net, a tier or two lower. | |
| LeMieux bonnet, boots and pad in one color | Prints that match Dapplebay pads and boots. | |
| LeMieux Acoustic Pro or Diamante acoustic ear bonnet | Noise-reducing ear covers, a tier or two below LeMieux's. | |
| A LeMieux fly mask your horse rubs or pulls off | A stretch mask with ears at the lowest tier here; riders say WeatherBeeta masks stay on. |
Fit tip
Measure from the poll to the corner of the eye and across the base of the ear, and compare those to the maker's size chart. A horse with large ears is worth measuring twice.Ear room
Shires fly masks: more room in the ears than LeMieux
Shires' Deluxe Fly Mask w/Ears and its FlyGuard Fine Mesh with ears are the masks riders name when a LeMieux mask runs small in the ear. One rider whose horse has larger than normal ears says Shires gave the ears enough room for the mask to fit correctly, where the LeMieux hovered an inch too high.
The FlyGuard Pro Deluxe is the step up in the Shires range, and several FlyGuard styles come with a nose fringe or without ears.
In fairness
LeMieux is the show-ring look; choose Shires when the ear shape is the problem.Shop Shires FlyGuard fly masks
Shop all ›Show-ring bonnets
LeMieux ear bonnets and masks: the show-ring look
LeMieux's Classic, Vogue, Essence and Loire ear bonnets are its show-ring styles, and its Armourshield Pro, Visor-Tek and Bug Relief masks cover turnout. Pick LeMieux when the look is the point.
The Acoustic Pro and Diamante bonnets add an acoustic ear for horses that spook at noise, and the Kudos AeroGuard sits at the top of the mask range.
In fairness
LeMieux bonnets and masks cost more than most of the alternatives on this page; the ears can run small on a large-eared horse.Shop LeMieux fly masks and ear bonnets
Shop all ›Matching colors
Dapplebay fly veils: matching colors at a lower tier
Dapplebay's Fly Veil and Sport Fly Veil come in the prints that match its saddle pads and boots, at a tier below a LeMieux bonnet. Riders buy the veil with the pad and boots and say the set looks right together.
The Shine On Fly Veil adds crystal trim for the show ring.
In fairness
Dapplebay's veils match Dapplebay's own pads and boots; LeMieux's bonnets match LeMieux's.Shop Dapplebay fly veils
Shop all ›Masks that stay on
WeatherBeeta, Horze and more: masks that stay on
Riders say WeatherBeeta's masks stay on horses that pull theirs off. The Comfitec Stretch Fly Mask w/Ears is the one to try first for that, and the Double Dart Deluxe adds a nose. Horze's Cooling Fly Mask and Adepto Ear Net are the simple, lower-tier choices.
Equinavia's Copenhagen Ear Net and Woof Wear's ear nets and noise-reducing veil are other ear covers riders weigh against a LeMieux bonnet.
In fairness
These brands are plainer than LeMieux; choose them for fit and price, not for a show-ring finish.Shop WeatherBeeta fly masks
Shop all ›In fairness
What LeMieux does well
We carry LeMieux, and riders have good reasons to choose it.
If you want the show-ring ear bonnet, LeMieux's Classic, Vogue, Essence and Loire styles are its show-ring bonnets.
If you want a bonnet in a rich color, LeMieux makes the Classic and Loire in many of them.
If a horse spooks at noise, LeMieux makes acoustic bonnets in the Acoustic Pro and Diamante styles.
If you already ride in a LeMieux pad and boots, a bonnet from the same range completes the set.
LeMieux fly masks and ear bonnets: FAQ
Do LeMieux fly masks run small in the ears?
Some riders say so. Riders with large-eared horses tell us a LeMieux mask sat too high or felt small, and that Shires gave the ears more room. Fit varies by horse, so measure the base of the ear and compare it with the size chart.
CloseWhat is the difference between a fly mask and an ear bonnet?
A fly mask covers the face and often the ears for turnout. An ear bonnet, also called an ear net or fly veil, covers the ears and poll and is worn under the bridle for riding or at shows.
CloseWhich fly mask suits a horse with large ears?
Riders with large-eared horses name Shires, including the Deluxe Fly Mask w/Ears and the FlyGuard masks with ears.
CloseHow does LeMieux compare with Shires for fly masks?
Riders with large-eared horses say Shires gave the ears more room, and one rider who owns both calls them both long lasting. LeMieux is the choice when the show-ring look matters.
CloseCan I match a fly veil to my saddle pad?
Yes. Dapplebay's fly veils match its saddle pads and boots, LeMieux's bonnets match its own pads and boots, and Horze makes ear nets in colors to match its pads.
CloseWhere can I read more comparisons like this?
Riders comparing LeMieux with other brands also read these guides.
- LeMieux horse boots compared: where each brand shines
- LeMieux saddle pads compared: where each brand shines
Brands we carry
Fly mask and ear bonnet brands riders compare
Every fly mask and ear bonnet on this page comes from a brand we carry: LeMieux, Shires, Horze, Dapplebay, WeatherBeeta, Equinavia and Woof Wear.
How we built this guide: brands, products and price tiers checked against our catalog on November 4, 2026.