What's the best fly mask for a horse that destroys every mask?

For confirmed mask-destroyers you have two good strategies: go strapless or go heavy-duty with a replaceable closure. Pull-on Lycra masks fit like a second skin, leaving no straps or edges for pasture mates to grab and nothing to snag on fences — many "destroyer" horses simply stop losing masks when there's nothing to pull. The trade-off is lighter-duty fabric, so they suit horses that lose masks more than horses that shred them.

For shredders, look for rip-stop or heavy micro-mesh construction with double-locking or replaceable closures. The closure is almost always what fails first on a traditional mask — a design where you can replace that part extends the mask's life through multiple seasons instead of one. Structured masks with eye darts also keep mesh off the eyes and lashes, which matters for horses that rub because the mask touches their face.

Fit prevents most destruction: a mask that shifts and rubs gets rubbed off on purpose. Aim for snug around the jaw with clear eye clearance, and check daily for rub marks. If your horse rubs its face raw even without a mask, or the skin looks broken or infected, have your vet take a look before relying on gear alone.