Ok, it's finally time to tackle this question by writing an article.

Every once in awhile I get an email asking something like:

"I live by a pasture with horses, and sometimes they are wearing blindfolds! Why would an owner blindfold their horse?"

Or this, written by someone who was concerned they were witnessing cruelty:

"... Also last week they put this thing over the entire horses head so only his nose and mouth are exposed and at first I thought maybe he had a eye infection or something but it is almost 2 weeks that this horse has been with his eyes totally covered and I am wondering why and if this is cruel?"

It took a second and then I realized, they must be seeing horses wearing Fly masks.

If you came to this page searching for answers as to why a horse was blindfolded, rest assured: They are not wearing blindfolds, they are wearing what is known as a "fly mask".

A flymask is made of a mesh-like material that covers the eyes and upper face of the horse to keep insects out of their eyes. Flies can be a terrible menace to some horses, crawling around their eyes to get to the moisture and causing irritation. Fly masks allow the horse to see out-- they do not blind the horse-- but keep bugs out of the face. They also offer some protection from direct sunlight.

While it may look like the horse cannot see, particularly if you are a distance away, they can. No one would blindfold a horse!