Fly masks, fly sheets, protective blankets, belly bands, tail covers, neck protectors and fly boots – when it comes to horse products Kensington has done it all. The Kensington Protective Products team has been designing and manufacturing custom equine protective wear since 1959. This fly season Kensington launches its new line of fly masks, Bug Eye, with corresponding colors available in their winter blankets, fly sheets and other accessories.
“If you really want to find out which horse products are the best made, don’t ask a tack store or the producer,” says Alan, president of Kensington Protective Products. “Call your local repair shop and ask them what products they don’t see. You’re not going to find many Kensington products.”
At the heart of Kensington’s innovative products is an American made fabric called Textilene. Patented and made exclusively for Kensington, 2002 Textilene is a durable, light weight material that not only protects against biting insects, but is fire retardant and UV resistant.


“I can take most lightweight, mesh fly masks, cut it with a razor, and then pull it apart using only my pinkies,” says Alan. “The customer has been trained to expect fly products to fall apart half way through the season; so they look for cheaper and cheaper products trying to find a better bargain, knowing they are just going to have to turn around and replace it. On the other hand if I take a Kensington fly mask or sheet and cut it with a razor, there is no way I could pull it apart.”
More Than a Mere Fly Mask
Kensington’s newest fly mask, Bug Eye, features a revolutionary design that has a heat molded two inch by four inch bubble around the each eye. The molded bubble keeps the mask off the face to prevent the mask from agitating the eye and helps to prevent eye damage or potential injury from rubbing. The Bug Eye will continue to feature Kensington’s double fastening Velcro closure to prevent the mask from being easily pulled off and two inches of heavy elastic at the bottom, to allow for stretch, in case the horse does get hung up and for a custom fit.
“Everyone thinks fly masks are only for spring and summer” says Alan. “The only time a fly mask shouldn’t be used is during snow. Fly masks don’t just protect a horse’s eye from biting insects, they keep dirt and debris out of the eyes especially in windy areas. They shade the eye and ours even provides UV protection. If you’ve ever been driving down the road on a sunny day and have forgotten your sunglasses, you know how important UV protection is.”
The Bug Eye will be available in four different styles: with a durable webbing trim, fleece trim for a more comfortable fit with a removable nose piece, and a choice between webbing or fleece trim with a removable nose piece and ears for maximum protection. It will also feature three new blends of Kensington’s signature plaids: blue ice - a mix of royal blue, teal and grey, plum ice - a mix of plum, pink and grey, and mint ice - a mix of light mint, yellow, white and hunter green.
“In the 90s we discovered that fly masks tend to fall apart at the eye ducts,” says Alan. “Why? It was because the normal thread was not as strong as the body (material). So Kensington invested in a stronger thread. I’m proud to say that we are always trying to get better and better. If we can bring a product to horse owners that helps them protect their horses, then I know the company is doing its job.”
The Bug Eye features a lifetime guarantee for damage caused by horse abuse, and if a consumer is ever unhappy with a product Alan says, “send it back.” Kensington will offer them a new product at 50 percent off the current market price.
New Look, Same Top-Quality Protection
The new, sharp plaid pattern featured for the Bug Eye Fly Mask will also be available for fly sheets, belly bands, tail covers, neck protectors, fly boots, winter blankets and several corresponding accessories such as bags and halters.
“We grow largely by word of mouth,” says Alan. “Consumers come back to Kensington time and time again because of our quality.” The Textilene Mesh used to make Kensington’s blankets is fire retardant and specially formulated to withstand fading, mildew, soiling, wear and even the most severe weather conditions. The Textilene mesh also assists in grooming by shedding out old and dead hair from the coat. It also massages the coat to draw out natural oils and keep the coat shiny and dust free.
“We had a client call and tell us that our Kensington Protective Sheet saved her horse’s life during the 2003 San Diego firestorm. The horse had third degree burns from muzzle to withers, but everywhere that was protected by its Kensington sheet was fine. A local vet was able to take skin graphs from where the Kensington sheet covered and four years later the horse is still alive.”
“We are not tied into any discipline, but into solving problems,” says Alan. “Many have tried to duplicate, to imitate and to copy us, but there is still only one Kensington.”
For more information on Kensington Protective Products or to view their full product line visit them on the web at www.kensingtonproducts.com or call them toll free, 877-469-1240.