Grazing Muzzles – Is Your Horse a Candidate?

A grazing muzzle is great option to prevent excessive pasture intake but still allow your horse to move around their paddock. They can be preferred by horse owners over other methods for limiting intake such as reducing turnout time, confinement in stables or in small bare paddocks.

Grazing muzzles should be considered for horses that are a laminitis risk. Ponies and horses that have previously been affected by laminitis, or are affected with other diseases such as Cushings disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are at higher risk of developing laminitis. Grazing muzzles can be worn every day or only when pasture is abundant (ie during spring when grass is growing rapidly).

Tips for Using Muzzles

• Muzzles should be attached securely to the halter and the fit checked regularly to ensure pressure sores are not developing. If the muzzle is not properly secured the horse will undoubtedly find a way to get it off!
• There should be a gap of about an inch from the end of the horse’s mouth to the muzzle. Ensure that the horse can open his mouth comfortably while wearing the muzzle.
• Consider introducing the muzzle for short periods of time and gradually increase the time spent wearing it. How long you leave the muzzle on will vary but if the horse is constantly gazing it is important to check the muzzle multiple times throughout the day.
• Ensure your horse is comfortable drinking water through the muzzle.
• If the muzzle is removed and the horse is left on pasture it may result in compensatory eating. Horses are capable of eating large amounts in a relatively short period so all the hard work may be undone if your horse binges when its muzzle is removed.
• Ensure you continue to monitor your horse’s behaviour and note any uncharacteristic changes as a result of wearing the muzzle. Keep track of body weight and condition and adjust feed and pasture to maintain your horse’s condition.

A grazing muzzle is a great tool for the laminitic prone horse or pony. When used properly they can ensure your horse can roam free, receive exercise, and socialise without stacking on the weight!