Grazing Mask Rubbing - Any ideas/advice?

F

Faro

...
Joined
15 April 2008
Messages
1,658
Location
South Bucks
Visit site
I have 2 of my boys in Shires Grazing muzzles currently as the grass we have here is just too good at the moment and they've been piling on the pounds. One horse is absolutely fine, yet the other has rubbed a circular sore spot on the very bottom of the floppy pointy bit on the bottom of the chin (after only approx. 18 hours use in total, including time without the mask).

Has anyone any ideas/experience of how to pad/protect his tender chin whilst wearing the muzzle? Muzzle is, of course, currently OFF - but I really do need to make use of it before I end up with a case of Lami.
 
Assuming the mask is the right size would it be possible to velcro some sheepskin or similar inside the mask (but without making it too small if you know what I mean!)
 
No use, I'm afraid, but I have the same muzzle, similar length of use on one of my lads and he has a very similar sounding sore, and like you I also need to be able to put it back on somehow... So I feel your pain. I was going to have a think about it this evening (when i'm back up there) and come up with something :)
 
My Greenguard muzzle is padded under the chin with sheepskin, I've found the easiest and cheapest way to get it is a Halford's car polishing mitt. If you unpick the stitching you get two good sized pieces, enough to make a 'chin pad' and cheekpieces for the headcollar.. Obviously if you can get old sheepskin gloves/jacket to cut up that would be cheaper!
 
Mine done the same too and i cut up sheepskin and stitched it on to the areas it rubbed, and now i dont have a problem.. works wonders!
 
Halfords mit is a fab idea! Been on ebay and a bridle kit is quite expensive.
My welshies are both muzzled, the vet has said keep them on 24 hours as they have been seeing allsorts with lami recently, my shires muzzle is rubbing behind the ears, the other one i have has nice pads i was thinking maybe fleece but was worried about static...know where i'll be going on my way home...!
 
Our three have Shires muzzles on, and all get rubbed a little bit. I find that bathing the area in salt water each night helps the area harden up and stops it getting worse - obviously this is best done before it gets bad, as soon as you see the first signs. We have ours out 20 hours a day, and they come in from 6pm-10pm and have the muzzles and fly rugs off for a bit. We also have one day a week that they get a rest from the muzzles completely, and they go into a field with less grass.

I'm not sure about the sheepskin lining - one is a big hunter in the largest size, so its not really an option, and also I'm concerned about the sheepskin being wet and dirty on rainy days. How do you all cope with stopping the padding getting waterlogged and filthy?
 
Mines had shires muzzle on for about 18 hours over 3 days & he also has a very sore patch so I've had to take it off today - then he jumped over electric fencing so he's munching on the very nice grass now :( he wears a cob bridle (14hh) so I got a cob size muzzle but I think ill have to try a full size now. He's also chewed the hole a bit bigger -after 3 days!! hate having a fatty!! I'll jeep an eye on this thread though. The sheepskin sounds a good idea!
 
smear the grazing muzzle with vaseline, this then helps, as it kinda greases the area, found that putting it on the muzzle rather than the horse ensures that there is protection, as it is sometimes is hard to judge where the rubs will occur, also if someone else puts it on you can leave it already with vaseline on
 
If its rubbing on the chin like on the underside of his lips then vasaline is great idea

If its rubbing anywhere else then attach sheepskin with spur straps (no sewing involved) or tie on

This my boy in his customised muzzle lol

muzzle006.jpg

muzzle001.jpg
 
Take the muzzle home and soak in very very hot water, this will soften the rubber which rubs your horses chin. My gelding wears the Shires one, I have cut the hole slightly bigger so he doesnt work so hard to get the little grass he does. Sounds contradictory but it does work, he cant tear big mouthfulls of grass and it stops the friction on the rubber. Also stick the muzzle through your washing machine several times to soften the fabric. I use an old girth sleeve to put over the straps that go behind the ears to stop it rubbing the sides of his face. The salt water does help too for the sore parts.
 
Is there any chance you could ditch the muzzle and just split off the field so the grass isn't as long? I've built a walkway around the outside of the field which keeps them exercised and the grass in it is very short.

I personally hate muzzles which is why I went for the above option but I know its not ideal for some people.
 
This is my next plan of action when I get a new electric fence unit as he just jumps or barges through fence at the mo !!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top