Grazing muzzle for different purpose

[Flowerofthefen]

I think my 2 horses would really like to be turned out together but I can't as the older horse constantly nags at the younger one. I did a quick Google and saw that a few people had used a grazing muzzle to stop the behaviour. Has anyone tried this? Is it fair at this time of year with little grass? Horses only out in the morning currently.

 

[Sossigpoker]

No it's not fair as it reduces the grass intake drastically and as it will stop his natural behaviour, it will be unfair and very frustrating for him.

 

[Wishfilly]

If you don't have much grass at the moment, I don't think it's a good idea. I'm not even sure if it's about being "fair", I'd be more concerned about a sudden drop in weight. It also stops a lot of natural behaviour e.g. grooming, and it means your older horse can't defend himself as well against the younger.

If you leave them to settle for a week or so, does the nagging behaviour decrease?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

No it's not fair as it reduces the grass intake drastically and as it will stop his natural behaviour, it will be unfair and very frustrating for him.

Thank you, I was thinking along the same lines.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

If you don't have much grass at the moment, I don't think it's a good idea. I'm not even sure if it's about being "fair", I'd be more concerned about a sudden drop in weight. It also stops a lot of natural behaviour e.g. grooming, and it means your older horse can't defend himself as well against the younger.

If you leave them to settle for a week or so, does the nagging behaviour decrease?

No, the nagging behaviour doesn't decrease. It was just a thought and I thought I would get other opinions, thank you. Its a no go.

 

[rabatsa]

I used a muzzle for this purpose with two donkeys. They wanted to play but it was costing me lots in vet bills due to injuries. Both wore a bucket muzzle for turnout together until a third donkey joined the group and altered the dynamics.

As long as sufficient feed was on offer for the rest of the day they could still have turnout and play time together.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I used a muzzle for this purpose with two donkeys. They wanted to play but it was costing me lots in vet bills due to injuries. Both wore a bucket muzzle for turnout together until a third donkey joined the group and altered the dynamics.

As long as sufficient feed was on offer for the rest of the day they could still have turnout and play time together.

Thank you. I would possibly try it in summer. I have changed the fencing round today in the hope that the one that just stands in the corner will go and wonder round!! Glad it worked for you. I'm definitely not getting a third!!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I've used one for a rug ripper as has a friend. Short term pain.... a good feed and plenty of hay before going out for a couple of hours. Soon sorted it. However, I really wouldn't at this time of the year with the weather we have been having.

 

[ycbm]

You can cut the hole bigger on a flexible fillies mask which will allow free eating but not as much free biting. I think it might work but a bit spendy to try it.
.

 

[Jambarissa]

Agree with this, you can cut the flexible filly hole quite large but it'd stop him biting sideways or getting hold.

 

[saddlesore]

My boy wears a flexible filly through the summer and he still grooms his pals.