Grazing Muzzle vs Strip grazing

[Tbear]

My Cob was diagnosed with hock arthritis a few months ago. Vet says as he is a pleasure hack he will be fine just keep him going and now again bute before a ride if he feels a bit stiff. The vet was more concerned about his weight as he was on the porky side. I put in on a strict diet, soaked hay etc. His field was small and very eaten down. I have now moved to a new yard and the field is huge with obviously more grass has it hasn't been grazed for a few weeks. I have him in Greenguard grazing and he is muzzled for 24hrs . He has lost weight and looking good but he does not seem to be doing many poos. He comes in for an hr for a bit of hay and a small feed to carry his supplements. Should I keep him muzzled 24hrs or tape off part of the field and put him in that at night (Unmuzzled)?? I am weekly weight taping him and he hasnt put any weight on. Also the field is huge, he dosent have a field buddy as he is a big baby with other horses and gets quite scared lol! All advice is greatly appreciated. Thankyou

 

[meleeka]

I thought when I read the title you were going to ask about strip grazing, as in moving the tape a foot or so a day. I prefer that to muzzling, but I wouldn’t just section off and use anything bigger than a small stable. In your position I’d probably just continue with the muzzle. If you can get him a friend that will give him more exercise too.