Grazing muzzle?

noblesteed

noblesteed

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 August 2009
Messages
1,872
Location
Up North
Visit site
My fat grey bear (connie x andalusian) is now living out for the summer. It is the first summer he will be doing this. He is currently gorging himself on as much grass as he can stuff into his fat little face! Despite him being ridden daily, the weight he lost over the winter is definitely piling back on (i had to let his girth out a hole). He has no history of lammy but i am concerned.

I have been looking at grazing muzzles and wonder if anyone could recommend one that isn't easily removed by clever horses!
However - My friend seems to think they are a waste of time because as soon as you remove the muzzle the horse stuffs it's face anyway.
OR does anyone have any other ideas to prevent Mr Fatty becoming a barrel on legs? We have no arena to turn out in, and no real way of strip grazing (doubt the farmer will let us).
 
Mine wears a Shire's bucket muzzle which has been invaluable. The grass is 'safer' at night, so if you are not able to strip graze you could try turning him out with the muzzle on during the day and then 'free' at night? Mine alterbates btween 2 different paddocks so I can give her some time out minus the muzzle (she stays in at night atm as we keep getting frosts). Atleast then, if he is anything lke mine when they seem to soend the whole time hoovering the grass, there will be less calories in it then!
Does the farmer keep any sheep as they are great for helping keep the grass down. Last year I put fencing up in a half circle shape, putting her water at the far end - meant she walked around all day looking for grub and it definately helped with her weight, on top of regular exercise.
Good luck!
 
The Diva mare wears a Shires muzzle. It was her first day with it today and after watching her for half an hour trying to get it off it was still in place when I brought her in 7 hours later. She wasnt too happy with it but I just let her get on with it.

She was at the gate waiting to come and that never happens so I think it must have done the trick as she was obviously a bit peckish and she dived into her haylage once in the stable !

I had thought of getting a Greenguard but was put off by the price.

The Shires muzzle definitely works for me.
 
I used to hate them, but am now a convert!! I too was riding my mare most days, and hard work too! But despite that was still struggling to stay at the right weight when out 24/7! So I bought the KM elite grazing muzzle and I haven't looked back, even this week when she's had to have about 5 days off on the grass, with muzzle on she's still maintained her weight!!
 
If you use a muzzle you need to train the horse gradually to get used to it.

I personally wouldnt accept the farmer saying no strip grazing! Its vital to prevent obesity and laminitis in some horses. Especially if you are on a farm, which usually means very high sugar grass that is meant to put weight on livestock- so totally unsuitable for many horses.
 
Ah thank you guys. I will look for a muzzle for him I think. Shires?

The farmer does sometimes put sheep in the field, I will ask him if he is going to bring them back as he moved them out for lambing. Although our field is also used for the village show so we might have to wait til after that. That's also why he isn't keen on strip grazing - the field has to look nice and tidy!!!!
 
I just bought the Shires one too - she'd not been out in it yet as turn out only starts on Tuesday, but she had a good go at getting it off in her box and failed. She didn't look very happy with me though!
 
I have found the Shires muzzle to rub a lot - especially under the chin - I' ve become a big far of the 'comfort muzzle' - looks like the Shires one, but comes with black pads and only in navy blue, and is much softer and ridgeless :-) Mine's been in one every summer whilst out - he can eat through it and it doesn't seem to bother him much. Kinder to be out in a muzzle than only out for short periods or to be obese in my opinion!
 
I found the shires come up small, hence rubbing under the chin so have bought the next size up for my ponies... My 12hh wears a cob size... there's no rubing at all and she cant get it off as the head piece can be made small enough to fit her...
 
Just adding to my previous post...

The Diva spend her first full day (7.30 til 2pm) out with the Shires muzzle on and she has come in with a rub under her chin. She had previously only had it one for a bout 4 hours. Its quiet big, the size of a £2 coin. It looks like a friction burn so Im assuming its been caused by the plastic base and rigorous grass searching.

It wont be going on her again :-( so will try the 'comfort' muzzle Inkiboo suggests and see how that goes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top