Grazing Muzzles When to Put them On

Toffee44

Toffee44

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Just a follow on from the grazing muzzles post. Although the paddock they are in is a bit sparse but after this rain it has come back bright green as do his poo's.

Is it too early to put a grazing mask on? The grass isnt very long except in the back field which I have just let them into. Worried he might not get any grass at all.

Another is that last year, I had him in a sinbin (just mud) and a bit of hay during the day and let him out in the field at night. Could I do this with the grazing muzzle so take it off him at night?
 
I cant get near my pony with one!! She runs away as soon as I try to catch her once she has had it on once!!!
 
It needs to be on as soon as the grass starts growing, ie: as soon as your field starts to look green. Ours have been on for a fortnight now. I wouldn't be without mine, although I would so much rather not have to use one, I know I'm allowing my pony a lot more freedom as without it he would only be able to go out for a couple of hours per day.
 
Mine has only had his off for a few hours, a few afternoons over the whole winter, like if I rode in the morn and he went out bout 1 adn was coming in 3 to 4 anyway, I'm too scared of him getting lami again. He had it a few years ago mildly, I just don't chance it, its on all the time now, especially with the rain and sun we've had over easter and the last week or so, the fields definately look greener, its just not worth chancing it
 
Tiggy1 said:
Mine has just gone on a greenguard but out of interest how long are yours on for and what routine with them do you use?
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My experience of these muzzles (shouldn't be allowed to call it that in my opinion) is that they are rubbish. My horse just moves it out of the way and did so for a whole week while I was on holiday last october til I came back and noticed what the monkey was doing. They are not fit for purpose in my opinion and if people use them in good faith thinking they are working their horse could end up dead !

I complained to the company who makes them and they gave me my money back, since then I notice they've made the plastic bit that goes over the mouth a bit bigger but I still wouldn't trust it AND they cost a staggering amount for what it is.

You need to watch your horse/pony using it, I thought it was a great idea instead of having a bucket muzzle hanging off his head ! guess what he's got and I hate it, but if it keeps him alive I'll put up with it. I've had to costomise it with the centre strap and throat lash I had off the greenguard headcollar, so something good came out of it !

Who do they test these products on I'd like to know
 
I'd say that you're best to put it on as soon as the grass starts growing. Much better to put it on now and keep your pony slim than leave it a month and then have to try and diet. If you're concerned the grass isn't long enough I'd put hay out as well but I suspect you'll be surprised. Try hiding somewhere out of sight and see if your pony can eat with it in. Daisy was always crafty and pretended the grass wasn't long enough if you were watching but would graze happily if she thought you weren't looking.
 
My shetland has been wearing his muzzle for the last month. He has one called Best Friend. It is a bucket type muzzle that attaches to his headcollar by 4 strong velcro loops. The hole in the bottom is about the size of a 10p. He is accepts he has to wear it, but always has a go at rubbing it off. In fact I think he can get more grass when it is short.
 
The old Greenguard grazing muzzles they can move. Last year they brought out a better one and if used with the green guard halter halter it does stay on.

Put the muzzle on now..............

My grass is very short but last week it suddenly looked very green. I thought about putting on the muzzle but the blades wouldn't have got through. A few days later my mare was diagnosed with laminitis, we have caught it early but no one want their horse to get that.

Apparently we've been on rich hay for nearly a month and the hay and the bit of grass has set it off.
 
I have been thinking about this. I've never used one before, but we moved last year, and the shetty got huge, so am trying to persuade the person I share them with to get one.

Looked at little man today and he already looks rather well covered, they have done well this winter, but my grass doesn't seem to be growing yet, and I wasn't sure whether it was too early. However, after looking at him today, and reading this, I think I'll be off to the local tack shop to get one this week........

Any tips on fitting? Never used one, nor been on a yard where one has :o:rolleyes:
 
NOISYGIRL said:
My experience of these muzzles (shouldn't be allowed to call it that in my opinion) is that they are rubbish. My horse just moves it out of the way and did so for a whole week while I was on holiday last october til I came back and noticed what the monkey was doing. They are not fit for purpose in my opinion and if people use them in good faith thinking they are working their horse could end up dead !

I complained to the company who makes them and they gave me my money back, since then I notice they've made the plastic bit that goes over the mouth a bit bigger but I still wouldn't trust it AND they cost a staggering amount for what it is.

You need to watch your horse/pony using it, I thought it was a great idea instead of having a bucket muzzle hanging off his head ! guess what he's got and I hate it, but if it keeps him alive I'll put up with it. I've had to costomise it with the centre strap and throat lash I had off the greenguard headcollar, so something good came out of it !

Who do they test these products on I'd like to know
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I think you'll find that the new style is considerably better than the old style and they are far nicer for the horse to wear for long periods of time than the bucket style.
 
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