grazing muzzles

noblesteed

noblesteed

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 August 2009
Messages
1,872
Location
Up North
Visit site
How long do you leave your muzzle on your horse? I have put mine in a muzzle by day and off at night. But should I leave him in it 24-7 in the field?
He doesn't have lami but he is rather fat. I am trying to make sure he DOESN't get ill.
 
I wouldnt leave one on overnight for safetys sake. Would be worried of the horse getting caught up in the dark. Also think its nice for horse to have a break from them anyway. I had to watch my mares weight when she was on grass and I used to ride on a morning, turn out in the muzzle and bring her in at night. Worked a treat. When her weight was where I wanted it she didnt wear it atall when out. Shes out 24/7 now on a much balder paddock after injury so doesnt need one at the mo.
 
I would stick the muzzle on at night, as he will graze longer over night.

Mine was wearning his during the during, but coming into a balder paddock at night so muzzling wasn't an issue.
 
We leave them on 24/7. Taking them on and off can cause more harm than good with gorging. If you wanted to take it off I'd then stable the horse so as to restrict the amount they can eat.

They'll also catch on that you're gonna put it back on nect time you go up and soon won't be caught!!
 
Unfortunatly with my fatty it seems that my winter routine never ends and he stays in over night, is muzzled during the day when the grass is long. I wont muzzle 24/7, for issues such as safety, rubbing and also mutual grooming etc. He's not lami, and not over weight currently but has been in the past. Only when the grass is very short does he go out and stay out without the muzzle.
 
Maybe I should switch it to overnight then. That would be 5.30-7.30pm on and 8.30 am off. If I left it on overnight he should be fine because it's got a velcro strap which would come apart.
I worry about putting it on 24/7 and him not eating enough, I don't want to starve him. Could he be in danger of gastric ulcers if he wasn't eating enough? I left him in his muzzle overnight the other day then straight into his stable all day with 1/2 slice hay waiting for the farrier, and when I went up at tea time he hadn't pooed at all!

Erk it's so difficult feeding good-doers!!!!
 
He'll eat. If he's hungry he'll find a way. He won't starve himself!

I don't know what type of muzzle you have, but we use the greenguard and it certainly isn't hard for them to eat in those. They are designed to limit the amount they can eat, not stop it.


Not sure about the "safety" problem. Just the same as leaving a headcollar/ fly mask / rug on in the field to me! They could all cause injury! Only "injury" we ever had was once one slipped sideways and it rubbed slightly. Not end of world, just applied some cream. Never had one rub either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top