Horse weight loss- Seriously required

[McNally]

My horse is elephant size but on restricted exercise so have fenced my paddock in half there is still a fair bit of grass out there but it is getting eaten down- the field was ungrazed for a while before i took it over, once the grass is gone it will be enough for him and his friend to just keep on top of.
I dont really want to stable them as i'm trying to save money towards winter as cash is tight at the moment so thought a muzzle
Whats peoples thoughts on muzzling horses? I am concerned as i've read about them just gorging twice as much when its removed so am worried it could actually make the problem worse!
I had thought of putting it on over night and removing when i am at work 9-4?

 

[Toffee44]

Samba has been muzzled for two weeks solid now ( I havent taken it off) other than when I ride, its not rubbed, its stayed on and shes loosing the weight. I do have a muddy thistly area she goes in for a few hours to be free of it for a bit, but shes not too bothered.

Shes full turnout, no rug, hacked once or twice a week.

 

[xxRachelxx]

My friends mare was quite overweight and she strated using a muzzle on her during the day. Shes out 24/7 in quite a big field with good grass and one one other horse. Pony has had the muzzle on from 8am til 4pm over the last couple of months and has lost loads of weight! She looks really good now. I would be worried about leaving it on for too long as their digestive systems arent really designed not to eat for long periods of time. Having said that most horses can eat a little bit through the muzzle (my friends pony refuses to eat when wearing muzzle !!)

If you are going to muzzle for long periods might be worth putting your horse on a balancer to ensure he is still getting all the nutrients he needs. NAF Slimline is a good one because it contains a special seaweed that helps increase metabolism which helps them to lose weight. Or Spillers/Blue Chip Lite is also good.

Hope that helps!!!