Muzzles and Ponies

Jo_brown75

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I have just bought a Green Guard muzzle for my 10.2 Section A after not getting on with the Shires one (it rubbed her badly and she got so much grass through the hole she got laminitis after two short days out in it) and wanted a bit of advice on how long to leave her out in the main field.

I wasn't sure whether with this on she should be able to stay in a normal field half day/all day/night/24/7 or whether she would still need to be put in a starvation paddock for periods of time.

Also she points one of her toes the whole time even when she hasn't been near any grass for weeks - could this still be laminitis or more likely to be a different foot problem? She is totally sound so it is a bit odd.

All comments gratefully received.
 
I don't think much of the green guard muzzle either. I have used a best friend muzzle for many years for my shetland. It allows him to eat through a small hole, but restricts his grazing a lot. Unfortunately, he is used to it now, and so he is still a fat little pig. I leave him in a normal field during the day and he goes into a bar corral at night.

It does not cost a lot to get the vet out, so for your peace of mind, you ought to get them to check out the issue of her pointing her toe.

My own pony is often footy on gravel/stones, get moves like a (fat) ballerina on grass.
 
Thanks for your response - i guess i will need to get the vet out but without any lameness i guess it will be X-Rays?? She is quite knock kneed and her confirmation leaves allot to be desired so anything could be going on inside.
 
My mare has a gree guard muzzle and its fab, she has hers on in the day and off during the night. That being said she is in the 'fatty's' field and there really isn't anything much in there.

I'd leave him in it 24/7 and if he does start to get fat again put him in the starvation paddock without it just at night or day.

Not sure about the toe thing altough it doesn't sound like Laminitis as they are usually very sore, you could ask your farrier.
 
my boy managed to get both types of muzzle off, so he's on the fatty paddock during the day, and the main paddock at night. I would agree about the vet btw, could be anything going on there - but if pony's ham lami, definitely worth getting it checked. Is the digital pulse going fast and hot ? sm x
 
I can't feel any digital pulse at all but have the vet coming on Wednesday anyway so going to get her checked and also check i am feeling in the right place.
 
I have the shires one and it rubbed my boy raw, will not be using it this year, I've gone to to setting up a bare paddock for the fatties, itis much better for them.
 
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