Time for de-muzzling??

[chestnutmarelover]

Normally cold weather & de-muzzling a lammi prone happens at about same time but am wondering what to do. We have virtually no grass (v short so when weather is slightly warmer it will be sugary) but my mare has been rapidly losing weight despite being on winter rations of hay!! Unfortunately because I work f/t I can't give her more than a couple of hours a day without it. What are thoughts on sugar content at mo & do I remove it or not?!

 

[LaurenBay]

I have removed my mares. She hasn't put on any weight

 

[casinosolo]

Mine is still wearing his; not sure if I should de-muzzle soon. He is still fat though so probably won't!

 

[3Beasties]

My new mare has just started wearing one, she is on a lot of grass though and has a belly that a brood mare would be proud of so she still needs it

 

[Honey08]

My two big ISHs have been on an acre for the last two months, which they ate down to nothing. I then took their muzzles off (about two weeks ago). They actually lost weight a bit. The field is now starting to get muddy, and has not shelter, so they are going into another field with more grass and the muzzles will be going back on for a bit..

 

[griffin2727]

Mine is keeping hers on until much later in the year.She has suffered from laminitis in the past so I am too frightened to take it off earlier.After having 5 months box rest and a year off work before she was fully recovered I'm not taking any chances!
As her track has very little grass I have started giving her a feed at night to maintain her weight..needless to stay molasses free!

Best of luck !!!!

 

[CobsGalore]

My new boy only started wearing his a couple of weeks ago and there is still a lot of grass in the field so it will be staying until winter!

 

[chestnutmarelover]

I do feel abit mean leaving it on but as she binge eats without it i'd rather be safe than sorry. Shes gonna hate me!! I was told (don't know if any truth in it) her binge eating - whether shes in or out, she just won't stop, was caused by a period of time in her life (just before I bought her, 6 yrs ish ago) when she had inadequate & infrequent food & water so now just pigs out in case it happens again.....

 

[CobsGalore]

I felt a bit mean putting his muzzle back on him after riding tonight, he was obviously quite hungry. Think I will turn him out for an hour or so tomorrow without it.