Difference between grassing muzzle and muzzle for Horses
Grassing muzzle, grazing muzzle, and muzzle are terms used interchangeably, but a muzzle actually serves a different purpose than the former. A muzzle is intended for use on horses that need to be completely prevented from eating temporarily, such as before or after surgery. On the other hand, a Grassing muzzle or grazing muzzle is designed solely to limit the horse's access and reduce its intake.
When to Use a grassing muzzle?
Obesity in horses is a common problem today. This is a consequence of our feed being better than it used to be. Due to modern fertilization, forage is more nutrient-rich, which means horses consume more energy. For horses that easily gain weight and are at risk of developing health issues as a result, as well as horses with insulin resistance, a Grassing muzzle is very useful. It is primarily used during the summer when horses are out on pasture, but in some cases, it can also be used in winter, for example, if you have a horse that eats very quickly.
Grassing muzzle or Limited Grazing?
For overweight horses, horses at risk of gaining weight, or horses prone to laminitis, it is often better to use a grazing muzzle than to try to limit grass intake in other ways.
A greedy horse often increases its eating speed when it doesn't have free access to its food. Therefore, letting the horse graze only for a certain part of the day can have the opposite effect. The same negative outcome can occur even if you only put on the grazing muzzle during certain times while the horse is outside. In such cases, the horse may compensate for the limited intake by eating more when it doesn't have the grazing muzzle on.
Grassing muzzle for Ponies - Extra Important
Many ponies have a natural insulin resistance and are at up to ten times greater risk of developing conditions like laminitis and EMS compared to larger horses. Therefore, a Grassing muzzle can be especially important for them.
Considerations When Using a grazing muzzle on Your Horse
- Introduce the horse to the grazing muzzle slowly and monitor the horse during the initial period to ensure it understands it can drink and lick its salt lick with it on.
- Regularly check to ensure the horse is not getting chafed by the grazing muzzle.
- Do not leave a Grassing muzzle on the horse for extended periods. It should only be used as needed and should be removed for longer periods each day. An alternative to pasture may be to keep the horse in a stall during certain times of the day and let it eat forage instead.
- The Grassing muzzle should not be seen as a way to make the horse lose weight. It should be used as a tool to prevent the horse from overeating.
- Avoid using the grazing muzzle when it is very hot or humid, as it can restrict the horse's ability to breathe.
How Should a Grassing muzzle Fit?
The Grassing muzzle should fit in a way that does not cause chafing or discomfort to the horse. It must offer enough space for the horse to freely open its mouth. It should not press against or chafe the nostrils or muzzle.
In our selection, you will find high-quality and well-fitting Grassing muzzle from Shires, where Grassing muzzle Deluxe is a favorite choice.
