Grazing Muzzle: Turnout with Slower, Controlled Grass Intake

Grazing Muzzle: more turnout, less grass

A grazing muzzle helps good doers stay out with the herd without taking in too much fresh grass. The hole in the base only lets single blades through. Here you will find fabric models, muzzles with a rubber base or a built-in headcollar, as well as plastic muzzles and models with soft teddy fleece. That way your horse can keep moving, stays occupied and still enjoys time out at grass with its friends.

Which horses benefit from a grazing muzzle

Good doers such as ponies, Haflingers or Icelandic horses quickly take in too much energy on lush pasture. A grazing muzzle allows them to stand in the field with their companions and move about, instead of staying alone in a paddock. For horses with laminitis or metabolic issues, turnout should always be agreed with your vet, as stricter rules often apply.

Fitting and checking correctly

The muzzle should sit so there are about two fingers of space between the base and the mouth. Your horse must be able to drink, so check this at the water trough the first time you use it. Check daily for rubs on the nose, chin and poll. A grazing muzzle should not be worn around the clock without a break. Give your horse time without it, for example when eating hay in the stable or on the paddock.

Frequently asked questions

How long can my horse wear a grazing muzzle?
That depends on the horse, the pasture and its metabolism. Many owners plan fixed turnout times with the muzzle and breaks without it in between. If there are health issues, it is best to agree the duration with your vet.

My horse keeps getting its grazing muzzle off, what can I do?
First check the fit, as it is often too loose or the headpiece too long. An extra strap to the browband or a headcollar with a built-in muzzle helps. Some horses also learn to help each other, in which case it pays to check several times a day.

Is a grazing muzzle cruel?
Fitted correctly and used with breaks, it gives many horses the chance to spend longer out with the herd. That is often better than a lonely paddock. Regular checks, the ability to drink and good padding are what matter.