My horse is experiencing rubbing issues.Updated a year ago
Sometimes rubs can happen! Identifying where the rub is occurring will help us accurately fix the problem and keep your horse more comfortable. If you need help with this or the solutions below aren't helping, please reach out to our customer support team with photos of the rub location, as well as the halter muzzle combination on the horse, taken directly from the side with their head up so that we can give you more tailored advice.
With any rubs, we first look at the muzzle angle. Our team member Kara put together this beneficial video to ensure your horse’s muzzle is positioned at the right angle!
If your muzzle is angled correctly and your horse still gets rubs between its chin or jaw area, it is typically either the halter, the muzzle, or the muzzle strap, or sometimes all three. The best way to know the culprit is to watch them graze and see which part of the equipment touches the area where the rub is. Here are some of our recommended actions for common rub areas:
Jaw Rubs: Ensure the back buckle strap is tightly adjusted. We also recommend not fastening your back buckle to the lead ring but to the noseband itself. The less movement around your horse’s jaw from the muzzle or halter straps, the better! Please watch this video on YouTube for more information on preventing jaw rubs: How to Deal with Jaw Rubbing on Horses from Muzzles, Halters, and Straps.
Chin and/or Nose Rubs: It is normal for horses to lose some hair in that area and/or develop a little callus on the tip of their chin or nose. If it is sore, however, we want to address it. Some horses have a more prominent nose or a pointier chin that may rub against the ventilation holes on the front or back of the grazing muzzle. Our Muzzle Rub Protector Stickers adhere to the muzzle panel to prevent chafing and rubbing. Additionally, if you have a Size 4 (Pony) muzzle and your horse is getting chin rubs, that is a good sign that you may need a Size 5 (Horse) muzzle instead. Check out our article dedicated to Chin Rubs for more information on DIY options or muzzle modifications that can alleviate pressure points that may cause the rubs.
Draft/Large Horse Rubs: It may be that your horse is too large for our biggest-size muzzle! If you've already ensured that your muzzle is properly adjusted and the stickers/tape aren't working, you might consider modifying the muzzle to make it larger if you are willing to be a little handy. Please watch this video explaining how to expand your muzzle: Expand Horse-Size GreenGuard Muzzle to Prevent Chin Rubs in Drafts, Draft Crosses, and Larger Horses.
Halter Rubs: If your horse starts experiencing halter rubs, we recommend purchasing halter pads - we prefer the memory foam, neoprene non-fleece type as fleece tends to get abrasive over time - or using a lycra fly mask to help protect their skin. You can also use Gorilla or Duct Tape to Prevent Horse Halter Rubs!
Please watch this video for a complete guide on preventing and managing muzzle rubs- How to Prevent Grazing Muzzle Rubs - YouTube.