The muzzle straps keep breaking.Updated a year ago

We want the muzzle straps to break away if your horse gets into an emergency, but sometimes they break when they shouldn't.

First, we always recommend sending us a photo of your horse's halter/muzzle combination, taken directly from the side with their head up, and ideally taken at the muzzle level. Our team will double-check how everything fits and is adjusted, as this can contribute to frequent strap breaking.

Once we’ve confirmed that everything fits appropriately, our favorite option is to add our Houdini Helper Hook & Loop and Tape Set corner straps on all four corners of your muzzle. These solve all kinds of issues your horse might encounter in the field. They help support your other straps, and they also help keep the muzzle in place if one or even two straps break. 

In addition to corner straps, a great way to prevent breaking is to make sure you are using your back keepers (see photo) and trim any excess tails off of your straps, leaving a little bit to make future adjustments.

Similarly, you can tape down any extra strap. If the metal buckle or rivets are the part breaking, taping directly over the buckles with electric tape can also prevent this. We also recommend taping around any open loops made by straps adjusted longer than 4-5 inches.

Some horses do well using the Houdini corner strap material for all of their straps because this leaves less to get caught on things. If you'd like to try this option, adding additional loops of electric tape will add strength while remaining safely break away.

If you need more than just corner straps, or if you have multiple horses, we recommend investing in a larger roll of the hook and loop strap, the Big Velcro Roll. This may be more economical if you're using it across several different horses and also leaves extra on hand to replace straps as needed.

If you've already tried our regular corner straps, but that is not working, you still have options. Here are the more involved strap configurations if you have a super Houdini. 

Note: Though using other products to replace your straps might be tempting, using non-breakaway replacements such as zip ties or plastic baling twine can void your warranty. The recommended straps are less likely to slide around on the halter and in muzzle slots, better anchoring the muzzle.

Option One: Weave velcro straps through primary muzzle straps

Option Two: Crisscross velcro straps between primary muzzle straps