When and how should I stop using the Grazing Muzzle?Updated a year ago
As fall approaches, many of us begin wondering how to know when it's time to stop using a grazing muzzle. Like many questions in the equine world, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It greatly depends on why you are muzzling, your pasture content, the time of year, and the weather. Wouldn't it be nice if they just came with a start and end date? Since we can't do that, here are some guidelines that can at least get you headed in the right direction.
Muzzling for weight loss
Monitoring your horse's weight with a weight tape or the body scoring guidelines is a good way to track your condition throughout the year. Once your horse has reached a 5 or 6 on the scoring chart, and you aren't seeing signs of fat pockets or a cresty neck, you can start tapering off muzzle use. Be sure to continue monitoring weight and body condition in case the muzzle needs to be worn again. (You can find more information on body scoring & using a weight tape here and you can also use our Free GG Horse Weight Tracking Program to help track your horse's weight.)
Muzzling for digestive upset
Some horses, such as off the track thoroughbreds, are prone to things such as ulcers, leaky gut, etc., caused by the sugar content in grass. Monitor outputs (poop!) and when everything starts to "ahem" harden up, look healthy, and smell less acidic, you should be safe to start tapering off muzzle usage.
Muzzling for a medical reason
If your horse is being muzzled for a medical reason ASK YOUR VET! Every horse's situation, grass content, & climate are going to vary. If you are using a muzzle to help maintain or prevent a medical issue, your vet, who has more information about what's going on with your horse, should be able to guide you.
Check out our staff member, Kara's, blog post for details on how she determines when to stop using muzzles on a variety of horses, and her favorite ways to taper muzzle use.
Important: As with any change in your horse's routine, it is important to monitor them during this transition no matter how you plan to do it. Keep an eye on their digestion (watch for inputs and outputs), tummy aches, grumpy girthing, etc), monitor for any signs of discomfort or heat in their feet, and check not only the problem areas like a cresty neck, shoulder pads, and tail wrinkles, but their overall weight with a weight tape for dramatic changes. If anything is concerning, reach out to your vet.