Grazing Muzzles

Grazing muzzles allow horses to experience the benefits of pasture turnout (exercise, socialization with herd members and the natural act of grazing) while restricting grass intake. They can be a valuable tool to allow horses to spend time on pasture while limiting intake; however, this is just one component in developing an overall feeding plan for the overweight or NSC-sensitive horse. A nutrition expert shares some tips for considering a grazing muzzle for your horse.

Every spring and summer I get lots of questions like, "What is that thing on your face?" It's my grazing muzzle! Sometimes, people who have never seen a grazing muzzle before think that it's "mean" until they understand how a grazing muzzle can actually save a horse's life. So, I’m here to tell you a little bit about why I wear my muzzle, and how it helps me.

For some humans it's a daily occurrence, stepping onto the scale to check your weight. That, and the fit of your pants, seem to be the most popular way humans keep track of their weight loss or gain. It's just as equally important for horse owners to keep records of their horse's weight, to track down any concerns, should there be any, before it's too late.

It's Spring and past time to break out those muzzles for your horses and ponies. I know it may feel awful putting them on in the beginning; it's tough love for sure. But muzzles are a small and easy-to-implement daily way to protect your horse, pony or mini's health, especially for those at a great risk for obesity and laminitis. 

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to not only take care of your health, but also your horse’s health? Managing your horse’s diet shouldn’t be overwhelming. We asked equine nutritionist Kristen Janicki, MS, PAS, to share some tips.

Overindulgence of sugary, Spring grass can lead to a variety of health concerns for horses, ponies and donkeys. Think of it as locking a human away in a room consisting of an all-you-can-eat buffet that never goes empty. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing. A grazing muzzle allows your horse to continue being outside with his herd and living as close to natural as possible, thanks to the ability to avoid stall boredom with constant movement and unrestricted drinking.