How do I measure for a grazing muzzle?
Proper grazing muzzle sizing and fit is essential for keeping your horse comfortable and happy while grazing safely! A muzzle that fits incorrectly can lead to rubbing and sores, which overtime, can potentially cause your horse to dislike their muzzle. Use the below information to find the perfect size for your horse.
How-To: Measure Your Horse for a Grazing Muzzle
We recommend using a cloth measuring tape when collecting these measurements. If you do not have a cloth measuring tape, you can use a piece of bailing twine or ribbon to wrap around your horse’s muzzle and then measure the twine/ribbon with a ruler.
If you have a fidgety or headshy horse, you can alternatively use their halter as a guide. The crown, throat, and cheek of their halter should measure similarly to that of the grazing muzzle.
When comparing you horse's measurements to the sizing chart, keep in mind that the Easy Breathe Grazing Muzzles feature multiple slide buckles for fine tuning the fit, so some varience is completely fine. Also, be sure to select a size that allows some space around the nose to help prevent rubbing, the muzzle basket should not fit tightly around the nose.
STEP 1
Using the Easy Breathe Muzzle sizing chart, find the depth measurement of the size you think will fit your horse. Measure straight from the bottom lips up to that depth measurement. At this spot you can then measure around the nose to get the basket diameter. REMEMBER: You want approximately 2" of extra space around the nose to prevent rubs.
STEP 2
To get a cheek measurement, start at the location where you measured the basket diameter. Measure up the face, following the cheekbone, to see where the cheekpiece will rest. KEEP IN MIND: This fit is adjustable using the slide buckles.
STEP 3
While the basket fit is most important, you may also want to measure the crown & throat. Place your measuring tape right behind the ears at the poll and measure all the way down and around the jaw. You want to take this measurement at the similar location to your horse's halter throatlatch. KEEP IN MIND: This fit is adjustable using the slide buckles.
How-To: Fitting a Grazing Muzzle
Basket
The basket diameter is not adjustable, so be sure the basket is the correct size for your horse. There should be a two-finger-width space around the top of the basket as well as between the horse's lips and the grazing opening. If the muzzle is snug to your horse, you need to go up a size.
Release Closure
The hook-and-loop release closure can be found on the crown strap. This is NOT for fit adjustments, but rather adjusting the strength of the breakaway. Adjust this first to your horse's needs and the proceed with fitting the rest of the muzzle straps.
Slide Buckles
Each strap on the Easy Breathe Grazing Muzzles features a slide buckle. Adjust the buckles to lengthen or shorten to your horse's needs. Also, be sure the throatsnap is always clipped with the opening towards your horse to prevent it from catching on things.
Need more help? Watch our video on How To Fit a Tough1 Easy Breathe Grazing Muzzle.
