Grazing muzzles reduce the amount of forage consumed by an equine. They can be useful for managing insulin resistant and laminitic horses and ponies at pasture. They also have a role in slowing feed consumption for horses that consume feed too quickly and have a tendency to choke. Grazing muzzles have a small hole at the mouth, allowing only a small amount of feed into the mouth at a time.

There are many different brands and models of grazing muzzle, varying in materials and design.

Grazing muzzles must fit properly. The straps should not be too loose, potentially catching a hoof or tree branch. Straps should be constructed of breakaway material in case the muzzle becomes caught on something.

YOUR VET'S ROLE

Your vet suggests a grazing muzzle as part of an overall plan of weight management and general health.

YOUR ROLE

Know how to fit and monitor your horse's grazing muzzle. It is very important to monitor a muzzled horse's body condition.

It is important that horses gradually become accustomed to wearing a grazing muzzle. You do this by applying it increasing lengths of time over consecutive days. Horses gradually increase their speed at eating through a grazing muzzle.

Be sure that a horse knows they can drink with the muzzle on. Monitor their water consumption as they become accustomed to the muzzle.