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  Discussion on Introducing horse to grazing muzzle
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2002 - 12:03 pm:

I have a very fat boy who seems to gain weight on air alone! Actually, he is pastured 100% of the time (coastal bermuda) because we have no dry lot (and don't like them anyway) and don't want to shut him up in a stall. He receives about a handful of oats twice a day (just to keep him from harassing the rest of the herd). I decided to use a grazing muzzle on him, but don't know how long to keep it on him initially because I don't want him to lose weight too fast. How should I go about this grazing muzzle business?
Do I eventually keep it on him 12 hours per day? 24? Thanks for your advice.

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2002 - 6:14 pm:

Lisa - I have the fat boy problem too. What kind of grazing muzzle have you found? Thanks Janet

Posted on Friday, Jan 11, 2002 - 6:22 am:

Lisa,
there is no set number and so many factors it is difficult to judge from here. Not only is there no set number but you will probably find different seasons require different times. However that said, a horse can cram 24 hours grazing to within about 6 hours time if motivated. 12 hours may not be long enough at least during the grasses active growing season.

I suggest you start by leaving it on about half the day and give it about 4 weeks. Use a weight tape carefully to judge response. Also by this time you should have an idea of whether he still can graze your grass through it efficiently enough to wear it 24 hours. If you are not making progreess yet he can graze through the muzzle go on up to 24 hours. Start backing off on time after the horse gets to his desired weight.
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jan 11, 2002 - 11:40 pm:

Thanks, Dr. O. We live in south Texas, so even now we have surprisingly good forage (the horses barely touch the hay we put out). We'll keep a close watch on the weight loss for sure.

Janet, we got a muzzle with a velcro breakaway - I'm not a big fan of hanging stuff on horses' heads when they're turned out, so this seemed like the least objectionable option. It's also got a padded noseband. I'll probably add some fleece at the poll as well, since I anticipate the chunky one will spend much time in his new gear. I've found this model at a couple of web locations for about $50-$60. Good luck.
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