Grazing muzzles also called grazing baskets, are increasingly seen in horses. More and more people are aware that their horse or pony is too fat or is suffering from health problems due to eating too much (sugary) grass. And from the many questions that I receive via e-mail or that I encounter on the internet on forums and social media, it appears that it is sometimes quite difficult to properly adjust a grazing muzzle or grazing muzzle or to determine the correct size in general. On this page I would like to help you assess whether the grazing muzzle that you use or that you see in your area is the correct size and adjustment.
The importance of the right size.
Having to use a grazing muzzle is often not fun. And if wounds or ugly chafing marks appear on your darling's beautiful head, you'd rather throw that grazing muzzle in the willows. In practice, I often come across situations where a grazing muzzle causes skin problems and guess what... in the vast majority of cases it concerns a size that is too small. The wearing comfort and the possible occurrence of chafing marks largely depend on using the correct size and adjustment of a grazing muzzle or grazing muzzle. A grazing muzzle that is too small comes along the skin with every chewing movement and the skin is not prepared for that. Many people think that a grazing muzzle should fit like a halter, but that is absolutely not true. The basket of the grazing muzzle should give the jaws and lips the space to be able to chew unhindered.
When is a grazing muzzle or grazing muzzle appropriate?
The most important thing about a suitable grazing muzzle is the size of the basket or muzzle that goes around your horse's nose. The halter is less important and is often not a problem due to the extensive adjustment possibilities. It does not matter much which brand the grazing muzzle is, the rules for each grazing muzzle are approximately the same. Just as we all once learned the rules for a bridle and saddle, a grazing muzzle or grazing muzzle also has its own rules for optimal use.
Rule 1: At least three fingers between the top edge of the grazing muzzle and the nose
Rule 2: At least a finger's width between the bottom of the grazing muzzle and the horse's lips.
Rule 1 is important to give enough room to move while eating. Rule 2 is especially important when the horse is not grazing. It is important for the skin of the lips to be free of pressure at those times.
Optimal adjustment of a grazing muzzle or grazing basket
Now that you can determine which size of grazing muzzle or grazing muzzle fits well, it is important to also adjust the halter properly in order to also be able to guarantee rule 2. In addition, the correct adjustment is important to prevent other unwanted tricks such as throwing off. A halter that is too loose can easily be taken off by a horse during an extensive sand bath or rolling session. So how do you go about it:
Step 1 : First adjust the cheek pieces of the grazing muzzle to size, taking approximately the same length as a well-fitting halter.
Step 2 : Then cut the headpiece to size. Check if there is enough room for the lips.
Step 3 : Now adjust the throatlatch to size. Note! Contrary to the rules for a bridle, this may be adjusted more tightly.
Step 4 : Adjust all the settings to each other so that the throatlatch is attached as far back as possible (towards the throat and behind the jaw). This is most easily achieved by extending the cheekpieces. The further back the throatlatch is and the more it is adjusted to fit, without impeding breathing of course, the smaller the chance of throwing off. The length of the cheekpieces can be compensated with the length of the headpiece.
Tip!
Check regularly that the adjustment is still correct! Sometimes a horse gets stuck for a short time or accidentally stands on the grazing muzzle. Due to pulling forces, the adjustments can drift and become wider. This can make getting stuck or throwing off easier.
