Does your horse wear a grazing muzzle or are you considering buying one? Then there is a good chance that you will sooner or later have to deal with chafing. Below you will find tips on how to prevent or treat this.
Sensitive head
The horse's head is very sensitive. Due to the thin skin, little fat and muscle tissue, and the bone directly under the skin, the head is vulnerable to chafing. The facial nerves can quickly become irritated by external pressure. That is why it is important to choose a well-fitting and comfortable grazing muzzle, especially because it is often worn longer than a bridle or saddle.
Development of chafing marks
When grazing, the horse moves its upper lip back and forth, which causes the grazing muzzle to rub. This can lead to wear of the coat and eventually bald spots or open wounds.
'Breaking in' of the grazing muzzle
Wearing a grazing muzzle can be compared to new shoes. A gentle 'breaking-in period' helps the skin to adapt and prevents chafing. Therefore, build up wearing a grazing muzzle gradually. Start well before the grazing season begins. A good size and fit are of course essential. Sometimes a bald spot remains visible, but this is not always a problem if the skin remains intact.
Skin type
Just like people, horses have different skin types. Some horses are more sensitive to chafing than others. Weather conditions can also play a role. Wet or warm weather conditions make the skin more vulnerable.
Prevent chafing
A well-fitting grazing muzzle is the basis. Please note:
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The grazing muzzle should not be too small or too large.
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There should be three to four fingers of space between the nose bone and the top edge of the mask.
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The lips should not touch the base plate when the horse is not grazing.
Locations of chafing spots and helpful solutions:
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Nose: Apply Merino fleece to the noseband.
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Underside of jaw: Fur on the back of the mask.
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Chin: Consider a larger model or extra padding.
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Cheek: Extra fur around the cheeks.
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Side of mouth: Extra padding or cheek pads.
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Nostrils: Use nose fur.
Extra protection with padding
Padding helps distribute pressure and reduce friction. There are many different types, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Commonly used materials:
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Merino fleece: Comfortable, breathable and pressure-relieving.
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Artificial fur: Good alternative to merino fur.
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Neoprene: Suitable for light abrasions.
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Synthetic fleece: Less durable and can become smouldering.
Treatment of existing chafing areas
If a chafing spot has already occurred:
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Temporarily remove the grazing muzzle and allow the wound to heal.
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Place the horse in a paddock or on a track with risky grass supply. Never just let a grazing muzzle come off.
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Clean the wound gently.
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When the wound has healed you can put on a grazing muzzle again. Use extra padding and build up wearing it slowly.
- If you can't leave the grazing muzzle off, avoid greasy ointments etc. Dirt and sand will stick to these and make it even more annoying. Always use a merino wool fleece.
