What intake restrictions does The Zephyr muzzle provide?
The grazing muzzle has a mild restriction of around 60%. This percentage is an estimate and depends on various factors. A handy horse can eat more with it than a horse that has a lot of trouble with it. The length of the grass also plays a role. Too long grass is extra difficult. And too short grass too. The latter can also cause extra sand intake.
Can my horse eat with the grazing muzzle on its own or does it have to learn it?
Not every horse can handle a grazing muzzle by itself. Some horses are very down-to-earth about it and simply find out how it works by trying and quickly achieve success. Other horses can become anxious or frustrated and need more guidance and practice. Therefore, practice together. Sometimes it can take a few weeks before it really works. Do not give up too quickly after a few sessions. Only put your horse in the pasture with the grazing muzzle when you are sure that it can eat and drink.
Can my horse get chafing?
Chafing can occur if the grazing muzzle does not fit properly, if wearing is increased too quickly, so that the skin cannot get used to it, or if your horse has very sensitive skin. Rain and sand can also be an additional risk factor for chafing. To prevent your horse from getting chafing, first choose the right size grazing muzzle. And as a preventive measure, you can use an additional fur. A stable bald spot is not a problem. Calluses often form here and the horse solves the problem itself. Pay extra attention when grazing 24/7, because the skin does not get a rest.
Is it okay to wear a grazing muzzle 24/7?
A grazing muzzle is often used 24/7 when another form of housing is not possible and the health risks are too great to do nothing. Of course, it is not preferred. However, it is necessary to opt for a mild restriction. In addition, it is necessary to check your horse extra and keep a close eye on the feeding and supplement if necessary. Wearing a grazing muzzle 24/7 sometimes seems like a simple solution, but it really requires extra alertness and care. What should you pay extra attention to:
- The nutritional intake, supplement feed one or more times a day if necessary, without a grazing muzzle.
- The skin, chafing spots develop more quickly if the skin is not given rest.
- The teeth are also under continuous load, even with a soft rubber base.
My horse is much too fat but is in the pasture 24/7, is the Ultimate Muzzle also suitable?
Due to its larger opening, this grazing muzzle can, under strict control, meet the minimum nutritional needs of a horse for 24 hours. However, your horse will have to be agile enough. Many horses that are too fat can still get too much even with this inhibition. A stricter grazing muzzle is not possible with 24/7 grazing due to the risk of malnutrition and associated stomach and intestinal complaints. The question is not so much whether the grazing muzzle is suitable, but whether the type of housing is suitable for your horse and its health. This grazing muzzle is suitable for mild overweight or the prevention thereof. In the case of serious overweight and/or metabolic problems and laminitis, we advise you to first do something about the housing.
How long does the grazing muzzle last?
With grazing muzzles and also this grazing muzzle, the best balance between durability, comfort and safety and cost price is always considered. In addition, a grazing muzzle is a 'consumable product' due to the nature of the application and the intensive load. In general, you can assume that a grazing muzzle will last for about a pasture season. However, depending on the circumstances or the behaviour of your horse, this can be shorter or much longer.
An accident can happen in a small corner. In the pasture it is important that the chance of getting caught is very low. Therefore check the free living environment of your horse thoroughly.
