Our horses are getting fatter and fatter, with overweight horses becoming the rule rather than the exception. In some cases, eating less or even nothing at all is much healthier for our horses. When does it make sense to use grazing muzzles or muzzles on horses? If there are clear signs of stress or fear, you should reduce the use of the muzzle and repeat each step of the familiarisation phase. How long it will take your horse to get used to carrying a grazing muzzle will depend on the individual horse. The acclimatisation phase should take place in small steps and be combined with positive reinforcement and sufficient praise. A careful familiarisation phase is therefore essential. If this is restricted by a grazing muzzle, the horse will rarely appreciate it. Horses are constant eaters, they prefer to spend the whole day eating. Getting the horse used to the muzzle gradually We therefore strongly advise against homemade muzzles. All in all, there are many points you have to pay attention to when using them. Under no circumstances should your horse's breathing be restricted by the muzzle used. To avoid overheating, we recommend muzzles made of light materials with large holes. Some muzzles are also padded with synthetic sheepskin to prevent chafing. Leather muzzles are particularly popular for this reason. You must make sure that the grazing muzzle used does not chafe, press or rest against the nostrils or in the horse's mouth area. Horses are particularly sensitive in the head area. Regardless of whether it is a horse muzzle or a grazing muzzle, it must be comfortable to wear. It is always crucial that any muzzle used fits correctly. What to look for in muzzles and grazing muzzles for ponies and horses Some muzzles have a hole in the middle, others have large individual holes or bars that slow down the intake of grass and hay.
![horse muzzle horse muzzle](https://www.poniesonparade.co.uk/user/products/large/495NF-grazing-muzzle.jpg)
The openings in the area of the mouth also vary depending on the design. Other models are simply attached to the head strap of the halter or leather headcollars.
![horse muzzle horse muzzle](https://fishsubsidy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pco-2935.jpg)
There are grazing muzzles for horses with an integrated halter or a head strap, in which case a separate halter is not necessary. When it comes to fitting, the individual models can differ. Whether for a Shetty, a Thoroughbred, a warmblood or a coldblood, a grazing muzzle for horses should always be made of a sturdy material. The different types of horse muzzles and grazing muzzles The difference is quite simple: with a muzzle your horse cannot eat at all, with a grazing muzzle for horses the intake of food is still possible to a limited extent. However, these two terms are often used as synonyms. That's right, there is a difference between a horse muzzle and a grazing muzzle. The difference between muzzles and grazing muzzles for horses