What Makes a Horse a Candidate for a Grazing Muzzle?

According to Krishona Martinson, Ph.D., Equine Extension Specialist for University of Minnesota Extension, horses that are clinically healthy yet overweight are the best candidates for a grazing muzzle, as opposed to those with a history of laminitis or a diagnosis such as equine metabolic syndrome or Cushing’s disease.

“[The best candidates are horses that] can graze without the negative health complications, but we don’t want them to gain excessive amounts of weight, or we would like them to lose some weight,” she says.

In these situations, using a grazing muzzle can help horse owners manage their easy keepers with their herd, while still allowing them to exercise and continue to be herd animals.

Rhonda Hoffman, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Horse Science at Middle Tennessee State University, further elaborates that horses with a body condition score of 7, 8, or 9 (on the 1-9 Henneke Body Condition Scoring system) as those that would benefit most from the use of a grazing muzzle to lose weight and decrease the risk of developing insulin dysregulation.

While other types of horses can benefit from a grazing muzzle, such as those who have been diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome or those who have had laminitis, both experts agree this is not always an ideal management practice.

“These horses require a diet low in nonstructural carbohydrates,” says Martinson. “Our predominately cool-season grasses in most parts of the U.S. are not a great forage source for these horses. A grazing muzzle will slow their consumption and reduce how much they can take in, but it does not remove the nonstructural carbohydrates. I think that is an important distinction.”

Hoffman advises that even if they haven’t been formally diagnosed, horses with a cresty neck could have insulin dysregulation or metabolic issues, as can horses who have previously foundered, even if their current body condition score is good. She recommends that you consult with your veterinarian to determine if limited grazing using a muzzle is OK, or if these horses should be completely restricted from pasture.

When to Use a Grazing Muzzle

As useful a tool as grazing muzzles are to help your horse maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, he does not need to wear a grazing muzzle year-round.

“It depends on location and rainfall,” says Hoffman. She explains that grass has little nutritional value during times of drought and in freezing temperatures. Wearing a grazing muzzle during these times is not going to make a discernible difference, she says.

Similarly, Martinson advises their use during the growing season.

“Depending upon your location in the U.S., your growing season is going to be different,” she says. She elaborates that for approximately two-thirds of the U.S., the growing season is from mid-May to mid-October. It is during these months that she advises their use for horses that are clinically healthy but need to maintain or lose weight.

Introductory Period

“When we have done research using grazing muzzles, or anything that restricts or slows down foraging [even a hay net], it takes horses time to acclimate and learn how to use the barrier put in front of them,” says Martinson. “My recommendation while they are out on pasture is to put the grazing muzzle on and watch them carefully.”

To make sure that your horse is consuming enough calories, especially during the first two to three days of use, Martinson advises placing the horse in a stall or dry lot overnight and feeding a small amount of hay to keep his digestive system moving. Also check that the grazing muzzle fits into your horse’s water source.

“But in my experience, and in our research, every single horse that we fitted with a grazing muzzle has figured out how to graze with it on fairly quickly,” she says.

The Proper Fit of a Grazing Muzzle

Ensuring a proper fit for your horse’s grazing muzzle can be a very individualized experience, and it plays a critical role in the grazing muzzle’s use. But with a variety of styles to choose from and a little ingenuity, it is possible to maintain your horse’s comfort.

All styles of grazing muzzles form a basket designed to fit over the horse’s muzzle, and the materials from which they are constructed range from a poly/nylon mix to both firm and flexible plastic.

The method of attachment differs depending upon the style of muzzle you choose, with options that include a continuous, single-piece style; a four-point leather attachment; and Velcro or plastic ties that can be attached to a standard or custom halter.

Within these styles, you are likely to find one that your horse is both likely to keep on and that will also stand up to his particular methods of wear and tear, while minimizing or even eliminating rubbing.

But even if the grazing muzzle you choose checks most of your boxes, there may still be areas of friction. Experimenting with different materials such as fleece, duct tape, Vetrap, slinky-material fly masks worn underneath the halter, and more can help minimize rubbing at pressure points.

No matter which style you choose, both experts agree that safety should be at the core of choosing and fitting a grazing muzzle. Any product, whether it is the method used to affix the muzzle to the halter or the halter itself, should be designed to break away if the horse becomes entangled.

Beyond that, choosing a muzzle that is not so loose-fitting that it encourages excessive rubbing can help cut down on any potential issues your horse may experience.

No matter how daunting your choice of grazing muzzles may seem, the good news, according to Martinson, is that any grazing muzzle you choose will reduce forage intake by approximately 30 percent, with some of the more restrictive designs reducing intake still more.

Almost any grazing muzzle is a good choice if it meets the above criteria for safety and fit.

Regular Inspections

Once you have made your selection, both Hoffman and Martinson recommend continuous evaluation of your grazing muzzle.

“Every single time your horse goes out or comes in, pay attention to [not only fit] but also wear on the grazing muzzle itself,” says Hoffman.

She advises paying particular attention to whether the grazing muzzle was damaged during turnout and for areas of excessive wear that may be developing over time.

Tip: As a longtime user of grazing muzzles, one pro tip that I highly recommend is tying one or two pieces of colorful surveyor’s tape to your grazing muzzle. Doing so can save countless hours looking for your grazing muzzle if it comes off in the pasture. 

A Daily Break

The method in which you use a grazing muzzle is another important aspect. According to Martinson, research out of North Carolina done by Paul Siciliano, Ph.D., shows that when horses are restricted from pasture—for example, if they are only turned out for two hours or if a grazing muzzle is applied for two hours and then removed—horses will learn that schedule.

So in those two hours they are allowed to graze, horses will consume calories significantly faster than normal grazing speed. Siciliano’s research indicates that in as little as three hours of grazing, horses can consume up to two-thirds of their calories for the day.

This research has led to various recommendations about how grazing muzzles should be used. In a perfect world, each day your horse would be allowed an extended break from wearing the grazing muzzle. For example, to further encourage maintenance of weight or weight loss, the horse could be brought into the barn or placed on a dry lot at night, during which time he would be fed lower-quality (more mature/lower calorie) hay.

“Any time you leave a horse out 24/7, even with a halter on, it is going to create rubs,” says Hoffman. “With a grazing muzzle, they are pushing their nose against the bottom to force grass through the holes. A break helps to avoid skin conditions and rubs.”

Allowing for a daily break from wearing a grazing muzzle can also help to preserve the muzzle’s longevity. During the hot summer months, Hoffman says removing the muzzles for a period keeps the horse cooler.

But allowing for a break while at the same time keeping the horse off pasture is not always possible. In those cases, it’s best to increase your monitoring of the horse to ensure continued proper fit and watch for rubs and wear patterns.

Weight Loss Outcomes

Just one benefit of using grazing muzzles is that they can allow for a slow, safe weight reduction.

“If you reduce calories by about a third, your horse should be able to lose one body condition score [number] per month,” says Martinson. “This is considered a safe amount.”

She further explains that the body condition score amount is going to vary depending on whether you have a draft horse, a light horse, a pony, or a Miniature Horse.

“It could be as little as 10 pounds or as much as 50 pounds, depending on the size of the horse,” says Martinson.

She cautions that adding feed and treats to your horse’s diet can be counterproductive to achieving your loss goals, while exercise, when possible, can enhance your efforts.

Grass Height and Type

You may have read conflicting reports about appropriate pasture grass height and types, perhaps finding that your pasture situation is not ideal for a horse wearing a grazing muzzle. However, Martinson’s research has led to some interesting discoveries.

“We would like to see our cool-season grass pastures between 3 and 8 inches in height,” she says. “Never lower than 3 inches.”

Regardless of whether your horse wears a grazing muzzle, this practice prevents overgrazing. Further, she says, horses prefer different types of grasses. Some of these different grasses grow straight up, while others grow along the ground.

It used to be thought that a grass that grows straight up would be more accessible by horses wearing a grazing muzzle. Instead, she says, research found that how the grass grows made no difference to the horses, and their ability to successfully graze through the muzzle remained unchanged, regardless of grass type.

Stress Levels

Martinson says that a common misconception about grazing muzzles is that they cause an increase in the stress levels of the horses wearing them. However, she says that in recent years, research conducted by Amy Burk, Ph.D., at the University of Maryland measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol, comparing levels in horses wearing a grazing muzzle and those without.

Not only were the stress levels similar, but the herd hierarchy remained unchanged. The only change noted was a reduction in bite marks and a reduced ability for horses to groom themselves or others.

Key Takeaway

While there is a lot of information to take in, with these researched-based recommendations in mind, you too can make the best choices for your horse in all aspects of grazing muzzle use.

This article about grazing muzzles appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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A recent study has shown that judges tend to favor pudgy ponies over their more-svelte counterparts in the show ring. This is despite the fact that carrying extra weight may predispose these horses and ponies to such health conditions as an increased risk of laminitis or founder, and adds additional strain on joints, hooves, heart and lungs.

Equine health professionals assign a Henneke body condition score (BCS) to objectively determine the amount of fat cover on a horse. This system evaluates the amount of fat on a horse’s neck, withers, shoulder, ribs, loin and tailhead, and offers an overall score between 1 (thinnest) and 9 (most obese). The ideal body condition score is about a 5, where the ribs aren’t easily seen, but can be felt.

Case in Point

Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Ph.D., an equine nutrition professor at North Carolina State University, and a team of researchers visually evaluated 337 ponies at the 2021 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms. Pony Finals is the year-end championship event for qualified pony riders from across the country; competition is grouped by pony height (small, medium and large), show experience (regular and green), and rider age.

The scientists evaluated each of the ponies as they prepared for the model (in-hand) phase of competition, which evaluates the pony’s conformation and physical blemishes, but also takes into account handler and pony turnout and presentation.

The two researchers evaluating the ponies had extensive body condition scoring experience and were also experts at cresty neck scoring (CNS). CNS is a 0 to 5 scale used to measure the accumulation of fat along the top of the neck. The amount of fat found in this area can be disproportionate to the amount of total body fat; a score of 3 or higher could signal an increased risk of equine metabolic syndrome and laminitis.

The CNS and the BCS from both evaluators were averaged and compared to the model scores from the three Pony Finals judges. The scientists found that the medium ponies were fatter and crestier than the large ponies. They also found a positive correlation between BCS and the model score from judges in the large ponies, suggesting that Pony Finals judges prefer a heavier pony in the model.

These findings concerned the researchers, who reported that the additional weight the ponies carry could affect their health and longevity, as well as their performance. They recommend that efforts be made to encourage judges to reward a more ideal body condition.

It’s important to remember that USEF Pony Finals judges are some of the top judges in the nation; many have judged for decades and are considered the best in their field. The findings beg two questions: How can judges be encouraged to reward non-chubby ponies, and more broadly, is there truly a pony weight issue at all?

How are Judges Trained?

U.S. Equestrian is the national governing body for most horse sport in the United States. This organization issues licenses for all hunter and jumper judges (and others), which qualifies them to judge at U.S. Equestrian-sanctioned competitions.

However, U.S. Equestrian does not provide the materials the judges can study from to pass their licensing exams; these are provided by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), a national affiliate of U.S. Equestrian that represents all levels of hunter and jumper participants. Material for the clinics is sourced from the U.S. Equestrian Rulebook and the USHJA Officials’ Education Committee curriculum, according to USHJA Officials’ Education Committee (OEC) members.

To become a U.S. Equestrian-licensed judge, one must apprentice under established judges at multiple licensed competitions, and one must have positive evaluations from the experienced judges.

Applicants must also attend a clinic. Ongoing education for carded judges is required: Each judge must attend a clinic to maintain their license every three to five years, depending on the license level.

Would pony weight and condition ever be addressed in formal settings like rulebooks? Not likely, says the USHJA OEC.

“This is an example of a topical issue addressed formally in clinics [and] in forums, as well as informally between licensed judges,” committee members say. “Topical issues, such as rule changes and more nuanced trends are addressed in the USHJA clinics.”

The OEC hosts periodic forums geared toward licensed judges and course designers, where a panel leads an in-depth discussion on current issues. Additional ways the “weight issue” could be addressed is through OEC-produced webinars.

The OEC points out that equine weight is not addressed anywhere in the U.S. Equestrian rulebook, but both U.S. Equestrian and USHJA have multiple, extensive best practices efforts in place. Many committees, such as the USHJA Horse and Rider Advocate Committee, work to educate membership on a multitude of equine management topics such as equine weight and wellness. Additionally, USHJA members can always contact committee members with questions and concerns on topics that fall under their purview, the OEC reiterates.

“Ultimately, the job of equine management broadly—and equine weight management specifically—does not fall on licensed judges. Their job is to pin the class based on performance in the competition ring in that class on that day,” the OEC says.

A Judge’s Perspective on the Pony Weight Issue

Kathleen Stamps, a licensed “R” judge with 15 years of experience judging some of the best hunters, jumpers, and hunt seat equitation riders in the nation, concurs.

“While data collection is a good tool to evaluate and interpret, it’s not the way the ponies are being judged,” she explains. “Judges are looking at the whole picture of the pony and placing that pony in accordance with the rest of the ponies in the class.”

The model class, where the researchers saw the ponies (but did not touch them), is judged with one goal in mind: “The best body wins in the class,” says Stamps. “The super fat pony could be first or last, depending on what other ponies are in the class. There are so many factors to consider, including issues that can’t be overlooked, like crooked legs, bad feet, a bone spavin [and other conformational issues].”

The pony may not be stood up well or may not jog or just be having a bad day; things happen that have nothing to do with weight, Stamps reiterates. This is why it’s difficult to correlate the scientists’ scores with the judges’ outcome in the model.

Though this study suggests a significant relationship between pony weight and Pony Finals model placings, it’s critical to remember that more than just how the pony looks was being judged: It’s the overall picture the pony and handler presented, on that day, in that class, under those judges. Horse showing is, after all, subjective.

This article about judges’ preference of weight in ponies appeared in the April 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Are Show Judges Favoring Ponies Carrying Extra Weight? appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. At the age of 2, I was at a company picnic with my parents when I spied pony rides at the bottom of a hill. Without a second glance at my poor mom and dad, I took off running down that hill as fast as my chubby 2-year-old legs could carry me, screaming, “Need to ride the pony!” the entire time.

That pony ride lit a spark that has burned bright for the last 34 years. I began riding lessons when I turned 7, and at the age of 16, I became the proud owner of an old, grumpy red dun Appaloosa named Phoenix.

A Wake-Up Call

My life as an equestrian was not without its challenges, however. I spent a good majority of my life overweight, and in the equine industry, that can be met with a myriad of backlash. I rode anyway. I made sure I always had a horse that could comfortably carry my weight and I did what I loved the most.

In 2019, I found out that I was pregnant. I also found out at a doctor’s appointment that I was at the highest weight I had ever been. High weight can lead to pregnancy complications, and that is exactly what happened to me. I developed a pregnancy complication called ICP, which stands for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, brought about by my undiagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

This serious complication can cause spontaneous stillbirth, and because of that, I was induced to deliver early and had my son at just 34 weeks gestation. I spent a total of nine days in the hospital, and he was in the NICU for an additional 10 days. That experience opened my eyes regarding the seriousness of my weight and my health more than anything else ever had.

A Major Change

Soon after, I began the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery. After six months of psychiatric evaluations, nutritionist appointments, cardiac testing and B-12 shots, I was finally approved and scheduled for surgery.

In August of 2021, I had gastric sleeve surgery, which involves the removal of around 80 percent of the stomach. Many people view weight loss surgery as an “easy way out,” but those people would be wrong. It wreaks havoc on your brain and your body.

Imagine the mental strain of being addicted to food and then suddenly not being able to eat it. I had to change my entire relationship with food, exercise, and how I looked at myself. However, I am happy to say that in the 15 months since my surgery, I have successfully lost 180 pounds.

I have felt the benefits of weight loss in all aspects of my life, but none more so than when riding my horses. I’ve heard others say that as equestrians, we shouldn’t expect our horses to be athletes if we aren’t willing to also be athletes as well. But I never understood that concept until I felt how much easier riding was after I lost weight and got in shape.

New Perspective on Riding After Weight Loss

Before losing weight, I would trot two or three laps around the ring before needing to walk because I was so out of breath. I would feel like physically passing out after jumping a course. I was in decent shape for my size, but I was not physically in shape to ride the way I needed to be.

I’m not saying that a person needs to be skinny to be an effective equestrian, but they should be in the best physical shape possible to be an effective and strong partner for their horse.

Now I can trot around with my big Dutch Harness Horse for quite a while without feeling winded at all. I even bought myself a tall but fine-boned off-track Thoroughbred as a project horse.

Beyond the weight loss, I have developed a love for fitness and nutrition. Yoga and cardio dance classes have become favorite additions to my week, as well as a passion for lifting weights that I never knew I possessed.

I’ve also gone back to school at the age of 36 to pursue certifications in personal training and strength training, as well as a master’s degree in nutrition. I’m hoping to begin a career focused on helping other equestrians reach their health, fitness, and weight loss goals.

I’m truly grateful that I was able to take the steps necessary to improve my health, my skills as an equestrian, and my life.

This article about Kylie’s weight loss journey appeared in the AR issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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