Horses respond to the increased length of daylight by eating more in preparation for decreased availability in winter. This is particularly problematic in the spring and summer when horses naturally have a higher appetite. If your horse has unrestricted access to high-quality pasture, they could end up consuming too much sugar, contributing to a number of health problems including weight gain, metabolic syndrome and laminitis. Lush pastures or paddocks contain high levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), consisting of simple sugars, starch and fructans. But the pastures used for grazing horses in domestic management settings tend to contain improved grass species with significantly higher nutrient density. Horses evolved as efficient grazing animals, capable of deriving all the energy they need from relatively poor-quality pastures. The image of a horse spending all day grazing on a lush, green pasture may seem idyllic but, in reality, those lush grasses could seriously harm your horse. These devices are safe when used properly and have not been shown to cause psychological or physiological stress in horses or ponies. Grazing muzzles allow the horse to be turned out in a herd, enabling social interaction and providing more space to move around. If your horse is over-conditioned and needs to lose weight, using a muzzle while on pasture will help you manage your horse’s weight without needing to isolate them to a stall or dry lot. These devices can help prevent laminitis and obesity in horses or ponies by decreasing calorie and sugar intake. ![]() Grazing muzzles have been shown to reduce dry matter intake by between 30 – 80%. These muzzles fit over the mouth and nose of a horse and restrict grass intake while allowing access to pasture. Grazing muzzles are a staple in the tack room of many pony and horse owners.
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