FAQ of the Month: October 2023
“If I decide to remove the muzzles from my two younger horses, do I need to reduce daily pasture turnout and begin building their time up again?”
Gradually is most ideal! Fall can be a precarious time of year for horses that have a laminitis risk because cool nights and sunny days can spike the sugar in the grass. So it is just as important to be cautious with muzzling at-risk horses in fall as it is during spring.
Muzzle inserts can help ease the transition, as we detail in this video. For instance, shifting from a GG Equine diet insert to the standard insert helps taper how much they can eat through the muzzle. If needed, you can even transition to an enlarged one which you can create yourself by extending the holes. Another option is to alternate days of using the muzzle and not using the muzzle, and slowly add more days without the muzzle as the grass dies down.
Lastly, it might be a good idea to use a weight tape once a week to measure your horse's weight. Make a record of their weight so you can spot if there are changes and then adjust their muzzle use and diet accordingly. This is especially helpful during forage transition periods such as spring (hay to grass) and fall (grass to hay).
FAQs
Check out our extensive video library for tutorials on all things muzzle including fitting, sizing, troubleshooting, and more!
Why GreenGuard?
Breathability, durability, and freedom! The shape of the muzzle gives more breathing room around the nostrils. Because the muzzle holds it's shape and is tapered, it does not touch the nose like a more flexible material would. Last but not least, the muzzle has multiple openings, giving the horse the freedom to choose where to graze from. This contributes to more natural grazing behavior. Watch this video to learn more!
Why Square?
Because Air! The square design gives your horse room to breathe with open space around the nostrils. A round design, on the other hand, collapses over the nostrils, which blocks air and makes it more difficult for your horse to breathe.
Why So Many Holes?
Multiple holes give horses options of where to graze from. It also increases airflow and allows water to drain out more easily. "But won't my horse get too much grass with all those holes?!" It may surprise you to know that the GreenGuard muzzle actually restricts intake about the same as other muzzles with a single central hole. How is this possible? Read more about the genius design here.
Having multiple grazing areas in the muzzle also means that it tends to last a lot longer, too, because horses aren't just grazing out of one spot. In fact, we are the only muzzle brand that offers a 1-year warranty because we are confident it is going to last! Many customers have had their muzzles for years, not just a season.
Sizing and Fitting
Muzzles Sizing: GreenGuard muzzle size is based on bit size. Here's everything you need to know.
Muzzle Fitting: Fitting your GreenGuard correctly is essential to proper function. This link will get you started.
Halter Sizing: GG Halters fit differently than traditional halters. Make sure to follow our sizing guide here.
Rubbing Issues
Read through our page on managing and preventing rubs or watch our comprehensive rubbing video tutorial for troubleshooting and solutions.
Escape Artists
Horse escaping from the muzzle or wriggling free from their halter? We can help!
- Sneaking out the side or corner of the muzzle: corner straps
- Still sneaking out the side or corner: criss-cross corner straps or horizontal straps
- Pulling the halter off: using the GG Premium Halter
- Still getting the halter off: secondary throatlatch or using a neck strap
See our comprehensive guide to dealing with "houdini horses."
Waterer Compatibility
New auto waterers are coming out all the time. Check our waterer page for our most current info on compatibility.
For quick reference, the largest GreenGuard muzzle measures 6.25 inches x 6 inches at the base and 7.5 inches on the diagonal.
Muzzles and Tooth Wear
According to the UK's National Equine Welfare Council, all grazing muzzles pose a risk of tooth wear.
We made a comprehensive, in-depth video with everything we know, have learned, and are doing to help combat dental wear for aggressive grazers.
This includes the muzzle inserts that we introduced in 2022. Made from a softer material than the muzzle body, they are purposely designed to wear faster and more gently than the muzzle itself.
Cribbing and Hay
The GreenGuard muzzle was not designed and is not warrantied for cribbing or slowing down hay intake. However, some customers have reported success with these off-label uses.
Please note that we do not guarantee the muzzle for anything other than its use for grass grazing and that use for any other purpose will void the 1-year replacement warranty.
Donkeys
A growing number of donkeys, mini donkeys, mules, hinnies, etc rely on GreenGuard muzzles and GG Equine halters during turnout time. Everything you want to know about sizing, fitting, and troubleshooting is on our dedicated Donkey Page!
Returns & Refunds
Is your horse having trouble adapting to the new muzzle? We have a video tutorial to help you teach your horse to eat through a GreenGuard muzzle.
Our customer service pros have dealt with almost every imaginable problem. They are happy to work with you at any point in your muzzle journey.
We also realize that every horse is different and what works for one horse may not work for another. So GG Equine has a full 30-day return policy.
Warranty
We offer a 1-year, one-time replacement warranty on all of our grazing muzzles and hayplay bags. See our warranty page for more information.
NEW! Complimentary Fit Consult
Tried everything and still have issues? Don't despair! Schedule a complimentary video fit consult with an expert fitter!
More Questions? Reach Out!
Email is the quickest way to hear back from our customer service pros. During the work week, we respond to all emails within a day.
Reach out to support@gg-equine.com