Grazing Muzzle + Sweet Itch?
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Hi friends - 1. Grazing Muzzles - Advice Wanted: 2. Sweet Itch - New Issue: |
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Muzzle: Try this https://www.kbchorsesupplies.com/wire-mesh-muzzle-with-headstall-horse.html . Put it under the halter and make the throatlatch on both tight. Greenguard is not adequate. Return it.
Standard fly repellants do not work against Culicoides. Try a heavy application of Noxzema. -- Eleanor in PA www.drkellon.com |
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jlmccarroll
Hi Eleanor Never seen a muzzle like this. Have you seen any damage to the skin (lips) ir bridge if the nose with this style? I know the wire is smooth, just thinking of the persistent grazer who might really push against it. My horse pulls back on his basket muzzle to scoop grass in. So, I'm wondering if he could distort it or bruise the bone above his nose. Thanks! Jeannette 2021 NorCal Sent from my Metro By T-Mobile 4G LTE Android Device -- Jeannette Mc, NoCA 2021 |
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No, I haven't seen any significant damage to the horse from this type of muzzle. On the other hand, unrestricted access to grass can do major damage.
-- Eleanor in PA www.drkellon.com |
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Is the Greenguard adequate if you block up the holes? The company advised me to put a leather hoof pad over the bottom, and to cut holes in it if needed for partial grazing or (my concern) to let water come in the bottom. They also have straps to block the corners, and better ways of securing. 】And a special halter. When you said to return it, we're you assuming that modifications would not work?
-- Gail Russell 8/30/2008
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Frances C
I'm on the second season of using the flexible filly muzzle on my little mustang. Dang. it took hours just to get everything right but it has never come off. The only damage I see is that her whiskers are only about 1/2 inch long. I also bought the accompanying halter and adjusted the size of that by wrapping vet wrap which makes the halter very nice coushy.
To help keep gnats/midges at bay for a longer period of time I use neem oil when I'm diluting a batch of concentrate longer lasting spray, about 25% neem oil. Makes a mess of a shiny coat. -- - Frances C. December 2017, Washington & California Case history: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Frances%20and%20Phoenix Phoenix's Photo Album: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=12382 |
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I found that the Flexible Filly Halter was well designed. I ended up buying two sizes and the nose and poll pads for each size. I ended up mixing and matching until I got it where it fit really well. I think I ended up with a normal horse size halter but a large size muzzle. I think that that combo will keep the horse from being able to eat out of the side of the muzzle.
-- Gail Russell 8/30/2008
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jlmccarroll
I bought the Flexible Filly, covered the bottom hole and ran ties horizontally through the holes to help close up the sides. My gelding is able to work the base of the muzzle around small patches of grass and lift them up...nice bite of grass! Really wish I could get it to work...he seems the most comfortable in this style.
-- Jeannette Mc, NorCA 2021 |
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Thank you!
-- Jen McCabe Laytonsville, Maryland Joined 2022 + Odin (2010 BLM Mustang - IR/EMS diagnosed after Winter Laminitis), Bella (2008 BLM Mustang - PPID/Cushings diagnosed in 2000)+ Fiki (2015 Arabian) Odin and Bella Case Histories |
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Thank you Frances, what do you dilute the Neem oil with?
-- Jen McCabe Laytonsville, Maryland Joined 2022 + Odin (2010 BLM Mustang - IR/EMS diagnosed after Winter Laminitis), Bella (2008 BLM Mustang - PPID/Cushings diagnosed in 2000)+ Fiki (2015 Arabian) Odin and Bella Case Histories |
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Chatycady@...
I give my 3 a bath in Vinegar and water for sweet itch. I use a garden prayer and set it about 3 to 1 mix, water to vinegar. They love it and it gives immediate relief.
-- Chatycady in the Midwest 2022 |
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canequinmorgans@...
Jen, I've used grazing muzzles for decades. I still recommend Best Friends over the other options. But the key is a correct fit. With the horse's head in a normal position, the poll strap and throat latch must fit very snuggly. When the horse drops his head to attempt to graze, it will loosen slightly. But that throat latch must be in the actual throat area, not down on his cheek, which is the most common error I witness. If your Bella is removing hers by rolling her head on the ground, you probably need to tighten it and make sure it's properly placed. If she's learned to remove it by prying it off over her ears on a fence board or other object, you're sunk. No muzzle will stay on her.
I've seen horses who can get out of the Flexible Filly with accompanying halter in seconds by rubbing their heads along the ground, but then be totally defeated by a well fit Best Friends. If you're going to permit muzzled grazing, you might try Odin on lawn grass first. It's ultra-tempting and usually a good length to grab. Experiment with introducing some by hand through the bottom hole and continue lowering your hand until it's at ground level. Just my experience, but realize some of these buggers are just too clever for us. And ask Dr. Kellon about her anti-gnat recipe. -- Beth Benard 2003 Rome. NY |
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Frances C
Repel-X concentrate. Label directions are to dilute 1 to 7 of water. So using 2 oz. concentrate and 14 oz. water makes 16 oz. of fly spray. To this I add 4 oz. neem oil resulting in a total of 20 oz. The trouble with Neem oil is that it is normally in the form of butter and takes a bit of warmth to liquify it. At the buttery stage it would be great for smearing on any sores but in the fly spray mix it could settle out back into the buttery stage.
-- - Frances C. December 2017, Washington & California Case history: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Frances%20and%20Phoenix Phoenix's Photo Album: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=12382 |
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