FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick reference

GreenGuard Basics

 

General Grazing Muzzle Questions

 

 

GreenGuard Basics

How do I decide on the right size?

GreenGuard muzzles are sized by bit size, not head or bridle size. Muzzle sizing is determined solely by the width of the mouth. If your horse is between sizes, we recommend getting the larger size. This video shows you how to measure bit size.

These muzzles are designed to fit larger than traditional muzzles. This is to allow enough space for their mouth, nose, and chin to have full range of motion inside the muzzle basket without rubbing. See our Muzzle Sizing page for precise measurements and sizing information. 

How do I assemble and use GG Equine products?

Check out our video tutorial page; an ever-growing clearinghouse for all of our how-to guides and step-by-step videos. This includes The Complete GG Equine Set-Up Guide, which walks you through the entire process of attaching straps to muzzles, muzzles to halters, etc. You will also find a relevant video on every product page. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest tips, hacks, and how-to videos. 

What makes GreenGuard different than other grazing muzzles?

GreenGuard Grazing Muzzles have a unique, patented lightweight design that offers more airflow and much more breathing room than a traditional muzzle, while still restricting grass intake. The secret? The muzzle center is blocked, so horses have to work to get grass from the side slots. In this way, the GreenGuard is like a wearable slow-feeder. The other advantage to having multiple openings? The muzzle wears more slowly and lasts longer since wear is not focused in one place.

What's with the square shape? Why so many holes?

The simple answer is "breatheability." The muzzle's square shape and lower corners allow horses to breathe freely and without obstructions. The sturdy material keeps the sides of the muzzle from folding in on the horse's nose like canvas muzzles. Read more about the unique design here.

As for all the holes, it may be surprising, but the GreenGuard Grazing Muzzle reduces grass intake as much as a muzzle with a single hole. When the muzzle is fitted correctly, horses forage through the bottom holes only. The rest of the holes are designed to maximize airflow. A pony would really have to work or contort to get grass from the side slots. Read more about how it limits grass intake here.

Will the muzzle rub? 

As long as the muzzle is sized and fitted correctly, it should not rub. The material it is made of does not retain moisture, which is a primary cause of rubbing in other muzzle brands.

Of course, the issue with a one-size-fits-most product is that "most" is not "all." We recognize that some horses have pointier chins or between-size mouths. We have a number of tips and strategies you can try. We also offer "Pony Protector" muzzle stickers which place a smooth barrier between noses, chins, and muzzles.

If you are encountering rubbing or chafing issues, feel free to reach out to our customer service email. Please include a couple of photos of how your muzzle and halter are fitted to your horse, with at least one directly from the side with the animal's head up. 

This is our most comprehensive tutorial video on how to deal with and prevent muzzle rubs:

My horse is a houdini; can he escape this muzzle?

The GreenGuard muzzle's comfort and breathability tends to turn Houdinis and other escape artists into muzzle acceptors. Once horses feel comfortable in their tack and associate the muzzle with pasture time, many begin offering their heads freely each morning. It can take some trial and error, as well as time and patience, but we are happy to assist customers with fitting and troubleshooting, especially for houdinis.

Does the GreenGuard get hot, retain heat, or smell plasticky in the summer?

The GreenGuard muzzle is not only dishwasher-safe, but can even be sterilized in an autoclave without sustaining any damage or warping. It is very heat tolerant.

Like most materials, prolonged and static exposure to direct sunlight will cause the muzzle to warm. However, we have never had an issue where a muzzle got so hot that it affected a horse. Because of the increased breathing room, airflow, and waterproof material, along with a horse's constant movement while grazing, the GreenGuard muzzle actually stays much cooler than a traditional muzzle in the summer.

As for smell, the muzzle is made of a high-quality, non-toxic, food-grade polyresin and is manufactured in Europe. It is food-safe and has a completely neutral scent. 

Why is it more expensive?

GreenGuard muzzles are manufactured in a high-tech molding process, made from quality food-grade polyresin, and imported from Europe. All of these factors affect cost.

We can honestly say that this muzzle is hands down the best product we have ever come across in terms of improving a horse's quality of life. Considering the amount of time they spend wearing the muzzle, and how much time it gives them in pasture with herdmates, and how durable it is, it is well worth the cost.

Where aggressive grazers can tear through or destroy 2-3 traditional nylon, canvas, and rubber muzzles every season, we have customers who have used a single muzzle anywhere from 3 to 6 full seasons. You can pay less for several muzzles, or a little bit more for one that's going to last.

GG Equine offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a full 1-year warranty on the muzzle because we are so confident in its quality and durability. Try to find another muzzle that offers this kind of guarantee!

Are GG Equine products breakaway?

GG Equine believes in safe, breakaway equipment. Our genuine-leather straps are always breakaway.

The leather crownpiece is an essential part of the GG Equine Premium Breakaway Halter. Made with real leather and lined underneath with felted wool, the crownpiece is designed to break away in the event your horse, pony, or donkey gets caught on something. 

Will a GreenGuard muzzle fit in my automatic waterer?

It depends on the make/model of the automatic waterer. Make sure to consult our waterer guide and quick-reference table. Waterer models are always changing, so if you have any doubts, send the interior measurements of your horse's automatic waterer to our customer service email to double-check.

Can I use it for other purposes like cribbing or reducing hay intake?

Some customers have used our muzzle for alternative purposes such as cribbing and reducing hay intake. When used for cribbing, horses do have a harder time getting a good grip because the muzzle has a flat bottom surface. However, it will depend on the horse as to how persistent they are - some horses will still figure out a way to crib.

The muzzle has also been used by some customers for slowing hay intake. However, it can be difficult for horses to get any hay through the muzzle. Hay does not tend to stick straight up like grass, but lays flat on the ground which makes it difficult for the horse to get anything through the slots. Using the muzzle for this purpose might make more sense if you wanted the horse to spend some time not eating hay, for example if the horse is out in the pasture with other horses. For hay consumption in the stall, it would be better to use a slow-feeder hay net.

***Please note that we do not guarantee the muzzle for anything other than its use for grazing and that use for any other purpose will void the warranty.***

Do you make a draft size?

Currently the largest size we have is our "horse" size. It is quite generous and does fit some draft horses (usually draft crosses rather than full draft). You can check out the dimensions on our Muzzle Sizing page and measure your horse to see if it might fit. If and when the manufacturer decides to make a larger size to accommodate the biggest horses, we will be the first to shout it from the rooftops. 

What is your return policy?

Is your horse having trouble adapting to the new muzzle? We have a video tutorial for helping stubborn horses learn how to eat through the GreenGuard muzzle. Our customer service is also happy to work with you to acclimate your horse to the muzzle. 

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. You can return any of your items ordered from us within 30 days of the date of shipment for a full refund, even if you have used the items on your horse.

This means you can take the muzzle (and halter too!) for a test drive and if it doesn't work out then no worries; reach out to us and send it back for a refund. You have nothing to lose by giving the muzzle a try, but a lot to gain in terms of your horse's health, comfort, and happiness!

 

General Grazing Muzzle Questions

Why do horses need grazing muzzles?

Founder is the 2nd largest killer in horses and the most common cause of chronic lameness. Overweight and obese horses, “easy keepers,” and those with a history of laminitis are at higher risk. Laminitis can develop in normal-weight horses of any breed and age.

An estimated 10-25% of all horses have insulin resistance/pre-laminitic metabolic syndrome (See R. Morgan, J. Keen, & C. McGowan, C. "Equine metabolic syndrome." JBVA 177.7, pp173–179, 2015).

No horse is immune. In fact, the famous racehorse Secretariat died of complications from laminitis. A grazing muzzle helps manage grass intake to allow at-risk horses the opportunity for turnout instead of being confined to a stall.

Will this wear down my horse's teeth?

According to the UK's National Equine Welfare Council's grazing muzzle leaflet, incisor wear is a "potential risk" with any grazing muzzle. All grazing muzzles pose some risk for teeth wear due to the fact that the horse's teeth may rub against the surface of the muzzle.

Some tooth wear may occur if your muzzle is angled incorrectly. We have a video tutorial showing you how to get the best angle. 

We also made this video to share everything we know at present about grazing muzzles and tooth wear.

To reduce this risk, and keep your horse's teeth in their best condition, wash grazing muzzles regularly to remove dirt and sand; these are abrasive and can act like sandpaper on the teeth. Check your horse's front teeth weekly while he is wearing a grazing muzzle and if there are any signs of abnormal wear, discontinue use. Finally, make sure your equine dentist or health provider is checking your horse's teeth on a regular basis.

How long does it take a horse to adjust to wearing the grazing muzzle?

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days depending on the horse. All horses will eventually figure it out. We have some tips for horses who are frustrated or sulky. Once horses figure out how to graze in the GreenGuard muzzle, then they are typically very accepting of it. If you can introduce your horse to the muzzle gradually, their chances of flourishing in the pasture are only increased. Here are some of the best ways to introduce the GreenGuard Grazing Muzzle to your horse. 

How do I transition my horse into or out of their grazing muzzle? 

Putting on a grazing muzzle changes the way a horse grazes and interacts with the world. Like any dietary or life change, it should be managed carefully. Ideally, you want to get them used to wearing it a little at a time at the start of each Spring. It is also ideal to taper their use at the end of grazing muzzle season.

The same applies if your horse has never worn a muzzle before, or if you've got a new horse who was on poor pasture and moving to a very rich one, or if you're all moving from one climate to a significantly different one. 

We have a brief guide to transitioning your horse into or out of their grazing muzzle. 

Other questions? Just contact us. We are happy to help!

We think you will find our customer service second to none. We are 100% committed to improving horses' quality of life and comfort.