Finally bought a Best Friend muzzle, and Bebe still cheats!

[Bebe]

Hi

I've finally manged to get hold of a large (extra large in real terms) size Best Friend grazing muzzle, the deluxe version as bringing Bebe in during the day was just annoying her and making her fatter (I'm sure she gained weight!).

I had to get the largest size they do as horse size wasn't deep enough and barely came past her nostrils. The large size is arguably a tad too big, but on the smallest settings it seems to be okay. Bebe definitely isn't as upset by this as she was the Greenguard, although she still isn't exactly impressed with it.

Anyway, she can't get it off but has worked out that if she pushes the muzzle as far forwards up her face as possible, she doesn't have to eat through the inch hole in the bottom as she can get grass through the webbing squares at the side of the muzzle!!

Her grazing is still restricted (she was starving last night, came in and actually went for her hay which she hasn't touched in weeks) but not quite so much. Do you think it will still be worth using? I'd rather have very slow weight loss and a happy horse so I'm hoping that her new technique will still keep her weight down whilst keeping her happy.

Do I have the worlds most devious horse do you think? She can work out a way to get around just about anything it seems. :D

Amanda

[nat17]

Hi Amanda,

Bebe is very crafty, but i think it would still be an idea to use the muzzle. Even if it slows her down slightly its better than nothing.
How are her feet now? Is she sounder than she was before the vet came out?
I worry about min still with the laminitis but i feed her happy hoof now and its suposed to be very light and hopefully she wont get to fat being retired other wise i shall worry every year.
I would leave it on, dont tell bebe i said so, i will get horse poo on my doorstep!!!


;)

[Bebe]

Hi Nat

I am going to leave the muzzle on, it does seem to be working and I'd rather her be able to cheat a bit and be happy, but still getting less grass than have her not able to get any grass and be miserable. Must be doing something, she came in and practically attacked a small haynet last night, usually she won't touch hay at this time of year, she always has it in front of her when she comes in but she's ignored it for months.

Her feet aren't any worse, but don't think they're much better either. I've been putting Keratex on twice a week and that seems to have made a big difference to the hardness of her soles so I think she's more comfy from that, she is sounder than she was when the vet came but still not sound if you get what I mean! Farrier is due out this Thursday so will see what he says.

Minnie should be fine on the Happy Hoof, it's supposed to be really good stuff. I suppose having a retired horse isn't any easier than having one in work from a weight management point of view, still have the same worries but you're down one way of managing them. How does she seem at the minute? If she's anything like Bebe she's probably enjoying the life of riley!

Will keep quiet about the muzzle, Bebe's poo's are big and would take ages to clean off your doorstep :D

[nat17]

Minnie is doing very well, life of riley like you say. She is so happy about having a bucket again, she kind of took it personally that she was not getting anything.!! She has a handful or two of happy hoof twice a day with her meds in and licks it clean!!!In fact the bottom of the bucket is hot to the touch after she has finished!!!
I hope bebe continues to make some progress , no matter how small.
:D