A grazing muzzle is a very useful tool for easy keepers because it helps significantly reduce pasture intake by as much as 80%. | Photo: iStock

Q. I have a pony that is turned out daily but needs restricted access to grazing. On the advice of my vet, I purchased a grazing muzzle. The problem is he keeps taking it off. Do you have any suggestions for how I can keep it on him? If I can’t figure it out, I won’t be able to turn him out, which would be unfortunate, as the extra movement helps manage his weight.

A. The balance of allowing easy keepers access to turnout so they can move and burn calories with the need to restrict pasture access and extra calorie consumption is a common challenge. Your veterinarian is correct that a grazing muzzle is a very useful tool, because it helps significantly reduce pasture intake by as much as 80%.

Obviously, if the muzzle doesn’t stay on your pony, its possible benefits are irrelevant. While some ponies are just not good candidates for grazing muzzles, with a little diligence and experimentation, you can successfully keep most Houdinis muzzled. A selection of different grazing muzzle styles are available,  and you might find one is less irritating to your pony than others. A muzzle that doesn’t fit well, rubs, or is otherwise irritating will motivate a horse to remove it