‘This is the best grazing muzzle I’ve tried – I wish I’d had one years ago’

I’ve been putting the new LeMieux Noma Grazing Muzzle to the test. In short, I would say this muzzle is the best grazing muzzle I’ve tried, but I’ve detailed my thoughts below and included some pictures and videos so that you can see it in action.

First impressions

This muzzle is different to all the other grazing muzzles on the market – it’s flexible, lightweight and has a soft feel.

It can be attached to any headcollar, which is great because you’re more likely to keep it on than you are a single-strap muzzle. It also means don’t have to purchase an additional headcollar, which helps to keep the cost down. I’d recommend using one of the best field-safe headcollars, and I tried it with the LeMieux Breakaway Headcollar.

My first impressions were really positive – finding a grazing muzzle that works for your horse can be really tricky and giving them all a try is an expensive hobby, but this looked like it was going to solve some of the problems I’d had previously.

My test subjects

I tried the muzzle on my pony, a 13.3hh Norwegian Fjord, who has worn a muzzle before but not recently. I’ve tried a selection in the past and had most success with the Shires Green Guard muzzle, but it did rub him on his chin and after storing the muzzle in a box with other kit over the winter, it had become squashed and misshapen, which caused it to rub even more.

Test subject 1: Utah, a 13.3hh Norwegian Fjord gelding

I also tested it on a 13.2hh Welsh section C who wears a muzzle every day, but prior to testing this one had three different styles on rotation to get around problems with rubbing. She has been wearing this muzzle regularly for the last few months.

Test subject 2: Moo, a 13.2hh Welsh section C mare

With different head shapes, I expected the muzzle to fit the Fjord slightly better, but I knew the section C would give it her best shot at removal, which would be an important part of the test.

How well the LeMieux Noma Grazing Muzzle worked

The main things to consider with a grazing muzzle are:

1. Does it stay on or is it easy for your horse to remove?
2. Does it reduce intake while allowing your horse to graze, drink and breathe comfortably?
3. Does it rub?

Did the ponies keep the muzzle on?

Neither pony managed to remove the muzzle in the time that they wore it. Being attached to a regular headcollar meant it could be fitted securely, and the nylon pips (which attach the muzzle to the headcollar) were strong enough to hold it on during rolling and rubbing, but are designed to ping off if your horse was caught.

Neither of the ponies showed signs of discomfort while wearing the muzzle.

Examples of unsuccessful removal attempts: 

Attempting to remove the muzzle by rubbing against her leg.

Attempting to remove the muzzle by rubbing against a stable wall.

Could the ponies graze easily?

I’ve videoed the Fjord’s first attempt at grazing with the muzzle on, which is the first time he’s worn a muzzle in four or five years, and you can see he had no problem eating.

The section C also had no troubles, and I’ve videoed her eating hay from the ground. You can see she is able to eat hay via the hexagonal holes in addition to the small grazing hole, but I’ve mentioned more about this in the fit section.

It definitely reduces the intake – unfortunately I can’t say by exactly how much, but studies suggest muzzles in general reduce intake by around 80% – and it seemed to be an instrumental part of the section C successfully losing weight.

The grazing hole is just over 3.5cm wide, and the pentagonal and hexagonal breathing holes are 4–5cm at their widest points. Aside from the main grazing hole, the other sections below the mouth are covered.

Does it rub?

Neither pony suffered rubbing while wearing this muzzle. I’ve tried a few types of muzzle and this is the first time I’ve managed to use one without a single rub.

Prior to using this muzzle, the section C had three on rotation due to all rubbing different areas.

This is the first muzzle that has not resulted in a single rub on the mare.

It has a fleecy tab on the attachment that sits over the nose to prevent rubbing in this area. The muzzle itself is made of soft and flexible rubber, which reduced the chance of rubbing.

A fleecy tab on the nose reduces pressure and rubbing.

Fit and sizing

Unfortunately, the Noma is only available in pony and cob sizes currently – I really hope LeMieux will introduce more sizes in the future.

I used a cob-sized muzzle on both the ponies. The Welsh section C may have fitted a pony size better as she was able to graze via the breathing holes on occasion, but the extra space seemed to keep her more comfortable and her intake was still reduced, so it remained a good option for us.

Care and durability

The muzzle is easy to clean – I just rinsed it under the hose and rubbed any dirt away with my fingers.

It has lasted well. It’s only been worn for a few months so far, but I spent a lot of time in the beginning adjusting the fit (undoing and doing up the tabs) and we’ve had no breakages.

Verdict

With an RRP of £39.95, I think this muzzle is a great value buy. It did job and keeps your horse comfortable, so it ticks all the boxes for me. I wish I’d had it years ago when the Fjord needed to wear one every day.

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You might also enjoy reading: 

Best grazing muzzle options to help reduce your horse’s daily intake

7 of the best field-safe headcollars designed to prevent injury

10 tips to help you take control of your horse’s weight

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