Unlike the typical bucket-style grazing muzzles, the ThinLine Flexible Filly Grazing Muzzle has been developed with horse owner feedback and so features in our guide to the best grazing muzzles.
It is designed to help slow down speedy eaters, limiting grazing, and can also be used to help curb minor cribbing problems. It’s made of a durable and pliable mould-resistant material that is soft on the teeth and lips, is UV resistant and an adjustable grazing hole size.
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My first impressions of the Thinline Flexible Filly
With my past unsuccessful experiences of traditional grazing muzzles, I was looking forward to testing this one with its unique design and materials. I had expected a more rigid plastic construction, but as it’s name suggests it is actually quite flexible.
It has eight attachment points that are connected to the headcollar with cable ties – I found the initial fitting fiddly to begin with, but the fit is very important to prevent your horse eating out the side. Once it’s fitted to a field-safe headcollar, however, that’s it ready to go.
This is the only muzzle my horse has not walked away from when I’ve gone to put it on.
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Test Horse
This muzzle was tested on Sekonda – a 17.2hh Irish Draught with a chunky head – and he wears an extra-full size headcollar. Sekonda has worn a muzzle previously, but due to it rubbing under his chin we had to stop. While testing this muzzle, he has been wearing it everyday for 8–10 hours.
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Fit
I tried the Thinline Flexible Filly grazing muzzle in a large size with a 3.5cm grazing hole. Unfortunately the ThinLine Flexible Field Safe headcollar, which is recommended to be paired with this muzzle due to the strategically placed keepers for easy attachment, was too small, so I paired the muzzle with a leather headcollar instead.
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The initial fitting was fiddly – the muzzle comes with a set a paper ties so you can temporally get the correct fit before attaching the plastic cable ties. I would suggest having a few spare plastic ones at the stables incase replacements are needed. Overall, I am happy with the fit and like how you can see the horse eating clearly when they’re wearing it.
I have noticed Sekonda is not fussing when I go to put this grazing muzzle on as he has previously been with others, which suggests to me that he’s happy and comfortable when wearing it. He drinks from the trough as normal and it enables him to live out with his herd.
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Performance
Using the muzzle since last year regularly along with consistent exercise I have managed to keep the weight off Sekonda. The open sides prevent the build up of dirt in the bottom, which I have struggled with in the past.
He has a pale-skinned nose but he did not suffer from sunburn when using the muzzle in combination with one of the best suncreams for horses. He has been trying to rub it on his front legs, but it hasn’t come off.
What really stands out for me is the comfort. After regular wear, there have been no signs of rubbing, which we have struggled with when using the bucket style all-in-one muzzles.
The durability has also been good. Despite daily use last summer, it’s showing minimal signs of wear. It’s easy to clean but it’s worth knowing that the material doesn’t stay clear.
It states its machine washable in a net bag on cold wash with detergent and a teaspoon of bleach. I have not done this as I would need to remove it from the leather headcollar and then refit all the cable ties after. I have just been washing it off as and when needed.
Overall I’d highly recommend the Thinline grazing muzzle, especially if you are struggling to find a good fit without any rubbing.
Verdict
*H&H Approved* – This reliable, well-designed muzzle has improved my horse’s quality of life. By enabling him to wear it comfortably and regularly, he can happily remain in the field with his herd while his weight is effectively managed. It’s the only one I’ve found big enough to fit my horse’s large head, while offering plenty of ventilation. It’s really worth the initial investment.
Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
