What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?

AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses.

Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link.

Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the time spent wearing the muzzle did not influence the horse’s willingness to accept it and did not increase behaviors associated with frustration.

Research has estimated that wearing a grazing muzzle reduces intake by about 30-80% depending on the length of pasture and how many hours a grazing muzzle is worn.”