Care accessories: supporting horses in sensitive situations

Care accessories are specific equipment used to prevent certain disorders, limit problematic behaviors, or support horses in particular situations, in addition to daily observation and veterinary follow-up. They are part of a reasoned and punctual management approach, aiming to preserve the horse's comfort and well-being without replacing medical care when necessary. The main accessories concerned are cribbing collars and care muzzles, also known as anti-colic muzzles, feeding prevention muzzles, diet muzzles, or anti-ingestion muzzles.

Cribbing collars: limiting behavioral tics

Cribbing collars are designed to help limit certain behavioral tics, particularly crib-biting and wind-sucking. They are in no way intended to combat ticks (parasites). The cribbing collar acts by:
• limiting excessive neck extension,
• reducing the possibility of bracing,
• curbing the expression of the tic without completely blocking movements.

It can be used in the stall and in the stable, in targeted contexts, depending on the horse's behavior. Its use must always be appropriate, correctly adjusted, and integrated into a global approach to well-being.

Care muzzle: preventing eating while allowing drinking

The care muzzle is unique equipment, which can have different names depending on the use or context: care muzzle, anti-colic muzzle, diet muzzle... It is a muzzle that allows the horse to drink but not to eat.

What is the purpose of the care muzzle?

It is designed to:
• prevent the ingestion of food (hay, grass, straw, bedding),
• allow the horse to drink freely,
• maintain normal breathing and a certain level of comfort.

It is used particularly:
• in the management or prevention of colic, on professional advice,
• during strict dietary restrictions,
• as part of fasting in preparation for medical examinations.

It is completely different from a grazing muzzle, which aims to limit grass intake and not to block all feeding.

Supervised and temporary use

Care accessories require precise adjustment, regular monitoring, and reasoned, time-limited use. They do not replace:
• a veterinary diagnosis,
• adaptation of living conditions,
• comprehensive care of the horse.

They are a complementary tool, to be used judiciously and in the horse's best interest.

Adapting the accessory to the horse and the situation

Every horse is unique. Its behavior, health status, environment, and history influence the use of care accessories. Well-chosen equipment allows for:
• better management of sensitive situations,
• preserved comfort,
• more targeted prevention,
• respectful support of the horse.