Do you have an escape artist on your hands? We have created a list of some tricks to foil even the most experienced escape artists. Just remember that each houdini horse is unique. You may have to try one or more of these tips before finding the right combination for your horse.
For the corner escapists, the best solution is to add corner straps. These are sturdy, washable, and adjustable hook-and-loop straps that you can attach between the corners of the muzzle and the halter. You can also use natural twine (not plastic) as a DIY option.
Another aid to preventing escape is the special GG halter which has a strap down the center that keeps the noseband from getting pulled down. Before and after the GG halter photo below. The center strap keeps the horse from pulling the noseband down and escaping out the corner.
Tips for escaping or removing halter
A houdini showing off his escape artist skills
Try using the GG halter: Our halter has a unique throat latch design that sits further back and tighter behind the horse's jaw bone to keep the horse from pulling the halter off over the ears.
Use the braiding mane trick: Take a piece of your horse's mane just behind the ears and braid it. Then thread your halter crown through the braid so the piece of mane holds the crownpiece in place.
Try using a neck strap. The GG neck strap is an additional tool for keeping the horse from pulling the halter off. Place it behind the jaw in the narrowest part between the horse's head and neck (like a cribbing collar). Get it snug but not too tight that it's choking your horse. But snug enough that you can't pull it off over your horse's ears.
With all of these techniques, you will want to "test" how secure the halter is by trying to pull it off over the horse's ears. If you can pull it off, your houdini will probably be able get it off. It is better for you to test it first and re-adjust if necessary than to have your horse "test" it for you in the pasture.
Last but not least, ensure your horse is well-adjusted to the muzzle!
Horses that have used a grazing muzzle before actually have to re-learn how to use the GreenGuard muzzle because it functions differently. Whereas traditional muzzles have a hole in the middle, the GreenGuard has slots on the sides. If horses struggle to graze in the GreenGuard muzzle initially, they will be very motivated to remove it.
The good news is that once horses figure out how the GreenGuard muzzle works, most of them will stop trying to remove the muzzle. Indeed this is very good news for those of you who have one of these savvy escape artists. And, as always, if you still are having issues with your houdini horse after trying these tricks, then please contact us at support@gg-equine.com. We are happy to help you troubleshoot further!
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