Introduction to headshaking

Headshaking in horses is characterised by an uncontrollable, repetitive, vertical/horizontal head nodding, without any obvious external cause of stimuli.

Some horses rub their face and nostrils on their legs/fences and have a mild nasal discharge.

There is currently no cure for this syndrome, however certain management practices may help to reduce the suffering that accompanies horses that headshake.

Fitting instructions

The Shakeaze is designed to cover as much of the sensory nerves as possible to act as a ‘barrier’ against stimuli such as wind/dust/rain etc.

The Shakeaze guard is attached to the noseband via Velcro straps (similar to a nose net) and the straps can then be cut accordingly dependent on the width of your noseband.

For lighter work such as schooling and hacking, the Shakeaze should cover most of the horses face and muzzle from just below the facial crest to the the tip of the nostril.

Sizing:

Full

Length: 22.5cm

Width: 27cm

Pony

Length: 20cm

Width: 24.5cm

The Shakeaze muzzle guard

The Shakeaze muzzle guard was originally developed for headshaking which was triggered by wind.

Research has suggested that the behaviour is due to increased sensitivity in the trigeminal nerve which provides sensation to the upper face, nose and muzzle areas.

The Shakeaze is unique in the respect that it acts as a 'wind barrier', protecting the muzzle area from sensitivity caused by direct airflow.

Research by Professor Knottenbelt has also suggested airflow to be a potential trigger with horses demonstrating 'nostril clamping', in an attempt to close each nostril in turn as if trying to prevent the intake and movement of air and possible associated pain.

This research, again, is the basis of our design!

Purchase now for only £34.99.

Stockists include:

Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre. 01270 628888

To order please click on the 'order now' below. If you do not have PayPal, please message us through the contact section on this site. We will be able to offer alternative ways to pay.

** As idiopathic headshaking currently has no known cause, there is no specific treatment which will help in every case.

Nosenets and guards are typically suggested as the first management option for these horses as they are non invasive, and have been shown to have a greater sucess rate when compared to other products.

Although efficacy studies show great results for a significant proportion of horses, the Shakeaze guard is not guaranteed to work in 100% of cases.

The Trigeminal nerve

Horses that suffer from idiopathic headshaking have been shown to have an overall hypersensitvity of the Trigeminal nerve when compared to normal horses. This image shows how this nerve branches out to offer sensation over the face and muzzle.

The Shakeaze is designed to act as a 'barrier' against certain stimuli such as wind/rain/dust etc., to protect these hypersensitive sensory nerves and thus reducing the liklehood of them firing so easily.

Wind Sensitive Extreme Shakeaze guard with THICK mesh insert

For work at gentler paces we have introduced the Shakeaze guard with a thicker windbreaker mesh insert. Suited better towards the more severe headshaker.

Availible in black mesh.

Non BD Approved

Shakeaze guard with mesh insert

For work at faster paces we have introduced the Shakeaze guard with a windbreaker mesh insert.

Availible in white/black mesh.

BD Approved

Shakeaze muzzle guard

Order now

Shakeaze guard mesh insert design: £34.99
BD Approved

Size

Suitable for riding!

The Shakeaze muzzle guard easily attached to the noseband of a cavesson bridle via four velcro straps. Due to its foam based material, it does not flap like the nose nets.

Suitable for turnout!

Because of its soft, yet durable fabric, the Shakeaze can be used outdoors and has the benefit of not holding any water so it will not be uncomfortable/heavy on your horses face when it gets wet!

Please note that headshakers like to rub their faces, therefore Shakeaze can not take any responsibility for horses damaging the guards when left unsupervised.

Available in horse/pony sizes!

Please select from the dropdown menu the prefered size.

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