Horses are made to graze for many hours a day, eating small amounts almost constantly. Stabled horses and horses on restricted pasture often get their hay in a few big meals, finish it quickly and then stand around with nothing to eat. A slow feed hay net is one of the simplest ways to bring their eating habits closer to natural grazing.
What is a slow feed hay net?
It's a hay net with smaller holes than a standard net. Your horse has to pull hay out a little at a time, so the same amount of hay lasts longer. Our Slow Feed Hay Net has holes of about 5 cm, is around 100 cm long and weighs only 230 g.
The benefits
- Hay lasts longer. Fewer long gaps without anything to chew, which is closer to how horses naturally eat.
- Less waste. Hay stays in the net instead of being trampled, soiled or blown away.
- Helps with weight management. For easy keepers, slowing intake can make a restricted ration feel like more.
- Less boredom. Pulling hay from a net keeps horses busy in the stable or yard.
- Handy for travel. A light net is easy to hang in a float or truck.
How to introduce it
Some horses get frustrated at first. For the first few days, offer the slow feed net alongside a little loose hay, or fill a standard net and the slow feeder together, so your horse learns that the hay is still there. Most horses work it out quickly.
How to hang a hay net safely
- Hang it high enough. An empty net sags. Tie it so that even when empty, the bottom stays well above hoof height, especially for shod horses.
- Use a quick-release knot or a tie that can be undone quickly in an emergency.
- Tie to something solid, like a strong ring or post, never to something that can move or break.
- Check it regularly for broken strands and replace it if it's worn.
Choosing the right net
Hole size matters: smaller holes slow eating more, while very small holes can frustrate some horses. Around 5 cm suits most horses and ponies. Our net comes with or without a small ring for tying, in black or blue, and also suits alpacas.
A good routine
Weigh the hay you put in the net so you know exactly how much your horse eats, and spread it over several nets during the day if your horse is stabled for long periods. Always make sure fresh water is available.
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This guide is general information. For a feeding plan for your horse, talk to your vet or an equine nutritionist.