The hay net is a small but very useful tool in horse feeding. They come in different designs … close-meshed and wide-meshed (from 3 to 7 cm); small size; round standard nets with and without filling aid, angular large area – hay nets or hay racks – hay nets; made of different materials and in all possible colors. Which one you use depends entirely on the use, the housing conditions and your horse itself.

A hay net can be used in many ways … whether in the box, in the open stable or in the trailer …

It is only important that it is attached and fastened correctly so that the horse cannot injure itself. In any case, a hay net has many advantages for horse feeding. In the following list, we would like to explain what these are and whether there are also disadvantages.

Benefits

With a close-meshed hay net, the feeding time is about twice as long and the horses are therefore occupied longer than loose hay.

Especially with horses that have to stay in the box all day due to illness, boredom is very easy. Then it is very beneficial if you are busy eating hay for a long time and do not get stupid thoughts.

Another advantage is that the hay is not distributed in the box, possibly fattened on it and then no longer eaten. A hay net not only saves work by collecting the hay from the litter, but also money.

You can take a hay net filled with hay with you wherever you go and offer your horse hay at any time. Especially in the trailer this is a good thing to keep the horse busy and distracted with something positive. Because chewing relaxes the horses.

In the case of hay nets with a filling aid, such as the Easyfill or with an extra hay net filler, filling the hay net is also quick and easy. With a little practice, you won’t need any more time than you did before.

When the hay needs to be watered, a hay net is very helpful. The allergy-causing dust can be washed out by immersing the filled hay net. The hay net should be immersed in a large, water-filled tub until no more bubbles come up. Then the hay in the net is properly watered and washed.

In winter, an oversized hay net (e.g. 3x1m or 5x1m) can be stretched between 2 posts. This will drive away boredom on the winter paddock. Refilled in the morning, the horses keep it busy all day long, they don’t get stupid thoughts and have hay to nibble on all day long.

Disadvantage

Not with all horses you can hang the hay net at the height at which the horse has to lower its head (20 to 30 centimeters above the standing surface), which corresponds to the natural feeding posture, but must be attached higher up. Then the horses have to lift their head while eating, which is rather unfavorable from a physiological point of view.

The hay net should not hang too low, especially on horses with iron, as there is a risk that they will get caught. Especially with impatient horses, for whom the plucking of the stalks is not fast enough and then scratches with their hooves, you have to be very careful. The mesh of the hay net should not be larger than 6 cm for a large horse in order to avoid getting stuck.

Check the hay net regularly for holes, which could also be a source of danger. 

Please contact with us if any questions, our sales team will always be happy to provide you with the most professional info.