How to safely secure your horse’s hay net
Hay nets can be one of the best ways to provide a slow feeder system for your horse. They are inexpensive, come in loads of colors, and even different styles. If you are using a slow feeder system, you will likely want to hang more than one flake at a time. Some hay nets can hold a day’s worth of hay.
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Get this “tail” out of the way. You can use slip knots to secure it to itself and shrink it up in the process.
You can also use a carabiner to hold all of the “tail” out of the way. Some horses may like to play with carabiners, which could end up with a wounded nose.
Be mindful of:
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Height – make sure no legs and hooves can get stuck, but low enough that your horse is not twisting his neck around to reach the net.
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Style – I prefer the small opening hay nets, these allow for slower eating. The larger openings can also accommodate a hoof and leg, which is a problem if you have the hay net on the ground. Smaller openings can still accommodate the tip of a horseshoe, so be sensible.
Smaller openings
Larger opening – legs are likely to get stuck if the net is not high enough
Keep the extra tail of the hay net out of the way.
- If your hay net hangs from the rafters, no worries. If your hay net is hanging in the trailer, make sure the tail is tied onto itself all the way.
- For hay nets secured in a tub, the tail must be tied onto itself all the way. The tub must also be tall enough that your horse won’t be able to get a leg in and get stuck on the net.
- For hay nets on the ground, find a way to secure the net closed (like a carabiner) so you can remove the tail totally. Also, be sure all horses eating from a hay net on the ground are barefoot.
This net is secured to a bin for outside feeding. The bin and the net are secured to the fence post so that no horse can tip it over and get tangled.
How do you secure your horse’s hay net?
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Other sizes available, too!
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