Introducing Slow Feed Hay Nets to HorsesUpdated 22 minutes ago
Slow feed hay nets are a simple and effective way to extend feeding time, reduce hay waste, and support more natural eating behaviour. If your horse is new to slow feeding, a gradual introduction is key to long-term success. Every horse is different, and while many adapt quickly, some may need time to adjust to the new feeding method.
Why Introduce Slow Feed Hay Nets Gradually?
Slow feed hay nets change how a horse accesses hay. Instead of eating freely from the ground or a feeder, horses must learn to take smaller amounts at a time. A gradual introduction helps:
- Reduce frustration
- Prevent behavioural issues
- Encourage correct use of the hay net
- Extend the life of the hay net
Step-by-Step: Introducing a Slow Feed Hay Net
1. Start During a Calm Feeding Time
ALWAYS introduce a hay net with an alternative food source available. When first introducing a hay net, your horse should be able to move freely between the hay net and loose hay or their usual feeding method.
ALWAYS supervise the first few feeds so you can observe how your horse interacts with the hay net and make any small adjustments needed to setup or placement.
NEVER introduce your hay net to a hungry horse without offering some loose hay beforehand. Let your horse wander over and explore the new hay net on his own. This encourages curiosity instead of a ravenous or destructive behaviour.
Place tasty, palatable hay inside the hay net so your horse will be motivated to try eating through it. If you start with bland or low-palatability hay, your horse may lose interest, especially with nets that have smaller openings (around 3cm / 1 ¼” mesh or smaller).
Introduce the hay net when your horse is relaxed and not overly hungry. A calm feeding period helps reduce frustration and allows the horse to focus on learning how to use the hay net, rather than rushing or becoming agitated. Avoid introducing a hay net during peak feeding times, or after long periods without food, or in situations where horses are competing for access to hay. Competition or hunger can increase anxiety and may lead to pulling, biting, or aggressive behaviour toward the net.
2. Choose the Right Hole Size
Hole size plays a major role in how easily a horse adapts, we recommend a 40mm / 1 ¾” Hole Size (Moderate) this is our most popular option and an ideal place to start if you’re new to slow feeding or unsure which size to choose. If you need more help on the hole size please read our article HERE.
Beginning a horse’s slow-feeding journey with a hay net that has holes that are too small can be overwhelming for some horses. This may cause them to give up entirely or become so frustrated that they start damaging the net.
Regardless of the hay net size you choose, starting with palatable (yummy) hay is key when introducing a hay net for the first time. This is especially important when using smaller hole sizes.
Allow Time for Adjustment
Some horses adapt immediately, while others may take several feeds to become comfortable.
Signs your horse is adjusting well:
- Calm, steady eating
- No excessive pawing, pulling, or biting at the net
- Normal feeding behaviour
Signs your horse may need more time:
- Tugging or biting the net
- Walking away repeatedly
- Visible frustration
If this occurs don't give up! Pause, reassess the setup and hole size, and reintroduce gradually.
Placement & Setup Matters
Correct placement can make a significant difference. Using a location your horse is already comfortable feeding in can help reduce stress and encourage calm, confident use of the hay net from the start.
Introducing Slow Feed Nets to Multiple Horses
If horses are sharing hay nets:
- Monitor interactions closely, particularly if two or more horses are sharing a single smaller hay net (Extra Small through Large). This setup is generally not recommended, as a dominant horse may bully others, leading to increased stress.
- While some horses do eat calmly together from one net, this behaviour should always be carefully observed.
- When using round bales with multiple horses, continue to monitor interactions and ensure there is ample space for subordinate horses to move away from dominant individuals.
- Watch for signs of aggression from any horse toward its herd mates, and adjust management practices as needed to support a safe, low-stress environment.
Preventing Damage During the Transition Period
Early damage can sometimes be linked to frustration during the learning phase, it’s important to:
- Supervise the use
- Repair any small holes immediately or remove the net from use if damage appears until it can be repaired
- Prompt repairs help prevent horses from learning to pull or enlarge weak points in the net.
Material Matters: Knotted vs Knotless
Some horses suit different materials better unfortunately, there is no way to work out which material suits your horses best, other than trying them. What we have found in the past, a customer tries a Knotted net and the horses refuses to eat from it, then we advise them to try Knotless and that usually fixes the issue. The same does happen vice versa as well. There is no recipe to work out what suits individual horses unfortunately, other than trying them.
If you experience ongoing issues, switching materials can often resolve them. Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to predict which material will suit an individual horse without trial.
Need Help?
We always want our customers to be happy with their purchase and encourage feedback. If you’re unsure about hole size, setup, or whether slow feeding is right for your horse, please contact us.
If your horse is refusing to use the hay net or showing signs of frustration, you may also find this article helpful - Troubleshooting – What If My Horse Refuses to Use the Hay Net?