Why do the holes in my hay net look stretched, and why is my horse eating faster?Updated 2 hours ago
If you’ve noticed the holes in your hay net look longer in one direction than the other, or your horse seems to be getting through their hay faster than when the net was new, don’t worry. Both are completely normal and both have simple explanations.
The holes look long and skinny
What you’re seeing is just a crinkle in the netting. When a net hangs full of hay, the mesh gets pulled straight in one direction (usually top to bottom), while the other direction keeps a slight “wave” in it, that makes the holes look longer and narrower than they really are.
The hole size itself hasn’t changed, if you laid the net flat on the ground and pulled it evenly in all four directions, the squares would sit back to their proper shape.
You can try washing the net on a gentle cycle in the washing machine to help relax and straighten the mesh. Honestly though, your horse’s mouth tends to take care of this all on its own with use, so it usually isn’t an issue.
My horse is eating faster than when I first got the net
This one is simple too! Your horse has learned to work the holes more quickly and efficiently. It’s a completely natural thing: the more a horse eats from a slow feeder, the more expert they become at it.
So even if you’re weighing out the same amount of hay as before, it’s normal for the net to empty a little faster over time.
Should I go down a hole size?
If you’re no longer happy with how quickly your horse is getting through their hay, moving down a size: for example, from 3cm (1 1/4") to 2cm (¾") is the next step.
The right hole size isn’t fixed for life. It depends on:
- How your horse eats: a gutsy eater versus a steady, methodical one
- Hay type: for example, lucerne/alfalfa versus pasture hay
- Texture: stalky versus soft hay
- Palatability: how tasty (or not so tasty) your horse finds the hay
Because all of these change from season to season and batch to batch, it pays to be willing to switch hole sizes as needed.
No hole size is ever a wasted purchase
Even if your current net feels too big right now, hang on to it. There will always be another season where your hay is more or less palatable, and that net will come back into use.
Want to learn more?
Still not sure which size is right for your horse? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you work it out.