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Hay Net Basics
Hay nets should be hung low enough to the ground that your horse feeds with their neck angled downward from their withers. This keeps the horse’s neck in a natural eating position and reduces any potential stress on their neck and back. Very important: Keep the bottom of the hay net minimum 6” off the ground. You do not want your horse stepping on the net.
Hay Net Materials: polyester, polypropylene (PPE), nylon. In general, polyester absorbs less water and stays softer than nylon (less ‘crunchy’ with use).
Net Structure: knotless or knotted The choice is primarily a personal preference.
knotless net
knotted net
Hay Net Mesh (Hole Size):
Perhaps the more important choice is the size of holes in the hay net. Bigger holes equal faster eating; smaller holes, slower eating. Not all horses will tolerate the smallest hole (1”). If you’re unsure of which hole size to choose, try a 1.5” hole net (sometimes offered as 1.75”). Most horses adapt well to this size and do not stress about accessing food. Some nets are as large as 4” holes. These nets are primarily designed to keep hay off the ground rather than slowing feeding down.
Hay Net Best Practices
Keep an empty hay net minimum 6” off the ground (adjust net length or placement of feeder to reach this minimum)
Head angle: Position nets so that the horse’s neck is in a downward angle from the withers
Not recommended for shod horses