December 2011 - Hockey nets for horse hay

In an effort to reduce hay waste and test out the benefits of slow feeder the barn owner was investigating the round bale hay nets.  They were pretty pricey for something with an uncertain value so for about half the price (or less) we got some hockey nets and made up some giant net "bags" to put on the round bales of hay.    We ended up with nets from Canadian Tire ($25), Pro Hockey Life ($35), and Walmart ($20).  We'll see how long they last.

Rory munching on his hockey netted hay

The horses all had an initial reaction of "what is that THING you dumped in my hay feeder?" but very quickly figured it out.  I watched them eat and the action mimics that of grazing  more than just eating a pile of hay does.  They can only tease out a few stalks at a time through the small holes, but seem to be quite happy doing it.  They still try to eat the middle of the bale first, but the net stops those so inclined from eating a head sized hole and burying their heads deep in the bales.  They ended up eating a large shallow bowl shape in order to get the middle of the bale out first.