Haynets

Where is it suitable to use haynets?

Horses are continuous grazers that should consume small amounts of hay regularly throughout the day. Since it is organisationally impossible in most yards to provide the horse with a small portion of hay every few hours, haynets can reduce the feeding speed. Haynets extend feeding times without increasing the amount of feed. According to studies, horses nibble at a kilogram of hay in the net 86 minutes, which is twice as much as with a kilogram of loose hay. Therefore, feeding from a haynet is well-suited for night feeding, for example, as the breaks before morning feeding are shorter.
Haynet feeding has also proven effective for horses in the field, in group-housing, and turnout pens, where one does not want to throw the hay loosely on the ground. This way, fresh hay does not get dirty, loss of good hay is reduced, and the hay is not blown away by the wind.
Caution with shod horses: Some horses have the habit of pawing while eating. If the haynet hangs too low, a horse with shoes can get caught in it. This can lead to perilous situations. Ideally, haynets should hang 20 to 30cm above the ground so the horse can eat in a comfortable head-neck position. For shod horses, this is usually too low. Manufacturers of wall nets also warn against using their nets with shod horses. We also advise against leaving haynets overnight in the stable for shod horses.

Which haynet is suitable for my horse?

Haynets come with different mesh sizes. The larger the mesh, the easier it is for the horse to pull out hay and the quicker it will finish its portion. If you want to keep your horse occupied for a sufficient amount of time, a small mesh width of around 4 to 5cm is ideal. Larger meshes are only suitable for horses that eat under supervision and where you don't want to put the hay on the ground. This is because the risk of horses getting their hooves caught in the wide meshes is significantly raised. Additionally, haynets with larger mesh widths do not extend feeding time as most of the hay can simply fall out.
If the mesh width is are smaller than 4cm, this can lead not only to frustration, especially for haynet beginners, but also cause dental and jaw problems. The mesh size suitable for your horse should depend on its needs. For ponies and good-doers, small mesh widths of 4cm or less are recommended. For poor-doers, haynets with a mesh width of 6cm or more are advisable.
In addition to the mesh width, the filling capacity of the haynet is also crucial. Before purchasing a haynet, consider how much hay is needed per ration. In our online shop, you will find haynets that hold 4kg but also have a significantly smaller mesh width. For multiple horses or large horses that are allowed to consume a small bale of hay per portion, haynets with a capacity of up to 9kg are suitable. For field-kept or group-housed horses, you can also purchase round bale haynets that are pulled over the hay and closed with a drawstring.
If you have a horse that quickly tears apart the haynet to get to its feed, you can choose a sturdy, durable haynet made from strong nylon rope.

Which haynets are suitable for use in the hay steamer?

When steaming hay, high temperatures must be generated to kill all allergens, micro-organisms and fungal spores so that they no longer pose a health risk for the horse. In order to achieve this goal, the hay is heated above 90 degrees, better still above 100 degrees. Anyone who might place the portion of hay with a net into the steamer ends up with a melted haynet. Harmful ingredients from the material are then transferred onto the hay. Manufacturers of hay steamers therefore recommend using only heat-resistant haynets when steaming hay. Commercially available haynets made of nylon are completely unsuitable. To be on the safe side, look out for the clear declaration "heat-resistant haynet".

Which haynets are heat resistant?

Anyone wishing to use their haynets in conjunction with a hay steamer should pay close attention, as not all haynets are heat-resistant. Steaming can generate temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. Placing a non-heat-resistant haynet into the steamer risks melting, shrinking, or brittling of the material. This not only spoils the hay but can also damage the equipment. Therefore, ensure beforehand that your haynets can withstand high temperatures. Typically, polypropylene haynets labelled as heat-resistant are the appropriate choice.