Hay nets are frequently used for temporarily feeding horses hay while at an event. The advantage is the portability. The disadvantage is a horse can easily become entangled in a hay net if the net is tied too low. There's no foolproof way to make hay nets absolutely safe. But here’s one way that may keep your hay net tied high and out of the way.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- Fill the hay net with hay. They usually hold about 3 to 4 flakes.
- Pull the drawstring so that the top closes.
- Tie a knot so the bag will stay closed. The material hay nets are made of is quite slippery and I've always found them easy to un-knot later.
- Loop the loose end of the drawstring through the ring or over the rail that you wish to hang the hay net from. Whatever you are tying to should be slightly higher than, or at the horse’s head level.
- Now find the metal ring on the bottom of the hay net.
- Loop the drawstring through the bottom ring and draw it back up to the ring or rail you are tying to. Pull the bag upwards so the rings on the top and bottom of the net are as close as possible.
- Knot the drawstring with a quick release knot around whatever you are tying to.
- Now as the bag empties it will fold in half rather than sag downwards.
Tips:
- Hay nets shouldn’t be used for regular feeding as horses have to eat with their head and neck up, rather than in their natural grazing position.
- Check hay nets frequently.
- A safer alternative is a flake bag made of fabric.
- Learn to tie a quick release or safety knot.
What You Need:
- Hay net
- Hay
- Tie ring, post or rail.
