Horse Hay Nets – The Knots And Strings
Horse hay nets are an invaluable tool around the stable and paddock. They are a convenient and efficient way to provide your horse with access to hay while minimising wastage. Additionally, they encourage slower consumption.
In this, our first in a series of horse hay net guides, we take a dive into the knots and strings of horse hay nets. We discuss the different types of hay nets, explain what they are, and how they’re made.
What Are Horse Hay Nets?
Horse hay nets are a webbed netting bag for holding hay made from heavy-duty nylon rope or cord webbing net. The netting has diamond shaped openings, which come in various diameters depending on the required feeding rate.
Most commonly, the top of the hay net has rings or loops around the edge to hold a drawstring. When the hay net is full, the drawstring closes the bag. You then use it to attach the hay net to a secure anchor point. However, hay nets for small square hay bales or round hay rolls, have other types of closures.
Horse Hay Nets vs. Hay Bags
The terms ‘horse hay nets’ and ‘horse hay bags’ are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. A horse hay bag is a solid heavy-duty canvas or nylon bag (as opposed to webbing net), with a single feeding hole in the side. Both have their advantages, and disadvantages.
How Horse Hay Nets Are Made
Hay nets are made from either knotted or woven (knotless) webbing net.
Knotted Horse Hay Nets
Knotted hay nets are generally cheaper than knotless hay nets, are strong and durable, and have several distinct features.
They’re often made from (colourful) UV-stabilised polyethylene braided cords knotted together at the intersections to create the diamond-shaped holes. These holes range from 3 – 10+cms in diameter depending on the type of hay net.
The cords used to make knotted hay nets are typically quite strong, durable, and water-resistant, making them ideal for soaking hay, or for outdoors use.
There is a slight risk horses may get teeth caught in the knots. However, the nets do tighten up with use so don’t usually pose too many problems in this regard.
Knotless Or Woven Horse Hay Nets
Knotless hay nets are typically more expensive than knotted hay nets. They offer strength and durability, and have several features that distinguish them from knotted hay nets.
They are made from woven (as opposed to knotted) high-strength polypropylene webbing net with a fine cord. The holes range from 2 – 6cm in diameter. Smaller (1cm) holes are available but are not as common.
The small holes are ideal for holding shorter/finer types of hay (lucerne, chopped hay etc). They are also softer, and suit some horses better than the coarser knotted hay nets.
But – although the cord is strong and durable, it is heavy, tends to absorb water, and can snag seed heads.
Horse Hay Net Hole Sizes
We touched on hole size above but generally horse hay net hole sizes range from.
Small Holes (3-4 cm)
Hay nets with holes this small are commonly called ‘slow feeder’ hay nets. Their purpose is to slow down feeding rate, making them a good option for horses prone to overeating. They also help reduce waste in the case of finer hays.
Medium Holes (5-6 cm)
These sized holes are a good balance between eating speed and hay access. They prevent the horse from gorging on hay whilst still allowing reasonably easy feeding access, and also help reduce waste with coarser stalked hays.
Large Holes (7+ cm)
Hay nets with bigger holes allow easy access to the hay but can lead to waste with medium and fine stalked hays. Nevertheless, they suit large nosed horses that would struggle to make much headway with the other sizes. They’re also good for horses that need to get through large volumes of hay, and horses with dental issues that cannot pull hay from small holes.
Types Of Horse Hay Nets
Horse hay nets come in several different constructions, and in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications.
Standard
Round tubular shaped netting bag that expands into a ball when filled. Has a drawstring closure.
Slow Feeder Hay Net
Similar in shape to a standard horse hay net but has smaller holes to slow down eating and more naturally mimic the nibbling of natural grazing.
Double Hay Net
These have 2 layers of netting to further reduce hole size but you can always make your own by putting one hay net inside the other to achieve the same effect.
Hanging Hay Net
Usually a square or rectangular netting bag with a fitting on each of the top corners to attach to anchor points on walls or rails.
Bale or Hay Roll Nets
Designed for large square bales, or hay rolls, these nets enclose the entire bale for protection, access control, and reduced wastage.
Sizes Of Horse Hay Nets
Regardless of how you feed out your hay – by the biscuit, by the bale, by the roll – there is a type of hay net to suit.
Small Hanging Hay Nets
These range from pony-sized (1 biscuit of hay) to large horse-sized (3 or 4 biscuits of hay). They have either a drawstring, or hanging points for suspending from attachment points or rails.
Small Square Bale Hay Nets
These are ideal to feed out entire bales. Depending on size, they hold half a standard small square bale to 3 bales.
Round Bale Hay Nets
These are a great, and cheaper alternative, to a hay ring or hay hut if you feed round hay rolls in the paddock. They are available to fit both 4” and 5” roles. Many people use both a net and a hay ring i.e. they put the roll into a net before putting it into the ring.
Whilst a standard hay roll net won’t keep your hay dry, you can buy ones with a canvas top that will. Obviously though you’ll pay more for them.
Large Square Bale Hay Nets
Large square bale nets will fit 8”x3”x3” or 8”x4”x3” bales. They come in 2 types – completely encapsulated for those who can flip the bale over and access the bottom, OR as a cover that sits over the bale, but doesn’t have a bottom.
Your FAQs About Horse Hay Nets Answered
Are hay nets suitable for all horse breeds?
Yes, hay nets are suitable for all horse breeds, promoting a healthier feeding routine regardless of size or breed.
How do I clean and maintain hay nets?
Shake out dust and debris before refilling your hay net. Knotted hay nets are easy to hose down or wash in soapy water. Knotless hay nets are often washable too but will take longer to dry because they’re often not waterproof.
Can I use a hay net outside?
Hay nets can certainly be used outdoors, but remember – prolonged exposure to the elements can cause deterioration. Even to UV stabilised ones. To extend the life of your hay net, select one made from UV-resistant materials and avoid leaving it outside when not in use.
Are hay nets or hay bags better?
Both have their uses, and their disadvantages. If your horse is eating on sand or dirt, a hay bag will catch the seeds and small pieces that drop out of the hay. Horses with dental issues may also be happier with a hay bag that has a large open feeding hole. Conversely, hay bags don’t hold as much hay as hay nets so if your horse eats 8 kilos of hay a day, you’ll be refilling a hay bag more often than you would a large hay net.
Final Thoughts About Horse Hay Nets
Using horse hay nets to feed out your hay has many benefits. However, it is important to choose the right type of hay net to suit your horse, the type of hay you feed, and also your horse’s environment. Having a good understanding of the different types of hay nets available will help you with this.
In our next post about hay nets, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using hay nets because, despite their convenience, they don’t suit everyone’s circumstances. So stay tuned for more insights into maximising the benefits of horse hay nets!
){kind=link}