Should You Use Hay Nets for Your Horses? What We've Learned.

When caring for our equines, we’re always looking for ways to support their physical and mental well-being while keeping daily care practical and sustainable. One simple tool that makes a big difference in our routine is hay nets.

At first glance, they might seem like just another feeding accessory, but they offer several important benefits that closely align with how horses and donkeys are meant to live.

1. Simulates a Natural Lifestyle 🐴

In the wild, horses spend most of their day grazing while moving long distances. Slow-feeding hay nets help replicate that natural pattern by preventing horses from finishing their hay too quickly.

When we place hay nets in multiple locations around a pasture or paddock, horses are encouraged to walk between feeding stations. This promotes movement and mimics natural foraging behavior.

Fun fact: Mustangs can travel up to 20 miles a day in search of food and water. Movement isn’t just natural for horses—it’s essential for joint health, circulation, and overall well-being.

2. Supports Digestive Health 🌱

Horses are designed to eat small amounts of forage almost constantly. When they eat too quickly or go long periods without foraging, it can disrupt their digestive system and increase the risk of colic, ulcers, and other gut issues.

Hay nets slow consumption, which encourages more saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural buffer in the stomach, supporting healthy digestion and helping maintain proper gut function.

Did you know? ➡️ Horses produce around ten gallons of saliva daily!

3. Reduces Boredom 🥱

Pulling hay from a net requires a bit of effort, which gives horses something to do. This mental stimulation can reduce boredom-related behaviors such as pacing, cribbing, or destructive habits—especially in horses with limited turnout or stall time.

For rescued mustangs and burros who are adjusting to domestic life, enrichment like this can be a valuable part of building healthy routines and reducing stress.

4. Cuts Down on Hay Waste ♻️

Anyone who buys hay knows how quickly costs add up—especially when half the bale ends up trampled into the ground. Hay nets keep forage contained, reducing waste and improving feeding efficiency.

Because nets are typically refilled daily, horses also get fresher, cleaner hay, which they’re often more enthusiastic to eat.

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Hay nets have been a game-changer in our daily care routine—helping us support healthier horses while managing resources responsibly.

Do you use hay nets? What’s the biggest benefit you’ve noticed in your routine?

Check out our favorite hay nets!