Chew toys/boredom breakers for young horse/strongest haynets?

[Chappie]

Hi folks, looking for some advice from people who are experienced with young horses, perhaps specifically young large sport horses - this is for a horse that doesn't belong to me, it is liveried on the yard I am on, and as I want to remain anonymous, can't give too much detail, but happy to PM anyone, as with more detail you would see exactly why I am asking for advice.

This chap is young and bored, perhaps his teeth are coming through still and is chewing anything and everything in reach - I can clearly see he is distressed. So far I have kept well out of it but last night I cracked and filled a hay net with some hay, straw and long stalky grass from the hedgerow. I also tied a large bundle of long grass with baler and hung that up. He was happy and content! Thought I had found a solution. But in the morning the haynet is in shreds - of course I'm massively concerned about him swallowing what he shouldn't.

Please no harsh replies, as I said, I can PM more detail as to this, tbh I think (and very much hope) this situation may change in future, as it is obviously wildly unsuitable, but wondered what I could provide for this horse that he could chew that is safe? Are there any types of haynets that are difficult to destroy? I can't give a large pile of ad lib hay, that would be the obvious choice.

Really stuck for a solution

 

[cauda equina]

I like these from Kramer

https://www.kramer.co.uk/Stable-Pasture/Stable-Arena/Haynets/Haynet-Strong

 

[Annagain]

Would something like this work?
Hayball - large (jameskeyserproducts.co.uk)
If you have enough room in the stable to suspend them from the ceiling away from the wall it will take them longer to eat from them as they can't pin it in one place and apply pressure to get a big mouthful.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Hanging up swede around the stable mine love that it keeps them occupied for a good while.

 

[rabatsa]

An old welly to play with can help with something to chew.

 

[Chappie]

Thank you very much folks for your great ideas, I appreciate you taking the time to reply - for tonight I'll look at my haynet collection(!) and use the strongest one.

It isn't great that I need to spend my own money, but hey, if it helps the horse, it will be worth every penny. I just hope whatever I purchase will last a while. I'll let you know what I decide to get.

I'll be able get a couple of large swedes at the farm shop at the weekend.

I wonder if a large rope toy for dogs would be good too. Scared he will swallow bits but if it's tough enough for dogs it may be ok... will look online.

 

[I'm Dun]

I really hope that the owner has given permission. You could be in for a whole heap of trouble if you get caught feeding someone elses horse, never mind what will happen if the horse does swallow bits of unsuitable things!

 

[ponios]

I recommend the bizzy bites licks, the holder is almost like a teething toy and the lick lasts as it cant be bitten. I like that you can leave it on the floor as prefer to not have horse licking at unnatural height i.e when it is tied up.

 

[MinKo]

Unless you own or work on the yard, it is none of your business whatsoever! I would go totally nuclear at someone interfering with my horse. Stay away.

 

[Chappie]

Like I said, there is a fair bit more to this situation than I can post online.

Would like to thank those who made helpful suggestions. However, after some thought, am so concerned the chap will eat something he shouldn't, like a bit of plastic, that I won't be doing anything except sweeping a bit of hay and straw into him. Also I agree that is not up to me to sort this out. Unfortunately, nobody will do anything.

 

[Kaylum]

Willow branches make for good chewing material

 

[Chappie]

Thank you, I have looked about for willow as at least that's a natural object. I suspect this horse is teething. But he could get splinters in his mouth, then I'd be in trouble, I have realised I have to keep out of it

 

[Griffin]

Like I said, there is a fair bit more to this situation than I can post online.

Would like to thank those who made helpful suggestions. However, after some thought, am so concerned the chap will eat something he shouldn't, like a bit of plastic, that I won't be doing anything except sweeping a bit of hay and straw into him. Also I agree that is not up to me to sort this out. Unfortunately, nobody will do anything.

I do understand your situation, it's hard when you see a horse not being properly cared for (it's not just about feeding and mucking out, it's enrichment too) and you see them every day. I think all you can do is perhaps pass on your concerns to the owner/yard owner.