Feeding hay in the field with shod horses

[AmeliaA]

Feeding hay on the ground is absolutely destroying our ground with the wet winter we’ve had - and they’re eating it so fast then stood hungry the rest of the day. I need a way to feed hay that’s going to save my ground, slow consumption and safe for shod horses

Is it safe to tie nets to the fence as long as it’s high off the ground? None of mine are likely to paw at them and I would secure them with zip ties so they would break if they did get caught up. I don’t have loads of money to spend on a solution - would hay bags maybe be safer as not as much net to get caught in?

 

[First Frost]

I have wooden hay feeders -made from pallet wood. I tie slow feeder hay nets into the base.. My horses are shod and this works really well!

 

[Abacus]

I don't see why it's different to using haynets in a stable. Personally I don't like haynets and only use them in specific instances (like distracting them during shoeing when necessary, although really I try to get mine to stand there politely without said distraction). Better for them to feed at ground level and without the jerking that haynets cause. Could you get hay boxes for the field? I use a mix of wooden crates and sturdy plastic boxes to try and keep most of the hay out of the mud.

 

[AmeliaA]

I have wooden hay feeders -made from pallet wood. I tie slow feeder hay nets into the base.. My horses are shod and this works really well!

How did you make them?

 

[First Frost]

I bought them from ebay about £40 each,but that was a few years ago. I'm sure they could be made if you know someone handy!

 

[Squeak]

I tend to spread the hay over the field so that it mimics grazing and doesn't put too much stress on one part of the ground. It wouldn't necessarily help with the speed they're eating it though.

 

[millitiger]

I have IBCs with the tops cut off.
Don't/won't rot like wood, they are durable and safe for my very rough boys and fit a lot in!

 

[meleeka]

I have tile crates with extra wood added to make them sturdy and safe. Pallet wood works well. I then have a haynet ring in the bottom to tie a net to.

 

[BSL2]

Loads of piles. A few more than the number of horses.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Loads of piles. A few more than the number of horses.

I only have 2 and this is what I do to. Make them walk around rather than stand still so less gets trodden in and the hay seeds germinate in the spring.

 

[AmeliaA]

I tend to spread the hay over the field so that it mimics grazing and doesn't put too much stress on one part of the ground. It wouldn't necessarily help with the speed they're eating it though.

Unfortunately I have one who is lami prone and ones with ulcers so it’s a real battle. Using nets means that the one with a muzzle on can’t eat as much