feeding hay overnight

S

Supere

Member
Joined
23 June 2025
Messages
20
Visit site
Looking for some advice re feeding hay overnight in stable.
My pony is 14.1 (aprox) cob, pretty good doer. I have been giving 5kg hay overnight, and he’s stayed a decent weight. Grass is gradually fading in the field, and i’m wondering if i need to be feeding him more.
He has 5kg in a slow feeder, usually soaked for about 10 hours through the day, however, some nights it’s gone by 12/1 am, other nights he still has half a net by then.
He’s in from currently around 7pm till 8:30 am, has minimal bucket feed, just enough to put supplements in.
He’s currently occasionally hacked, nothing very strenuous either, due to personal circumstances, but hoping to increase his work load soon (was ridden 6 days a week over the summer).

Ive split his hay into two nets in different places in stable now, hoping this may help as i’ve seen people recommend this.
Don’t really want to feed straw to bulk out as worried about colic risk.
Anyone any recommendations on amounts, and also good slow feeder nets or other ways to slow him down that is suitable for soaked hay?
 
The big warmbloods in our stable eat a measly 4 kgs at night. My cobby 15hh porker eats 8 kg, not netted🐽 No grass during the day, sand paddocks with hay x3 out.

Personally i refuse to use nets. Accidents happen, plus it's an unnatural angle for them to eat from, and can have a bad effect on their necks and teeth.

It's impossible to generalize really. Is he happy with 5 kgs?
 
That doesn’t sound enough to me, I’d not behave happy with a horse without hay for that long. Have you tried an online calculator? This is very good based on body weight which is how you should really calculate forage https://tricklenet.com/forage-calcu...EiuUyBvCjuNpXjefXy4eEJTORtvf0ebGYnkpfExp1fUrN

I’ve got a couple of the Equlibrium Portion pacer nets which are fabulous and have just won some awards

Obviously they are all different but that’s a good guide
 
I think the answer is give enough so that there is a small amount left in the morning.
They get used to having as lib and slow themselves down anyway once they know it’s there. Even my little fat pony isn’t a pig, he gets a little net, not sure how heavy as I’ve never weighed but he always has some left.
I do net mine. They also have hay on the floor.

You could try a hay ball or roller type feeder. They are quite good if the horse is interested!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top