opinions please... is this a safe way to feed hay in the field?!?

[Bowen4Horses]

why does this fill me with fear? is it safe? would it work?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwFGwFZIs0k

 

[Irishcobs]

I suppose if the holes are small enough and your horse doesn't have shoes it could work. Not something I will be trying.

 

[Meandtheboys]

it might be in peoples eyes.....................but not mine!!!!

 

[PennywithHenry]

Well there isn't anything glaringly obvious that a horse could injure itself with...the holes are small, no strings etc but if there's the slightest possible chance of injury then mine would manage it!

 

[sykokat]

Nope. Don't like it. Wouldn't use it and not safe in my eyes. Feeding hay in a field is fine if the horse is by themselves. Otherwise it can cause arguments. If you have to feed a horse hay in the paddock better to use some kind of manger that stands off of the floor.

 

[Donkeymad]

Some people use a hay pillow very safely, but they are normaly made from stiff materials which will not allow hooves to get in etc. I personally wouldn't use a net one like this.

 

[xena_wales]

QR - I think I'd use it for my youngsters, but not the biggun as he has shoes and he would paw it and get the strings caught under the heel of his shoe.

 

[Bowen4Horses]

once it was empty it would surely be a trip hazard? (raff could trip over his shadow...)

i love the idea... but think it'll be a case of raffy-suicide if i tried it.

 

[lisa_dundee]

ER NO!

 

[Bowen4Horses]

[ QUOTE ]
ER NO!

[/ QUOTE ]

it is 'recommended' (this actual video) by a 'natural horse' website...

 

[WandaMare]

Could be more of a risk when empty. at least when they are eating from it they are looking at it. I wouldn't like the idea of it getting caught around their feet once empty and lying loose in the field

 

[shellonabeach]

I think someone else on here a while ago linked to a site about hay pillows.

The hay pillows on that site were made from plastic garden mesh. Seemed a good idea to me except for the faff of having to weave it together every evening x4!!

Down the other end of the lane from my field someone has dumped 2 tractor tyres, I will be going to collect them asap for hay feeders!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

No!

QR There is nothing wrong with feeding hay in the field so long as you put out more piles than there are horses, with big enough spaces between them. If you feed from the ground it can be wasteful but I prefer that to a ring feeder that one horse can dominate, or in fact anything that you just know they'll get caught up on if they possibly can.

 

[Minxie]

I'd think it would depend on the horse. I couldn't do with with my pony as he'd simply see it as a challenge and end up wearing it. However my mare would be totally fine with it. She's good at keeping her feet to herself and is super sensible and can't see it being a problem for her at all - she's just stand and nibble until it was gone.

 

[Pedantic]

Cant see anything obvious, but wouldn't fancy it myself, can see his lordship getting his hoof in it somehow.

 

[proctor]

I wouldn't do this reccomended or not! But then I have a thing for stuff being on the floor whether it be lead ropes, bailer twine, haynets, just anything that a horse or pony could get it's hooves into!!

 

[Puppy]

Nope! Not for me. Far too greater risk of them getting their feet caught for me to even consider it. Hence, I shall be buying a hayhutch as soon as I can

 

[Persephone]

I wouldn't feel confident with it.

It would only be any good while there is no mud as well, once that had rolled over twice in a muddy field it would be inedible!

 

[kerilli]

nope, i don't think so, esp if horse is shod. also, it would get all muddy and horrible, they'd trash it imho and waste loads.
i think this looks good
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl...t%3D42%26um%3D1
or otherwise there's a wooden box design with metal mesh at the bottom, solid top, which is online (page not working at the moment) which i've asked my OH to make for mine... if he ever gets round to it, you can have a look and decide if it's good enough for yours!

 

[Bowen4Horses]

[ QUOTE ]
nope, i don't think so, esp if horse is shod. also, it would get all muddy and horrible, they'd trash it imho and waste loads.
i think this looks good
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl...t%3D42%26um%3D1
or otherwise there's a wooden box design with metal mesh at the bottom, solid top, which is online (page not working at the moment) which i've asked my OH to make for mine... if he ever gets round to it, you can have a look and decide if it's good enough for yours!

[/ QUOTE ]

oooh, look forward to it.
i don't think any kind of net on the floor would work for raff as he likes to paw at things, and also, happens to be a little bit, um, thick... hence this video fills me with fear...

p.s. mud? think we'll need some rain first... *potters off to do a rain dance*
p.p.s. actually, thinking about it, i haven't left the house in days... have we had rain?!

 

[flowerlady]

No I wouldn't use one

 

[christi]

ive used hay pillows ( paddock pillows ) for a couple of years now, i use them in the field and the stable, they are fantastic.
i use plastic garden mesh to make mine.