Haynets, Haybags & Hay Racks

Haynets, Haybags & Hay Racks 

Haynets:

• Purpose: Haynets are designed to hold hay, making it easier to manage feeding and reducing wastage. They are often used to slow down a horse's eating rate, mimicking natural grazing habits.
• Design: Typically made of strong, durable rope or netting, haynets have a mesh design. The size of the holes in the mesh can vary, with smaller holes (often referred to as "slow-feeder" haynets) being used to make the horse work harder to get the hay, slowing down their consumption.
• Usage: Haynets are hung at a safe height, either in stables, trailers, or outside, ensuring that the horse can comfortably reach the hay without risking injury.

Haybags:

• Purpose: Like haynets, haybags are used to hold and dispense hay but are often considered easier to fill and less messy.
• Design: Haybags are typically made from heavy-duty fabric with a large opening at the top for filling and smaller openings or slots for the horse to eat from. Some haybags have adjustable straps for hanging, and others are designed to sit on the ground or be carried around easily.
• Usage: Haybags are often used for travel, in stalls, or out in the paddock. They can be particularly useful in preventing wastage and keeping hay clean, especially in muddy or dirty environments.

Key Differences:

• Mesh vs. Fabric: Haynets use mesh, allowing more airflow and sometimes making hay more accessible, while haybags use fabric, offering a more enclosed feeding method.
• Feeding Control: Haynets, especially slow-feeder types, are better for controlling the pace of eating, which is beneficial for horses that tend to eat too quickly.
• Portability and Cleanliness: Haybags are generally more portable and easier to keep clean, making them ideal for travel or situations where you want to minimize waste on the ground.

Both tools have their place depending on the specific needs of the horse and the environment.