I just want to share a quick horse camping PRO TIP with you! Slow feed hay nets are the BEST piece of gear to have when horse camping. I use slow feed hay nets in the trailer and in camp. My personal strategy is to stuff haynets with as much hay as possible, so I only have to refill them once a day. A completely stuffed hay net will last my horse a good 24-hour period. This isn’t just an easy camping hack that saves you time, it’s also an important component of my ulcer-prevention plan.
Ulcer Prevention Using Slow Feed Hay Net
I think small hole hay nets are the best horse product since sliced bread. These nets stretch your horse’s hay ration out so they can have feed available for a long period of time. The horse’s tummy is designed for grazing. It’s not designed for a two-flakes-twice-a-day lifestyle. When your horse has an empty stomach for an extended period of time, he can develop painful ulcers.
The small holes on a slow feed hay net means that the hay takes longer to eat. Your horse can only pull out a few pieces at a time, which mimics a more natural grazing-style of eating. Traveling and new environments can be especially stressful for horses, so using slow feed hay nets can help to reduce stress and prevent ulcers.
Slow Feed Hay Nets to Prevent Boredom in a Stall or Corral
Another reason I love using slow feed hay nets when I go camping is to keep my horses from getting bored. Normally, my horses live out doors. They’re not kept in stalls as they have 24/7 turnout with a run-in shed. When you go horse camping, you’re almost always going to have to confine your horse to a stall or some other small area. If you’re lucky, you will get a corral, but even then, it won’t be as big of a space as your horse is used to. Keeping your horse busy with a small hole hay net is a great way to reduce boredom during confinement. If your horse is preoccupied with a hay bag, she’s less likely to get into trouble.
Sleeping in on Vacation!
When I go camping, I like to relax. Horse camping is how I spend my vacation, and I don’t always want to get up at the crack of dawn on vacation to tend to hungry horses. When I stuff my hay bags, I know they’re going to last for about 24 hours. I usually stuff and re-stuff hay bags mid day. That way, I don’t have to get up in the morning and throw hay. When everybody else in camp has to leave the warmth of their trailer or tent to go feed hungry horses that finished their hay 10 or 12 hours prior, my horse are still happily munching on their hay bags.
Small Hole Hay Nets are Affordable!
Finally, one of the best things about slow feed hay nets is that they are affordable! Shopping for horse camping gear, tack and other horse products can wreak havoc on your bank account, but this is one must-have accessory that doesn’t cost a fortune. I know there are many commercially-made slow feeders that are VERY expensive, but the slow feed hay net’s beauty is in its simplicity. It’s lightweight, affordable and can be used at home, in the trailer, on camping trips and even at shows.
Until next time, Happy Trails!
P.S. ***If hay nets are used with shod horses, they should be tied up high to prevent pawing hooves from getting caught on them***