Frequently Asked Questions

What size of net to do I use?
Well we like to see all horses start with 1.5 inch netting, as this size allows your horses to graze easily from the net, the needed requirements for an average horse without too much frustration. If after some time your horse is well accustomed to the 1.5 inch hole and is now getting through his or her hay fairly fast and is on the heavy side, this is the only time we suggest or recommend a 1 inch net hole size, as this will slow down the consumption of hay to a slower rate.

But in saying that, make sure it’s not the hay that’s too high in sugars, starches, or WSC. Have your hay tested is our advice - See hay info page. 

Ponies and minis do very well right away with the 1 inch netting. But as always, start horses new to slow feeding with loose hay as well as the N.A.G. bag for the first few days, as your horse learns to graze from the net.


Can I use the a bale bag with my horse if he is wearing shoes?

Most certainly you can use with a shod horse - but there are some guidelines for making sure that your horse’s shoes do not contact the net at any time. And that is either by putting in a bin or feeder or hay ring, or hung. We like to see horses eating with the head in the downward position as this helps with saliva flow and of amount of dust inhaled.


How does the round bale 
go down?

The round bale just shrink down with the hay and molds into the shape of a large pillow.



Do I have to re-tighten the net?

No you only tie the net up once. You should inspect your net for holes or a rope coming out of the bag or loose from time to time.

What do I do if I get a hole in the net?

All nets come with a spare matching twine in the bag - just as a good sweater comes with an extra button. Make sure you sew up a hole as soon as it is found, as the horse will only make it larger very quickly. If you get a hole that has been left and is now very large and cannot be pulled together without making the bag too small, you will need a repair patch. It comes with two patches and twine to cover your opening and your net is now ready to use again.  
What type of hay do I use?

We are all about a natural diet so we would like to see horses use a good grass mix hay type, headed out no dust or mold (see more on hay info). Easy keepers are best on a 1st cut, lower sugar and starch hays. Hard keepers and elderly horses may need hay types that are higher in proteins and more suitable to their needs. 

If the hay is very fine the horses can remove the hay quicker from the hay nets, as opposed to courser, longer stands. And a very fine hay has its issues of balling or and impactions, as hay with more stem helps the digestive tract with helping gut secretions flow, slows down consumption rates and adds more chewing - all good things.

Can I use this continuous feeding system with my laminic prone horse?

Yes this is one of the best feeding systems to use - BUT you must have a hay that is right and that means a hay test, they are easy and cost little - see Hay Info page.  This will keep your horses insulin levels even, as feed is constant.

When the net is empty should I refill it, even if he's eaten all his hay for the day?

Yes, it is best to keep the nets full, you may go through a bit more hay at the beginning, but after the horse re-trains his feeding (grazing), his habits change and consumption slows down.

Stop the feeding time frenzy - slow feeding brings husbandry into harmony!