Always feed horses hay (or grain) off the ground. Do not feed on the ground. Any type of feeder is more desirable than feeding on the ground. Feeding on the ground is wasteful and causes feed contamination. It is more contaminated than the grass they are grazing because horses tend to congregate where hay is fed on the ground; therefore, there is an increase in defecation and moisture built up in that area rather than being spread over the entire pasture. Horses will also use hay fed on the ground as bedding. However, feeding in haynets can be dangerous in stalls due to horses kicking and playing. They can hang a leg in the net, causing serious damage. Also, feeding horses in hay mangers where the horse has to reach extremely high to pull out the feed can cause dirt and chaff to fall into the horse's eyes and nostrils, causing eye and respiratory problems. Corner hay feeders that are on the ground allow the horse the opportunity to eat the hay in a more grazing position and does not cause contamination.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horses