How to Introduce Your Horse to Slow Feeding

Last updated September 29, 2026

Give your horse about 30 days to learn the net. Keep loose hay nearby at first, and never let the net go empty. A hay net cuts waste, but your horse still needs the same amount of hay.

How you handle that first month can make or break the whole switch. Here's what we tell every customer who calls us about it.

Step 1: Know How Much Hay Your Horse Needs

Start with the number. Your horse needs 1.5-3% of their body weight in forage every day. Age, workload, weather and pregnancy all push that number up or down.

Here's the math for a 1,000 lb horse: 1,000 x 1.5% = 15 lbs of hay per day, minimum. On the high end, that same horse may need up to 30 lbs.

A hay net does not lower that number. It just makes sure the hay goes into your horse instead of under their feet. To see what that saves you, try our hay savings calculator.

Step 2: Expect Your Horse to Eat More at First

Most horses eat more in the first few weeks. That's normal. It usually means they weren't getting enough before.

Say you feed two flakes in the morning and two at night. Most horses on that plan fall short of their daily needs. Switch to a full bale in a net, and your horse will likely eat more than four flakes a day for a while.

The bale may go faster than you planned in month one. Don't panic and don't pull the net. This is part of the process.

Step 3: Use the Net Alongside Loose Hay for 30 Days

Shown: our Square Bale Hay Net

The first month is the learning period. It can take up to 30 days for your horse to get the hang of eating through holes. They also need time to trust that hay will always be there.

For that first month, use the net as a second feeder and put some loose hay nearby. At some point, your horse will start choosing the net over the pile. When that happens, cut back the loose hay a little at a time until the net is the only source.

Patience and consistency do most of the work here. For more on how feeding affects a horse's state of mind, we like this article from equine nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty.

Step 4: Never Let the Net Go Empty

If you only follow one rule, make it this one. An empty net means a stressed horse. Stressed horses gorge when fresh hay shows up and never learn to pace themselves.

Put the next bale out before the last one is gone. Your horse should never have a reason to think the hay is running out.

Steady access to hay also lowers the risk of ulcers and colic. It also helps with bad habits like cribbing and weaving. Horses are built to graze all day, and the net lets them do that.

Step 5: Give Self-Regulation Time

Self-regulation is when your horse eats what they need instead of everything in sight. It usually happens within 2 weeks to 2 months of first using the net, often while your horse is still learning it. Horses used to twice-a-day meals usually take longer.

Worried your horse is overeating? Weigh or estimate what they eat in a day and compare it to the 1.5-3% range from Step 1. If they're inside that range, they're not overeating.

Still over the range after 60-90 days? Look at other causes of overeating, like stress, diet, inflammation or too little exercise. Your vet is a good next call.

Pick the Right Hole Size From the Start

Shown: our Round Bale Hay Net

For most horses, start with 1.75 inch holes. That's our best-selling size, and it fits average horses, easy keepers, overweight horses and metabolic horses.

Aggressive eaters and drafts need bigger holes, not smaller ones. For them, go with 2.5 inch holes. The right size keeps a big eater content and your net in good shape.

Not sure which fits your horse? Our guide on which slow feeder is right for you walks through it.

Make Your Net Last for Years

Our nets are built from UV-resistant knotted nylon and typically last 2-4 years. Some last even longer, depending on how many days a year the net is in use. Once a horse settles into slow feeding, most leave the net alone and just eat.

The first month is when to keep an eye on it. A curious or impatient horse may test the net while learning. A quick look each day lets you catch anything small early.

If you do find a hole, it's an easy fix. Our repair kit has everything you need, and our repair guide shows you how.

A few more ways to get the most out of your net.

• Choose heavy gauge 4mm netting for horses that like to chew.
• Pair your net with a hay ring or feeder. It isn't required, but it adds life to the net by keeping horses from walking on it or using it as a scratching post.
• Use an elevated feeder, like a hay cradle, in winter. It keeps the net from freezing to the ground. It also lets air reach the bale, so mold doesn't grow in the bottom.

Shown: our Hay Net for Tarter Hay Basket

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take a horse to get used to a slow feed hay net?

Most horses learn to eat from a slow feed hay net within about 30 days. Self-regulation usually kicks in within 2 weeks to 2 months of first using the net. Horses used to twice-a-day feedings usually take longer.

Will a hay net make my horse eat less hay?

No. A hay net cuts waste, but your horse still needs the same amount of hay. Most horses need 1.5-3% of their body weight in forage every day. A net just makes sure it gets eaten instead of trampled.

What hole size should I start with when introducing a hay net?

Start with 1.75 inch holes for most horses, including easy keepers and metabolic horses. Aggressive eaters and drafts do better with 2.5 inch holes. See our guide to choosing a hay net for more.

How do I make my hay net last?

Check it daily during the first month, while your horse is still learning, and fix anything small right away. After that, most horses leave the net alone. For horses that like to chew, choose heavy gauge 4mm netting.

Ready to Start Slow Feeding?

We're always happy to help you figure out the right setup for your horse. Just reach out with questions. When you're ready, browse our full line of slow feed hay nets.