Hay Nets and Colic Prevention in Horses
Colic, a true nightmare for horse owners, is a digestive disorder that can seriously affect the health of our equine friends. This abdominal pain can occur for various reasons, such as an unbalanced diet, rapid hay intake, or lack of exercise. This is where hay nets come into play, becoming valuable allies in the prevention of colic and other digestive disorders.

By slowing down hay consumption and promoting more natural feeding behavior, hay nets greatly contribute to the well-being of horses.
Slower and More Natural Hay Consumption
Hay nets are specifically designed to slow down the rate at which horses ingest their hay. Unlike traditional feeding where hay is simply placed on the ground or in a feeder, hay nets require horses to pull the hay through the small mesh of the net. This process more closely mimics how horses feed in the wild, by grazing for long periods. This slower, more regulated approach helps reduce the risks of overfeeding and rapid fermentation in the stomach, two key factors in the occurrence of colic.
Reducing Risky Behaviors
In addition to slowing down hay intake, hay nets also help reduce certain risky behaviors associated with digestive disorders. For example, when a horse has access to a large quantity of loose hay, it may tend to select the most palatable parts, leaving the less appetizing stalks aside. This selectivity can lead to an unbalanced diet. With a hay net, the horse is compelled to eat more uniformly, ensuring better digestion and more consistent nutrient absorption. Furthermore, by reducing unlimited access to hay, hay nets encourage increased physical activity, as horses spend more time “working” to obtain their food.
An Indispensable Tool for Digestive Health
Hay nets are therefore much more than a simple feed management accessory. They play a crucial role in colic prevention and contribute to better overall digestive health in horses. By combining the use of hay nets with other good feed management practices, such as access to clean, fresh water, quality pastures, and a regular exercise routine, owners can significantly improve the well-being of their horses. Thus, investing in quality hay nets, such as those offered by Feelnets, represents a wise and effective preventive measure for any stable concerned about the health of its equids.
