How to Use Slow Feeders Correctly

attached to a wall tree or sturdy post at a low level. Some are designed to be on the ground allowing the horse to eat in a more natural position.
Potential problems
If there is room behind the bag the horse could potentially get his head caught. If the fabric tears a foot could get tangled in the net.
If the horse is shod the net must be secured within a bin you can also hang them high enough to prevent a shoe or nail from snagging on to the netting but this will create an awkward eating position.
If laid on the ground they must either be totally loose expect them to get dirty or be securely mounted so the horse cannot get a foot or his head caught below the feeder.
If dangled from a tree or post it can quickly become a source of frustration as it sways with every attempt to get a bite of hay. This can defeat your purpose in regulating consumption. Furthermore if the horse were to rear near a feeder hanging from a tree or placed high in a stall he could trap a hoof.
They need to be refilled frequently unless a whole bale size is chosen. Horses who run out of hay even for 10 minutes will never get the message that hay is always there and will not selfregulate.
HARD SLOWFEEDERS
The best ones are made of sturdy plastic or hard rubber that will not crack in very hot or cold temperatures and can withstand the abuse of being kicked or stepped on. Avoid wooden feeders. You might be tempted to build your own by placing a steel grid on top or on open sides of a container. This can create several hazards
There is high potential for sharp edges.
Clips can get caught on halters or catch an ear or eyelid.
Grids can tilt.
Shod horses can trap a foot on the metal openings.
Metal grates can damage teeth horses can even get a tooth caught in this type of grid.
Grated vertical sides force the horse to turn his head sideways which leads to neck strain.
Here again choose a reputable manufacturer. Common styles include
The hay basket consists of a round metal frame which holds a removable plastic basket with large slats to allow for drainage. Since the basket does not sit on the ground the hay stays dryer.
Barrel or box type feeders these are well received by many horses however some
horses find lowering their head inside a container to be mentally uncomfortable. Nevertheless it is better to choose one that sits on the ground rather than forcing your horse to pull hay out from the bottom of a barrel that is hung. Make sure the openings are large enough and preferably rounded to prevent damage to the horses mouth and teeth.
Quality hard slowfeeders offer several advantages
They allow the horse to eat with their heads in a natural position.
They are easy to fill with hay.
Feeding can be shared with more than one horse.
Dust and dirt tends to flow to the bottom.