Shires - Slowfeeder untied extra strong (6kg- 102cm) mesh 2.5cm

Width: ± 75cm
Height: ± 100cm
Mesh width: ± 2.5cm
Content: ± 6-8KG

How can I get a
washing slow feeder?

Wash a slow feeder regularly, especially for horses with respiratory problems. Dust can accumulate in the weave of the net and in combination with moisture (saliva or drinking water) can become moldy. Washing can be done on a mild program at 30 degrees with little (or no) mild detergent. Use the 'extra rinse' function for an extra clean and residue-free result.

How do you ensure that you enjoy a slow feeder or hay net for as long as possible?

Our hay nets are extra strong and resistant to rough eating and heavy pulling, however this net is not resistant to long-term chewing on the net itself. Therefore, provide sufficient roughage and other forms of distraction such as branches etc. For young horses that are changing, it can help to hang something else in the stable that they can chew on.

• Make sure you vary the load on the hay net by turning a Pillow regularly. You can leave a hay net with a drawstring hanging loose so that it turns automatically and your horse can take a bite in a different place each time.
• Provide suitable roughage in relation to the mesh of your hay net. Coarse or very long-stemmed hay types and possibly adding straw work better in a mesh of 4.5 or 6 cm. Mesh 3 is actually too small for that. Finer hay types can work very well in mesh 3.
• Limit the use of hay blocks. Although it is a nice source of enrichment, eating a pressed hay block in a small net can also cause faster wear. The block is hard and your horse will scrape the hay off with force with his teeth. With the net in between… we don’t need to explain more, do we? 😉.
• If your horse is very hungry, first give it a tuft so that it can then continue to nibble on your hay net. Eating behavior of the horse is difficult to influence further, but it goes without saying that if horses eat very roughly, your hay net will wear out faster.
• If you use a hay bale. Both large round and a 20 kg bale. We always recommend loosening the strings. If the hay remains compressed, eating is very difficult and horses will naturally pluck more roughly, which will result in earlier wear.
• If you give unlimited roughage and horses always eat from the net, this also gives more load per 24 hours. In these cases you can see if you can give a part without net or if you can put more nets in rotation so that the load is more distributed.
• For the slowfeeder racks and loose nets we recommend turning them regularly. And not threading the net too tight. This will allow you to enjoy your net for longer.

How do I then take care of my
Can a horse eat in a healthy position?

Horses can develop a preferred posture, which means that the head and neck area are constantly being strained in the same place. The chance of this happening is greatest when using a net in the stable. A smaller mesh is more straining than a larger mesh. It is therefore advisable to rotate slow feeder and pillow nets regularly and change their height or place so that neither the horse nor the net is constantly being strained in the same place. Do not give large quantities of roughage too high and, if necessary, support a net that moves too much and makes it difficult for the horse to eat. If your horse is familiar with head/neck complaints, then preferably choose a larger mesh.

You can also read more information in the Blog: Which slow feeder or hay net do I choose for my horse?

What is Passive Physio?

Passive physiotherapy is a method with which you can let horses eat in variable positions under good supervision and with an eye for what your horse needs and can physically handle. This trains its body in an unburdened way, just as horses would do in nature. Femke Dölle is an expert in this field. Because you are sometimes going to challenge the body, not all types of slow feeders or hay nets are suitable for this. In the selection aid you will clearly find which nets are suitable for this so that you can make the right choice. Askherethe free ebook about Passive Physio®.