Everything about hay nets
What a hay net is for, which shape, mesh and size to choose, how to install and maintain it: the essentials for equipping your horse well.
Why use a hay net?
In the wild, horses spend most of the day grazing, in small amounts. In the stable, a ration of hay placed on the ground is often eaten in a few dozen minutes, after which the horse is left for long hours with nothing to eat.
A hay net limits access to the hay: the horse has to pull the strands out one by one, which lengthens mealtime and comes closer to the rhythm of grazing.
A more spread-out meal
The hay stays within reach for longer.
A longer meal
The hay lasts longer for the same amount.
A rhythm close to grazing
The horse pulls the strands out one by one.
Less waste
The hay stays clean, off the ground, and is no longer trampled.
Good to know: a hay net does not replace the ration. Do not reduce the amount of hay you give without the advice of your vet or an equine nutritionist.
Choosing the shape of the net
There are four shapes, depending on the way you serve hay.
The bag
The classic format, to hang up. The most versatile: stable, paddock or trailer.
See the bags →The envelope
A flat format, supplied with straps. Easy to fill and to attach.
See the envelopes →The round bale
For a whole bale, outdoors as well as in housing. Suited to group use.
See the bale nets →The flat net and custom-made nets
To cover the hay, or for a specific need that standard formats do not meet.
See the range →Choosing the mesh
The mesh is the size of a hole in the net. The smaller it is, the more slowly the horse takes the hay. Our meshes: 38, 45, 60 and 100 mm, and the double mesh.
A greedy horse: 38 or 45 mm. A calm horse, or to limit waste: 60 or 100 mm. Read the article: which mesh to choose?
The colours available for each mesh are in the table on the page custom-made.
Choosing the size
The size depends on the amount of hay served and the number of meals per day. Count the weight of hay for one meal, not for the whole day.
Bag-shaped nets: indicative capacity
| Net size | Loose hay | Compressed hay | In the shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0,80 × 0,80 m | ≈ 5 kg | ≈ 7 kg | Yes |
| 1 × 1 m | ≈ 8 kg | ≈ 10 kg | On request |
| 1 × 1,50 m | ≈ 12 kg | ≈ 15 kg | Yes (1.50 × 1.00 m) |
| 2 × 1 m | ≈ 15 kg | ≈ 20 kg | On request |
Quantities vary depending on the type of hay and its level of compression.
Round bale nets
Choose the net according to the actual diameter of the bale. Measure it before ordering.
Installing the net and getting your horse used to it
Choose a solid attachment point, hang the net high enough and taut, fill it without packing too tightly. Get your horse used to it gradually: wider mesh or partly filled net at first, then keep an eye on the first few days. Read the article: installing, getting used to and maintaining
Looking after your net
Rinse it regularly to remove dust and hay residue, then let it dry completely before filling it. Check the meshes and attachments each time you fill it, and store it in a dry place.
Read the article: installing, getting used to and maintaining
Frequently asked questions
Can my horse get hurt with a hay net?
Hang the net high enough and taut, check it regularly and keep an eye on the first days of use.
Should I reduce the ration with a hay net?
No, unless your vet or an equine nutritionist advises otherwise. The net slows hay intake, it does not replace the ration.
How do I clean a hay net?
Rinse it regularly and let it dry completely before filling it.
What size for a round bale?
Measure the actual diameter of your bale before ordering, and choose the matching net.
I can't find the size or colour I need.
Write to us: we look into custom-made requests and get back to you within 24 hours.
What is the difference between a bag and an envelope?
The bag is the classic format, to hang up: stable, paddock or trailer. The envelope is a flat format, supplied with straps, easy to fill and to attach. Compare the two formats.
What is a double mesh?
It is a net that combines two meshes: 45 mm on one side and 60 mm on the other. It lets you move gradually from slow intake to freer intake.
How much hay fits in a bag?
As a guide: about 5 kg of loose hay for a 0.80 × 0.80 m bag, about 12 kg for a 1.50 × 1 m bag. Quantities vary depending on the type of hay and its level of compression.
Which colours are available?
Camel in 38 mm mesh; black in 45 mm mesh (bags also come in camel, green, lilac, blue, orange and pink); green in 60 mm mesh; blue in 100 mm mesh; green and black for the double mesh.
What are the characteristics of the net?
Ø5 mm rope with 8 mm reinforcement. Bags are knotless and supplied with a drawstring; envelopes are supplied with their straps.
Where are your nets made?
In Europe.
What are the delivery times and costs?
Delivery to mainland France, to a pick-up point with Mondial Relay or to your home with GLS. Shipped within 48 hours (working days) after the order is confirmed. Shipping costs: €5.90 incl. VAT to a pick-up point (free from €59 incl. VAT of purchases), €8.50 incl. VAT to your home with GLS (free from €129 incl. VAT of purchases). All the details.
Can I return my net?
Yes, within 14 days of receipt: let us know by email before the deadline. Return costs are at your expense. Custom-made nets cannot be returned (no right of withdrawal). See the procedure.
Our advice
Which shape of hay net to choose?
Bag, envelope, round bale or custom-made.
Read the article →Which mesh of hay net to choose?
38, 45, 60, 100 mm meshes and double mesh.
Read the article →Installing, getting used to and maintaining your net
Hanging it, getting your horse used to it, cleaning and checking.
Read the article →Hay nets and slow feeding: what the studies say
Mealtime duration, weight, teeth, and the limits of the studies.
Read the article →Ready to choose your net?
Discover our four ranges, or ask for advice: we answer according to your needs and your horse.
Everything about hay nets
What a hay net is for, which shape, mesh and size to choose, how to install and maintain it: the essentials for equipping your horse well.
Why use a hay net?
In the wild, horses spend most of the day grazing, in small amounts. In the stable, a ration of hay placed on the ground is often eaten in a few dozen minutes, after which the horse is left for long hours with nothing to eat.
A hay net limits access to the hay: the horse has to pull the strands out one by one, which lengthens mealtime and comes closer to the rhythm of grazing.
A more spread-out meal
The hay stays within reach for longer.
A longer meal
The hay lasts longer for the same amount.
A rhythm close to grazing
The horse pulls the strands out one by one.
Less waste
The hay stays clean, off the ground, and is no longer trampled.
Good to know: a hay net does not replace the ration. Do not reduce the amount of hay you give without the advice of your vet or an equine nutritionist.
Choosing the shape of the net
There are four shapes, depending on the way you serve hay.
The bag
The classic format, to hang up. The most versatile: stable, paddock or trailer.
See the bags →The envelope
A flat format, supplied with straps. Easy to fill and to attach.
See the envelopes →The round bale
For a whole bale, outdoors as well as in housing. Suited to group use.
See the bale nets →The flat net and custom-made nets
To cover the hay, or for a specific need that standard formats do not meet.
See the range →Choosing the mesh
The mesh is the size of a hole in the net. The smaller it is, the more slowly the horse takes the hay. Our meshes: 38, 45, 60 and 100 mm, and the double mesh.
A greedy horse: 38 or 45 mm. A calm horse, or to limit waste: 60 or 100 mm. Read the article: which mesh to choose?
The colours available for each mesh are in the table on the page custom-made.
Choosing the size
The size depends on the amount of hay served and the number of meals per day. Count the weight of hay for one meal, not for the whole day.
Bag-shaped nets: indicative capacity
| Net size | Loose hay | Compressed hay | In the shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0,80 × 0,80 m | ≈ 5 kg | ≈ 7 kg | Yes |
| 1 × 1 m | ≈ 8 kg | ≈ 10 kg | On request |
| 1 × 1,50 m | ≈ 12 kg | ≈ 15 kg | Yes (1.50 × 1.00 m) |
| 2 × 1 m | ≈ 15 kg | ≈ 20 kg | On request |
Quantities vary depending on the type of hay and its level of compression.
Round bale nets
Choose the net according to the actual diameter of the bale. Measure it before ordering.
Installing the net and getting your horse used to it
Choose a solid attachment point, hang the net high enough and taut, fill it without packing too tightly. Get your horse used to it gradually: wider mesh or partly filled net at first, then keep an eye on the first few days. Read the article: installing, getting used to and maintaining
Looking after your net
Rinse it regularly to remove dust and hay residue, then let it dry completely before filling it. Check the meshes and attachments each time you fill it, and store it in a dry place.
Read the article: installing, getting used to and maintaining
Frequently asked questions
Can my horse get hurt with a hay net?
Hang the net high enough and taut, check it regularly and keep an eye on the first days of use.
Should I reduce the ration with a hay net?
No, unless your vet or an equine nutritionist advises otherwise. The net slows hay intake, it does not replace the ration.
How do I clean a hay net?
Rinse it regularly and let it dry completely before filling it.
What size for a round bale?
Measure the actual diameter of your bale before ordering, and choose the matching net.
I can't find the size or colour I need.
Write to us: we look into custom-made requests and get back to you within 24 hours.
What is the difference between a bag and an envelope?
The bag is the classic format, to hang up: stable, paddock or trailer. The envelope is a flat format, supplied with straps, easy to fill and to attach. Compare the two formats.
What is a double mesh?
It is a net that combines two meshes: 45 mm on one side and 60 mm on the other. It lets you move gradually from slow intake to freer intake.
How much hay fits in a bag?
As a guide: about 5 kg of loose hay for a 0.80 × 0.80 m bag, about 12 kg for a 1.50 × 1 m bag. Quantities vary depending on the type of hay and its level of compression.
Which colours are available?
Camel in 38 mm mesh; black in 45 mm mesh (bags also come in camel, green, lilac, blue, orange and pink); green in 60 mm mesh; blue in 100 mm mesh; green and black for the double mesh.
What are the characteristics of the net?
Ø5 mm rope with 8 mm reinforcement. Bags are knotless and supplied with a drawstring; envelopes are supplied with their straps.
Where are your nets made?
In Europe.
What are the delivery times and costs?
Delivery to mainland France, to a pick-up point with Mondial Relay or to your home with GLS. Shipped within 48 hours (working days) after the order is confirmed. Shipping costs: €5.90 incl. VAT to a pick-up point (free from €59 incl. VAT of purchases), €8.50 incl. VAT to your home with GLS (free from €129 incl. VAT of purchases). All the details.
Can I return my net?
Yes, within 14 days of receipt: let us know by email before the deadline. Return costs are at your expense. Custom-made nets cannot be returned (no right of withdrawal). See the procedure.
Our advice
Which shape of hay net to choose?
Bag, envelope, round bale or custom-made.
Read the article →Which mesh of hay net to choose?
38, 45, 60, 100 mm meshes and double mesh.
Read the article →Installing, getting used to and maintaining your net
Hanging it, getting your horse used to it, cleaning and checking.
Read the article →Hay nets and slow feeding: what the studies say
Mealtime duration, weight, teeth, and the limits of the studies.
Read the article →Ready to choose your net?
Discover our four ranges, or ask for advice: we answer according to your needs and your horse.