Start with the 4cm Large
If you're not sure, this is the net to buy. It takes two to three biscuits of hay, which covers a normal feed for most horses, and the 4cm holes slow the meal down without making a horse that's new to slow feeding give up. More of our customers bought it in 2026 than any other net.
Holds about 3 biscuits · 80cm × 80cm · 4cm holes
Unused nets can be returned within 30 days. Returns
Want it slower later? Most owners who want slower feeding move to the 3cm.
Which hole size does your horse need?
The hole size sets how slowly your horse eats. 4cm is where most horses should start, and it's the one to stay on for a horse that needs to keep weight on, is older, or is fussy about its hay.
3cm is the slowest. Choose it for small ponies, minis, good doers and horses on a restricted diet. Feeding fine hay like oaten or lucerne? In our experience the 3cm slows it more.
Which net suits a small pony or mini?
The 3cm Mini. It's sized for small muzzles and holds about a third of a biscuit, enough for a small feed, a treat or a trip in the float. Feeding a pony a full meal? See the 3cm Medium and Large.
How much hay goes in at each feed?
The amount of hay sets the net size. A few handfuls for a treat or travel fit the Mini. About one biscuit fits the Medium. Two to three biscuits, or if you're not sure, take the Large. For a whole small square bale you need a Full Bale net.
What if you feed a whole bale, or several horses share?
Choose a Full Bale net. It holds one small square bale, so a group can eat from it or one horse can be fed for days. It fits a small square bale only, not round or large square bales. It comes with 4cm holes or, for slower feeding, 3cm holes.
How many nets do you need?
One per horse, plus a spare if you feed twice a day or more or soak hay, so one can be filled while the other is in use. That's why our customers buy close to four nets an order.
How do you introduce a hay net?
Expect some tugging and shaking for the first few feeds; it usually settles. Pull a little hay through the holes to get your horse started.
What the research found
In a study comparing hay nets with different hole sizes, signs of frustration were most common in the first four feedings (Glunk et al., 2014).
How high should a hay net hang?
No study has found an ideal height. Lower is closer to a natural grazing posture, but a net must stay high enough that a hoof cannot catch in it, especially once it empties and sags. Hang it as low as is safe for your horse, use one net rather than one inside another, and check it regularly.
What the research found
A 4cm net hung at elbow height changed back and neck shape most; one at mid-cannon kept the back closer to its ground-feeding shape (Raspa et al., 2021). Horses pulled harder on a net just above the withers than one 30cm higher, and doubled nets raised pull force and head angles (Hodgson et al., 2022).
How big is each net?
Mini
⅓ biscuit
35cm × 40cm
$18
Hole sizes:3cmMedium
1 biscuit
60cm × 65cm
From $24
- Best seller of 2026
Large
3 biscuits
80cm × 80cm
From $30
Full Bale
1 small square bale
100cm × 135cm
From $52
Also available: the 5cm Standard knotted hay net, which holds a half bale and is 100cm long.
Can you change your mind?
Yes. Unused nets can be returned within 30 days of delivery. See returns and refunds.
Can you soak hay in the nets?
Yes. Fill the net, then soak it in a large container of water and hang it to drain before feeding. Ask your veterinarian or equine nutritionist how long to soak for your horse. For regular soaking we recommend the 5cm knotted hay net: it stays lighter to lift and dries quickly between feeds. More in our FAQ.