Thinking of starting your slow feeder journey? You will probably have a lot of questions and it can be a bit daunting wondering where to start. We've put together a helpful list of starter points to help you choose. Where to start? our advise is to always prioritise safety and comfort first. Safety First Material: Choose materials that won’t cause damage to your horse’s teeth and gums, such as soft, flexible netting or rubber. Avoid metal or steel mesh. Mesh Size: Start with larger openings (1.5-1.75 inches) and gradually decrease the size as your horse gets used to the slow feeder, ensuring they can still extract hay without too much difficulty. Breakaway Feature: Opt for a feeder with a breakaway feature (such as leather straps or twine) to prevent injury if your horse gets caught. Height: For shod horses, position the feeder at least a foot off the ground to prevent injury. Avoid hanging the hay net too high, as this can cause unnatural neck posture and respiratory issues. Avoid Plastic-Coated Wire: These can cause dental problems and should be avoided. 2. Consider Your Horse's Needs Weight Management: Slow feeders help manage hay intake, especially for overweight or metabolic horses, preventing overeating. Free-Choice Feeding: Slow feeders can simulate free-choice feeding while preventing overconsumption and minimizing hay waste. Natural Feeding Habits: Opt for feeders that encourage your horse to eat with their head down, mimicking natural grazing behavior, which also helps prevent respiratory issues. Palatability of Hay: If the hay you’re offering is less palatable or lower in sugar, using a larger hole size may motivate your horse to continue eating. 3. Types of Slow Feeders Hay Nets: A classic option. Choose nets with smaller mesh (1.5-1.75 inches) to slow down consumption. Ensure the net is durable and easy to clean. Hay Boxes: These feeders allow for a natural feeding posture and can be more effective in preventing overeating while still allowing for a slower feeding pace. Slow Feeder Bowls: Designed to make it difficult for horses to gulp down hay quickly. These can be a good option for limiting overconsumption. 4. Tips for Using Slow Feeders Start Slowly: Introduce slow feeders gradually, allowing your horse to adjust and preventing frustration. Monitor their behavior for signs of stress, such as scraping teeth or becoming tired. Monitor Your Horse: Keep an eye on your horse’s reactions. Signs of frustration or a lack of interest in the hay may indicate that the mesh size or the feeder type needs adjusting. Experiment with Mesh Sizes: Don’t hesitate to try different mesh sizes until you find the one that works best for your horse. If your horse is struggling, try a larger opening to make it easier to access the hay. Keep it Clean: Clean the slow feeder regularly to avoid buildup of hay and prevent potential health issues. Consider Multiple Feeders: If you have several horses, multiple slow feeders can help ensure they all get access to food without competition, minimizing stress and overeating. Don’t Overpack the Feeder: Overloading the feeder can make it difficult for the horse to access the hay, which can cause frustration. Always aim for a manageable amount that is easy for them to access. Additional Considerations: Feeder Material Durability: When selecting a feeder, also consider how durable the material is for your horse’s environment. For example, a feeder used in an area with extreme weather conditions (heat, rain) should be weather-resistant. Feeder Accessibility: If you’re using hay nets, make sure they’re placed where the horse can comfortably reach them but not too low, which could encourage an unnatural posture or cause strain. Monitor Horse Weight and Health: Regularly weigh your horse and monitor their health to ensure the feeding practices are supporting their nutritional needs and preventing any weight-related issues. Still undecided? get in touch and we can chat about which design will best suit your needs!