Safety First

So you've started your slow feeder journey, welcome to the club! but now what? How do you convince your horse that this new addition to their stable or field is actually what they eat from and isn't going to eat them! Horses are notorious for finding a way to injure themselves despite our best efforts and with this in mind we have some key points to help you when introducing a slow feeder to your horse.

Gradual Introduction:

Start Slowly: Introduce the slow feeder gradually to prevent overwhelming your horse.

Loose Hay: Place some loose hay around the feeder to help your horse associate it with food.

Monitor Behavior: Keep an eye on your horse’s reactions and adjust accordingly.

Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the slow feeder can cause frustration and dental issues.

Choosing the Right Slow Feeder:

Consider Horse’s Needs: Select the right size, mesh, and material for your horse.

Mesh Size: Choose a mesh that lets your horse extract hay without frustration.

Placement: Set up the feeder low enough to mimic natural grazing.

Multiple Feeders: If you have more than one horse, provide multiple feeders to avoid competition.

Feeding Practices:

Hay Type: Choose hay based on your horse’s health and weight.

Hydration: Make sure your horse always has access to fresh water.

Soaked Feeds: Soaking hay or feed can improve digestion and hydration.

Regular Schedule: Keep a consistent feeding routine.

Monitor Waste: Keep an eye on hay waste and adjust amounts as needed.

Benefits of Slow Feeding:

Improved Digestion: Slow feeders help prevent colic and ulcers.

Weight Management: They promote a healthy eating pace and can aid weight management.

Mental Stimulation: Slow feeding helps reduce boredom.

Reduced Feed Waste: Slowing down eating reduces excessive hay waste.

Important safety factors:

Frustration: Improper introduction or a poorly chosen feeder might frustrate your horse.

Ensure the feeder is safe with no sharp edges or harmful materials.

Always supervise your horse when using a slow feeder.

Make sure that the type of slow feeder you choose is suitable for your horse. 

Additional Tips:

Adapt to Your Horse: Every horse is different, so observe their behavior and adjust feeder size or hay type as needed.

Ensure Comfort: Make sure the feeder is placed in a comfortable position for your horse to eat.

Check Regularly: Over time, check the slow feeder for wear and tear, ensuring it remains safe and functional.