Choosing the correct haynet for your horse
Haynets are found in the vast majority of yards in the UK, whether they’re used in the stable, for travelling, or even in fields on fences or over bales to help reduce wastage. With a wide variety of different nets to choose from, we wanted to share some things to look for, how to decide which net is right for you, and a bit more information to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Generally, there are just two differences between all haynets- the size of the overall net, and the size of the holes. Larger nets hold more hay, and smaller holes mean that it’s more difficult for the horse to get the hay out of the net, and it will therefore take him longer to eat. This can be useful if you have a greedy horse, a good doer, or you want to use the haynet to help break boredom in the stable as it will keep the horse occupied for longer.
What’s the difference between a haynet and a haylage net?
In all honestly, it’s just the name. You can use a haynet for haylage as much as you can use a haylage net for hay. The main difference is, usually, the size of the holes as haylage nets tend to have smaller holes. That said, you can also have haynets with small holes!
How big should my haynet be?
It depends on what you’re using it for and how you manage your horse. If you’re looking to use your haynet for short journeys in the lorry, there’s little point in having a huge net as your horse is unlikely to get through it. Equally, if your horse is in overnight and you want to make sure he has all the hay he’s going to need in one net, you’re more likely to need a larger net for this. Some manufacturers also make really small nets for hay and grass bricks.
What are hay bags?
These are often used in the lorry or trailer as they’re designed to help prevent seeds and small pieces of hay falling out the bottom by providing a bag to catch everything. There’s usually a smaller section at the front where the horse can take the hay or haylage from as he wants it.
Can you get nets for round bales?
Yes you can. Some haynets are designed to go over big round bales of hay with the aim of reducing wastage alongside slowing the horses down in their eating of the big bale, just like you’d do with a small holed haynet.
What are they made from?
At the moment, most haynets and haylage nets are made from polypropylene and similar materials, but other materials are being brought in. One of these more recent additions is the jute which is particularly good for those looking to live in a more sustainable way. Jute is a natural fibre, fully bio-degradable and can still be really strong.
Top tip
Don’t forget to weigh your hay. One of the great things about a haynet is that it’s really easy to weigh your hay when you use one. This can be really enlightening, prevent wastage and help to manage a horse’s weight as a ‘section’ can vary in weight by quite some margin.