Help! My horse is afraid of the bag.Updated a year ago

If you feel your horse might be a little skeptical about the hay bag, we recommend putting it somewhere close enough to them where they will see it but not so close that it will make them very anxious. Once they are comfortable with that initial distance, gradually move it closer to where you plan to use it. 

Introducing your horse gradually is especially important if you plan to use it in a stall. Having something they're afraid of in such tight quarters can be overwhelming. You may want to leave it out in a pasture or larger area full of hay (possibly even some extra treats tucked inside) where they can explore it in their own time. Most of them quickly realize that it is food and nothing to fear!

Most horses do just fine figuring out how to eat from the bag on their own. If you find they are having trouble, pull out tufts of hay through each hole to give them an idea of what to do. It's a little easier for them to get hay out of the bag if the flakes are fluffed and pulled apart before being loaded into the bag rather than packed in tight. Once they get the hang of it, most horses have no issue eating hay that is tightly packed. You can also stuff treats or other more tempting things in each hole for extra motivation.