Where is the optimal level to hang?Updated a year ago

There has been a little research done regarding the optimal hanging level, but not a ton. So far, most researchers seem to agree that ground feeding is best. However, if you opt to hang it up, then hanging it a bit higher than their withers (as opposed to wither height) reduces the amount of force the horse uses. The jury is still out about how this might affect them long term. For respiration/lung health, ground feeding is typically better as the airway is more open in that position. 

Our bag is designed to prevent back and neck issues that have been seen in more traditional hay nets because the horse isn’t grabbing the entire net with their teeth and pulling on the full weight of the hay bag. They are simply pulling hay out of each individual hole. Because the holes are at different heights, it encourages them to eat at different levels which can prevent overuse-type issues. That being said, the bags can be tied at any level, and varying the height regularly can further prevent issues that come from repetitive movements. Depending on the situation, most of our bags are safe for ground feeding as well. Horses are designed to graze at multiple levels, it is the variety that prevents injury not necessarily a specific height.

If you would like further information, please refer to the following publications:

• The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding

• Adult Horses’ Posture and Pull Pressure by Horses When Eating Hay or Haylage from a Hay Net Hung at Various Positions

• Effect of Pony Morphology and Hay Feeding Methods on Back and Neck Postures