Different hay types and their palatability require different hay net hole sizes!

Be prepared to adjust accordingly to how your horses respond to new hay types each new hay season.

As the seasons change, I wanted to discuss how the type of hay you put into your hay nets can really affect which hay net hole size will work best for you. We hear from customers saying their net hole size is too big or too small, but more often than not, it’s not the net hole size that’s the issue... it’s the hay! Different hay types (especially between seasons) can vary a lot in texture, stalkiness, and palatability, which all impact how easily your horse can eat through a net.

So, I want to help you understand why being flexible with your hay net hole size is key, and how to adjust based on the hay you’re feeding and how your horse responds. If your hay net isn’t working right now, don’t write it off, different seasons bring different hay, and your hay net mesh hole needs may shift.

Check out the video which demonstrated that hay palatability is one of the biggest drivers for which hole size to choose.

Above is a real-life example I experienced. We fed two different hay types, both 4x4 round bales to the same ponies on the same day. Both were pasture hay (made by us) but made years apart. One bale was soft, leafy, and super palatable, the other was stalkier and coarse due to a wet spring.

👉 The soft and really yummy hay went into a 2cm / 3/4" net
👉 The stalky, less tasty hay went into a 6cm / 2 1/2" net, which is a pretty extreme size difference!

Despite the smaller hole size, the ponies chose the more palatable hay, even though it was harder work to access. That’s because palatability (yumminess!) is a major driver when horses choose which hay to eat.

So what does this mean for you?

• Your “usual” hole size might not always be the right choice.
• Hay made in different seasons or sourced from different places can vary greatly in texture and taste.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust based on how your horses are responding.

TIP:

• If your horse is struggling to eat, try a larger hole size.
• If they’re hoovering hay too fast, consider going smaller.
• You can always rotate nets as the seasons change, store the ones not in use until the next time.

Also, keep in mind:

• In winter, a larger hole size can help keep horses warm as they eat more hay.
• In spring/autumn, smaller hole sizes can help manage weight as green grass returns.

At the end of the day, observe your horse, assess the hay, and stay flexible. You don’t need one perfect hay net, you need the right one for right now.

Don't get too caught up in "my horse HAS to eat from this sized hay net", without reassessing if that hole size is in fact the correct hay net hole size for your horse at that particular time.

There are just so many things to take into account when assessing which hay net hole size will suit your horse and pony, or livestock. The workload, weight, condition of the animals, health status (laminitic), weather, and not over facing your horse by going to a hole size too small. This page outlines many of these considerations in depth. Ultimately however, the horse itself will also help you decide which hay net hole size is the correct size.

Occasionally, we have customers that purchase a hay net of a particular size, decide it's not the correct size, and want to swap. Sometimes, it might be worth just keeping that hay net and storing it for another hay season.

Just a reminder, we cannot exchange hay nets that have been used in any way. If the hay nets are dirty, have hay debris, have been used, or are not returned in their original packaging, the refund will be denied. We take the health and safety of all animals seriously. A product used by an animal possesses a biorisk to other animals if the item is resold. If your net has been used or is not in returnable condition, you might consider selling it locally or donating to an animal sanctuary as an alternative.