Last Updated: February 9, 2026
Target Keywords: horse won’t use slow feeder, hay net problems, slow feeder frustration, horse slow feeder issues
Target Audience: Horse owners experiencing difficulties with slow feeder implementation
2-Minute Version (Read This First)
1) What is the real problem?
Most slow-feeder failures are setup mismatches: wrong hole size, unstable mounting, or poor transition timing.
2) Why does it matter?
If frustration escalates, you can quickly see reduced intake, stress behaviors, and higher safety risk.
3) What should you do next?
- Identify the primary symptom first (refusal, aggression, weight drop, safety concern).
- Change one variable at a time (hole size, anchoring, height, access competition).
- Re-check in 72 hours before making additional changes.
How to Use This Guide in 5 Minutes
- Start from the horse’s strongest signal, not from equipment preference.
- Apply one fix only, then monitor intake and behavior for 72 hours.
- Escalate to veterinary/behavior support when red flags persist.
72-Hour Stabilization Plan (When Things Go Wrong Fast)
- Hour 0-24: Remove the most obvious stressor (too-small holes or unstable feeder swing).
- Hour 24-48: Reintroduce with easier access and controlled anchoring.
- Hour 48-72: Evaluate acceptance, intake trend, and safety before any further restriction.
Why Troubleshooting Matters
Quick Takeaway: Failure Pattern Snapshot
| Signal | Common root cause | First practical move |
|---|
| Refuses feeder | Access too difficult too soon | Increase hole size and simplify transition |
| Aggressive/pawing behavior | Frustration + unstable setup | Anchor in two points and reduce restriction |
| Weight loss despite hay present | Intake mismatch or health limitation | Ease access and rule out medical factors |
| Hoof entanglement concern | Ground contact + shoeing risk | Raise empty-net clearance or use contained feeder |
| Repeat net damage | Force concentration at weak points | Reposition and switch to tougher architecture |
Field data reminder: many owners report stable outcomes when setup is matched, while problem rates rise when net style and context are mismatched.
Slow feeders offer tremendous benefits—but only when they work for your horse. A frustrated horse eating from a slow feeder can experience:
- ⚠️ Increased gastric acid production
- ⚠️ Elevated stress and cortisol levels
- ⚠️ Risk of ulcers and colic
- ⚠️ Weight loss from reduced intake
- ⚠️ Dental damage from aggressive pulling
- ⚠️ Development of stereotypies
“Frustration in horses can increase gastric acid production, cause stress and ulcers, and lead to damage to teeth, gums, and the slow feeder itself.”
— The Hay Pillow
This guide addresses every common problem and provides research-backed solutions.
Problem 1: Horse Won’t Eat from Slow Feeder
Symptoms
- Horse refuses to approach feeder
- Stands near feeder but doesn’t eat
- Takes a few bites then walks away
- Weight loss despite full feeder
Common Causes & Solutions
| Cause | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|
| Hole size too small | Can’t extract hay easily | Increase to 1.75”+ holes |
| Unfamiliar device | Never seen this type before | Gradual introduction (see below) |
| Wrong positioning | Uncomfortable height/angle | Adjust to ground or chest level |
| Hay type mismatch | Coarse hay in small holes | Match hay type to hole size |
| Pain or health issue | Dental problems, illness | Veterinary check |
| Previous negative experience | Frustration memory | Start fresh with larger holes |
Step-by-Step Introduction Protocol
| Day | Action |
|---|
| 1-3 | Place slow feeder with loose hay next to it (50/50 split) |
| 4-7 | Reduce loose hay to 25%; 75% in slow feeder |
| 8-10 | Slow feeder only; monitor closely |
| 11-14 | Evaluate; if struggling, increase hole size |
| 15+ | If successful, can decrease hole size gradually |
“Most horses accept a hay net within the first few hours, and hole size is the biggest factor in acceptance.”
— GutzBusta
Problem 2: Horse Is Frustrated/Aggressive with Feeder
Symptoms
- Biting and shaking the net
- Ears pinned backward
- Pawing at feeder or ground
- Head pushing/throwing
- Flinging the net
- Aggressive behavior toward handlers
Research Data on Frustration
From the 1,283-owner survey (Roig-Pons et al. 2025):
| Net Type | Problem Rate |
|---|
| High vertical nets (HV) | 68.9% reported problems |
| Other net types | 49.9% reported problems |
“Respondents using high vertical nets were significantly more likely to report at least one problem.”
Solutions by Cause
| Frustration Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Holes too small | Increase by 0.25” (just this much makes big difference) |
| Net swings freely | Secure at two points; anchor bottom |
| Hungry before feeding | Never introduce when horse is already frustrated |
| Competition in herd | Add more feeders; space apart |
| Hay type incompatible | Fine, leafy hay pulls easier; match to hole size |
| Feeder emptied frequently | Keep continuously filled; reduce scarcity stress |
Frustration Warning Signs
| Behavior | Severity | Immediate Action |
|---|
| Occasional ear pinning | Mild | Monitor; may resolve |
| Regular pawing | Moderate | Increase hole size |
| Biting/shaking net | Moderate | Check net stability; add anchor |
| Head pushing | Moderate-High | Reevaluate setup |
| Refusing to eat | High | Stop using; try different feeder |
| Aggression toward handlers | High | Remove feeder; consult behaviorist |
Problem 3: Horse Gives Up on Slow Feeder
Symptoms
- Horse stops trying to eat
- Walks away after short attempt
- Stands near empty feeders despite full slow feeder
- Weight loss
The Science
When mesh is too small, horses may stop eating entirely. This is particularly dangerous because:
- Elevated stress and cortisol
- Gastric ulcer risk from empty stomach
- Malnutrition despite available food
“Frustrated horses may even stop eating entirely. This is especially true for younger horses with loose baby teeth or older horses with dental issues.”
— The Hay Pillow
Solution: The Hole Size Ladder
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|
| 1 | Start with 2”+ holes (easy access) | Until comfortable |
| 2 | Move to 1.75” holes | 1-2 weeks |
| 3 | If needed, try 1.5” holes | 1-2 weeks |
| 4 | Only for easy keepers: try 1.25” | Monitor closely |
| 5 | Never force smaller than horse tolerates | Ongoing |
Quick Reference: Hole Size by Need
| Horse Type | Minimum Hole Size |
|---|
| New to slow feeders | 1.75” - 2” |
| Seniors with dental issues | 2”+ |
| Draft/Warmblood | 2”+ |
| Easy keepers (experienced) | 1” - 1.5” |
| Hard keepers | 2”+ |
| Ponies/minis | 1.25” - 1.5” |
Problem 4: Horse Eats Too Fast (Defeats Purpose)
Symptoms
- Finishes slow feeder quickly
- No apparent slowing effect
- Weight gain continues (for easy keepers)
Causes & Solutions
| Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Hole size too large | Decrease to 1.5” or 1.25” |
| Net over-filled | Partially fill (proven to slow more) |
| Single-layer net | Try double-netting technique |
| Wrong feeder type | Switch to smaller-opening design |
| Hay too fine/short | Use longer-cut hay |
The Double-Netting Technique
For horses that need maximum slowing:
- First net: Standard 1.5” holes
- Second net: Place hay-filled net inside a second 1.5” net
- Result: Effectively creates 0.75” holes without frustration
Research note: Some horses fling or give up on triple layers. Use double as maximum.
Feeding Time Comparison
| Method | Feeding Time Extension |
|---|
| Ground feeding | Baseline (1.0x) |
| Fully filled haynet | 1.3x |
| Partially filled haynet | 1.6x (up to 61%) |
| Slow feeding box | 1.3x |
“Filling multiple haynets and hanging them at the right height can increase intake time and foraging behavior considerably.”
— Dr. Andrea Ellis
Problem 5: Hay Net Keeps Swinging (Can’t Get Leverage)
Symptoms
- Horse pushes net around trying to eat
- Increased frustration behaviors
- Net swings away when pulled
Why This Is a Problem
- Horse can’t get leverage to pull hay
- Requires pulling upward instead of down
- Increases dental pressure
- Creates frustration
Solutions
| Solution | Implementation |
|---|
| Two-point attachment | Secure top AND bottom |
| Wall-mounted | Attach flat against wall/fence |
| Inside container | Place net inside trough or box |
| Bottom anchor | Use bungee or tie to ground ring |
| Corner installation | Attach to both corner walls |
Secure Attachment Methods
UNSTABLE (avoid): STABLE (recommended):
● ●────────●
| | |
[NET] [NET] [NET]
swings wall corner
freely mount mount
Problem 6: Hoof Entanglement Risk
Symptoms/Concerns
- Shod horse pawing at ground-level net
- Net sagging when empty
- Previous near-miss or actual entanglement
Risk Factors
| Factor | Risk Level |
|---|
| Shod horse + ground net | ⚠️ HIGH |
| Large hole size (2”+) | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Net touching ground when empty | ⚠️ HIGH |
| Aggressive pawing behavior | ⚠️ HIGH |
| Barefoot + smaller holes | ✅ Lower |
Solutions by Shoeing Status
| Horse Type | Safest Options |
|---|
| Shod | Container feeders; elevated nets (12”+ off ground); basket feeders |
| Barefoot adult | All options generally safe |
| Foal/Small pony | Check hoof diameter vs. hole size |
Survey Data
| Net Position | Shod Horses Using | Barefoot Using |
|---|
| Ground nets | 8.5% | 21.5% |
| High vertical | 55.0% | 62.3% |
Interpretation: Owners correctly reduce ground net use for shod horses.
Problem 8: Weight Loss Despite Slow Feeder
Symptoms
- Body condition score declining
- Ribs becoming visible
- Horse seems hungry
Possible Causes
| Cause | Diagnostic Question |
|---|
| Holes too small | Is horse struggling to get hay? |
| Not enough hay | Is feeder empty for periods? |
| Competition | Is this horse being pushed away? |
| Health issue | Any other symptoms? |
| Feeder frustration | Is horse giving up? |
Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| Access difficulty | Increase hole size immediately |
| Quantity | Fill more frequently; add second feeder |
| Competition | Separate feeding or add more stations |
| Health | Veterinary examination |
| Frustration | Change feeder type or remove temporarily |
Hard Keeper Protocol
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Use largest hole size available (2”+) |
| 2 | Prioritize continuous access over slowing |
| 3 | Consider free-choice hay (no slow feeder) |
| 4 | Multiple feeding stations |
| 5 | Separate from aggressive herd mates during meals |
When to Abandon Slow Feeders
Some Horses Aren’t Candidates
| Situation | Alternative |
|---|
| Persistent severe frustration | Free-choice hay in open feeder |
| Health condition affected | Vet-directed feeding plan |
| Senior with significant dental issues | Soaked hay, cubes, or mash |
| Horse with neck/back issues | Ground-level feeding only |
| Extreme hard keeper | Unlimited access without restriction |
Red Flags That Mean Stop
| Sign | Action |
|---|
| Refusal to eat for 24+ hours | Remove slow feeder immediately |
| Weight loss >50 lbs | Veterinary evaluation |
| Self-injury | Remove all nets; try container |
| Net ingestion | Remove immediately; vet check |
| Aggression toward humans | Behaviorist consultation |
Summary: Quick Reference Table
| Problem | First Try | If That Fails |
|---|
| Won’t eat | Larger holes + gradual intro | Different feeder type |
| Frustrated | Larger holes; secure net | Container style feeder |
| Gives up | Much larger holes (2”+) | Free choice may be needed |
| Eats too fast | Smaller holes; partial fill | Double netting |
| Net swings | Two-point attachment | Wall mount or container |
| Hoof risk | Elevate or use container | Basket style feeder |
| Dental concerns | Larger holes; knotless net | Veterinary dental exam |
| Weight loss | Larger holes; more hay | Remove slow feeder |
| Destroyer | Upgrade quality; larger holes | Container style (indestructible) |
| Freezing | Larger holes; shelter | Winter-specific design |
Related Articles
Sources
- Roig-Pons M, et al. 2025. Survey of Slow-Feeder Use in Three European Countries. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
- Ellis AD, et al. 2015-2022. Multiple studies on haynet use. UNEQUI Ltd.
- DeBoer LJ, et al. 2022. Cross-over study on hay nets and dental health. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
- Bordin C, et al. 2024. Feeding Behaviour Related to Different Feeding Devices. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.
- The Horse. The Skinny on Slow Feeders. thehorse.com
- Mad Barn. Slow Feeder Troubleshooting. madbarn.com
- The Hay Pillow. Frustration and Slow Feeders. thehaypillow.com
- Getty Equine Nutrition. Slow Feeder Safety. gettyequinenutrition.com
- GutzBusta. Hay Net FAQs. gutzbusta.com.au
- Texas Haynet. Slow Feeding Tips. texashaynet.com
- Kentucky Equine Research. Slow Feeding Devices. ker.com
Disclaimer: This troubleshooting guide provides general recommendations. If your horse shows signs of illness, significant weight loss, or injury, consult your veterinarian immediately. Persistent behavioral issues may require evaluation by an equine behaviorist.
