How to Choose the Right Hay Net Hole Size: Complete 2026 Guide

Last Updated: February 9, 2026

Target Keywords: hay net hole size, slow feeder mesh size, 1 inch vs 1.5 inch hay net, hay net size for easy keepers

Target Audience: Horse owners selecting their first slow feeder or troubleshooting the wrong size

2-Minute Version (Read This First)

1) What is the real problem?

Wrong hole size creates two bad outcomes: either no slowing effect, or too much frustration.

2) Why does it matter?

Hole size directly changes intake speed, pull force, and stress level. This is why “just buy the smallest hole” often backfires.

3) What should you do next?

• Start most horses at 1.5”.
• Move smaller only when your horse is calm and still eating too fast.
• Move larger immediately if you see repeated yanking, pinned ears, or refusal.

The Hole Size Dilemma

You’ve decided to buy a slow-feed hay net. Now comes the confusing part: which hole size should you choose?

Walk into any tack store or browse any equestrian website, and you’ll find nets with holes ranging from 1 inch to 2.5 inches (or 2.5cm to 6cm in metric). The differences may seem small, but choosing wrong can lead to:

• Frustrated horses that refuse to eat
• Wasted money on a net your horse destroys
• Zero slowing effect (you might as well have no net at all)
• Potential health issues from improper feeding

Use this guide to pick a strong starting size in minutes, then fine-tune based on your horse’s eating style and body condition.

Start-Size Rule (When You Don’t Want to Overthink)

• Most horses: start at 1.5”.
• Easy keepers or metabolic horses: move toward 1.25” after calm adaptation.
• Aggressive/frustrated eaters or seniors: move toward 1.75”-2” first.

This is a starting rule, not a forever rule. Your horse’s behavior in week 1 decides the final size.

Quick Reference: Hole Size Comparison Chart

Understanding the Numbers

What Does Hole Size Actually Mean?

Hole size is measured as the opening diameter between mesh lines. Here’s what each size means in practical terms:

The Research Perspective

According to Kentucky Equine Research (KER):

“Nets with smaller openings (45mm/1.75”) slowed consumption significantly more than larger openings (64mm/2.5”). Some ponies couldn’t finish their ration in 4 hours with the smallest holes.”

Key Research Findings:

Quick Takeaway: Expanded Key Research Findings (KER, Ellis, Roig-Pons, Bordin)

“The pull pressure on teeth was equivalent to around 2 kg for hay, which was not worrying, but it could go up to 6 kg in very resistant forages like haylages.” — Dr. Andrea Ellis, UNEQUI Ltd.

This confirms that hole size has a direct, measurable impact on eating speed. But slower isn’t always better—as we’ll explore below.

Hole Size by Horse Type

Easy Keepers & Metabolic Horses

The Challenge: These horses gain weight just by looking at hay. They need maximum restriction to manage calorie intake.

Key Considerations:

• ✅ Helps manage weight without starving
• ✅ Extends feeding time from hours to all day
• ⚠️ May cause frustration—monitor closely during transition
• ⚠️ Not for horses new to slow feeding

Pro Tip: If your metabolic horse is new to slow feeders, start with 1.5” and decrease over 2-4 weeks.

Average Horses (Good Starting Point)

The Challenge: You want the benefits of slow feeding without risking frustration.

Key Considerations:

• ✅ Industry-standard “all-around” size
• ✅ Works with most hay types
• ✅ Most horses adapt quickly
• ✅ Good for herd use

“1.5 inches is the sweet spot for most horses. It slows them down enough to matter, but not so much that they get frustrated.” — Texas Hay Net

Seniors & Horses with Dental Issues

The Challenge: Older horses or those with dental problems struggle to grab hay through small openings.

Key Considerations:

• ✅ Gentler on teeth and gums
• ✅ Still reduces waste compared to ground feeding
• ✅ Allows for natural eating posture
• ⚠️ Less slowing effect (prioritize comfort over restriction)

Hard Keepers (Underweight Horses)

The Challenge: These horses need to eat MORE, not less. But you still want to reduce waste and extend feeding time.

Key Considerations:

• ✅ Reduces hay waste dramatically
• ✅ Extends eating time without limiting intake
• ✅ No frustration risk
• ⚠️ Pair with high-calorie hay for weight gain

Young Horses / Horses New to Slow Feeders

The Challenge: These horses have never used a hay net before. Small holes can cause confusion and frustration.

Transition Protocol:

1. Week 1-2: Start with 2” holes (or offer loose hay alongside net)
2. Week 3-4: Move to 1.75” if adaptation is smooth
3. Week 5+: Consider 1.5” if further slowing is needed

Aggressive Eaters / Net Destroyers

The Challenge: Your horse destroys nets with smaller holes due to frustration.

Additional Strategy:

• Double-secure the net (anchor top AND bottom)
• Consider container-style feeders if nets keep failing
• See our Aggressive Eater Solutions Guide for complete solutions

Minis, Ponies & Donkeys

The Challenge: Smaller equines often need more restriction than full-sized horses, as they’re commonly prone to obesity and metabolic issues.

Key Considerations:

• ✅ Smaller holes match smaller mouths
• ✅ Important for weight management
• ⚠️ Ensure they can still extract hay—test with your specific hay type

Hole Size by Hay Type

Your hay’s characteristics significantly impact which hole size works best:

Pro Tip: If your hay is coarse or stalky, go ONE size larger than you would for fine hay. Coarse hay stuck in small holes = frustrated horse.

The Frustration Factor

Signs Your Hole Size Is Too Small

Watch for these frustration behaviors, identified in research (Bordin et al., KER):

The Adaptation Period

Important: Even correctly-sized nets require an adjustment period. Most horses show mild frustration for 3-7 days before adapting.

When to worry:

• Frustration behaviors persist beyond 2 weeks
• Horse loses weight (not eating enough)
• Horse refuses to eat from net entirely
• Net is being destroyed

Solution: Move up one hole size and try again in 2-4 weeks.

The Double-Netting Technique

For horses that need EXTREME slowing (severe metabolic issues, laminitis risk), some owners use double-netting:

How It Works

1. Place hay in a small-hole net (e.g., 1.25”)
2. Place that net inside a second small-hole net
3. The overlapping mesh creates even smaller effective openings

When to Use

Caution

“A study found some horses unable to finish their ration in several hours with double-netting. Monitor carefully to ensure adequate intake.” — KER

Do NOT double-net:

• Hard keepers
• Seniors
• Horses new to slow feeders
• Aggressive eaters

Hole Size Selection Flowchart

Use this decision tree to find your ideal size:

START HERE
    ↓
Is horse new to slow feeders?
    YES → Start with 2" (adjust down later)
    NO ↓
    
Is horse an easy keeper/metabolic?
    YES → 1" - 1.25" (if experienced with nets)
    NO ↓
    
Is horse a senior or has dental issues?
    YES → 2" or larger
    NO ↓
    
Is horse a hard keeper/underweight?
    YES → 2" (priority: access, not restriction)
    NO ↓
    
Is horse an aggressive eater/net destroyer?
    YES → 1.75" - 2" (reduce frustration first)
    NO ↓
    
Default recommendation: 
    → 1.5" (industry standard, most versatile)

Common Mistakes

Hole Size by Brand

Different brands may measure holes slightly differently. Here’s a cross-reference:

Warning: Cheap Amazon nets may have inconsistent hole sizes or stretch over time. Always verify actual opening size upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same hole size for all my horses?

Possibly, if they have similar body conditions and eating styles. However, a mixed herd typically benefits from:

• Smaller holes for easy keepers
• Larger holes for seniors/hard keepers
• Color-coding nets by size for easy identification

What if my horse won’t eat from ANY size net?

Some horses genuinely struggle with nets. Consider:

1. Container-style feeders (OptiMizer, Porta-Grazer)
2. Ground-level slow feeders with grate covers
3. Multiple small loose piles instead of nets

Do knotted vs. knotless nets matter for hole size?

Effective opening size can differ:

• Knotted nets: Knots take up space, slightly reducing effective opening
• Knotless nets: Full stated opening, but may stretch over time

When in doubt, measure the actual opening with a ruler after purchase.

Will smaller holes damage my horse’s teeth?

Research is ongoing. Current findings suggest:

• No significant dental damage documented in peer-reviewed studies
• Knotless, soft-material nets are gentler
• Natural grazing involves similar “tearing” motions
• If concerned, choose 1.5”+ and softer materials

Does hole size affect how I should hang the net?

Not directly, but smaller holes = more frustration if the net swings. All sizes should be double-anchored for stability.

Summary: Your Quick Selection Guide

When in doubt, start with 1.5” (4cm). It’s the most versatile size and works for the majority of horses. You can always adjust down to smaller holes once your horse adapts.

Related Articles

• aggressive eater solutions - Use behavior-focused fixes when size change alone is not enough.
• safe feeder placement guide - Placement can matter as much as mesh size for safety outcomes.
• 30-question slow feeder FAQ - Cross-check edge cases and uncommon sizing questions.
• which slow feeder should you buy - Map hole-size decisions to actual product choices.

Sources

• Kentucky Equine Research. (2024). Slow-Feeding Devices and Hay Net Openings. ker.com
• Bordin et al. (2024). Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices in horses.
• Texas Hay Net. (2024). Net Size Selection Guide. texashaynet.com
• Gutzbusta. (2024). Choosing the Right Hole Size. gutzbusta.com.au
• NagBags Canada. (2024). Size Guide. nagbags.ca
• The Horse. (2024). Slow Feeders: What Size is Right?. thehorse.com
• Hayburners Equine. (2024). Mesh Size Comparison. hayburnersequine.com

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace veterinary or nutritional advice. Always consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for horses with specific health conditions.