Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Target Keywords: slow feeder for horses, best slow feeder hay net for horses, horse slow feeder, slow feed hay feeders for horses, are slow feed hay nets good for horses
Quick Summary
Looking for the best slow feeder for horses that actually works? The OptiMizer Hay Feeder from Canada promises less than 1% hay waste, natural ground-level feeding, and a lifetime warranty on the manger. But at roughly $495-$1,095 USD (model and dealer dependent), is it worth the investment over cheap hay nets?
In this comprehensive OptiMizer Hay Feeder review, we’ll cover everything you need to know: brand story, product specs, how it compares to budget alternatives, real user feedback, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy it.
Bottom Line: If you’re serious about horse welfare and long-term savings, the OptiMizer is one of the best slow feed hay feeders for horses on the market—but it’s not for everyone.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- What is the OptiMizer Hay Feeder?
- Why Use a Slow Feeder for Horses? (The Science)
- OptiMizer Hay Feeder Specifications
- OptiMizer vs Cheap Hay Nets: Key Differences
- Are Slow Feed Hay Nets Good for Horses?
- Real User Reviews & Testimonials
- How to Choose a Slow Feed Net for Your Horse
- Should I Use a Slow Feeder in My Horse’s Stall?
- DIY Slow Feeder Options vs OptiMizer
- Who Should Buy the OptiMizer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
- Related Articles
What is the OptiMizer Hay Feeder?
The OptiMizer Hay Feeder is a premium slow feeder for horses designed and manufactured in North America by Wishing Well Services Ltd., a Canadian company founded by Sue Wilson in 2009.
Brand Story
The company name “Wishing Well” comes from founder Sue Wilson’s childhood wish at a wishing well in Toronto’s Edwards Gardens: “I wish for a million horses.” Years later, she turned that dream into a mission: “I truly wish that all horses will receive optimal care.”
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Sue Wilson starts horse stable sitting service, observing 30+ farms |
| 2018 | Partners with original OptiMizer designer to develop slow-feed version |
| 2019 | Paddock OptiMizer launches at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair |
| 2023 | OptiMizer InStall (stall version) released |
| 2025 | Nuzzle grazing muzzle system enters market |
Key Fact: OptiMizer is completely manufactured in North America (main factory in Newmarket, Ontario; US warehouse in Tonawanda, NY).
Why Use a Slow Feeder for Horses? (The Science)
Before diving into the review, let’s answer a fundamental question: Why use a slow feeder for horses?
Natural Grazing Behavior
Wild horses spend 16-20 hours per day grazing, taking small bites continuously. This isn’t random behavior—it’s essential for their digestive health:
- Horses are hindgut fermenters: They need continuous, small amounts of forage
- Horses produce stomach acid 24/7: Empty stomachs increase gastric ulcer risk
- Horses cannot vomit: Rapid eating increases choke and colic risk
- Horses chew 30,000+ times daily: This produces alkaline saliva to buffer stomach acid
Research-Backed Benefits of Slow Feeding
According to academic research synthesis referenced across this site:
| Benefit | Research Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Extended feeding time | Up to 61% longer | Kentucky Equine Research |
| Reduced hay waste | From 57% to under 6% | The Horse |
| Natural time budget | 50%+ time spent eating (similar to wild horses) | PLoS One Study |
| Reduced ulcer risk | 6-7x higher risk when fed <3 times/day | Journal of Veterinary Behavior |
| Reduced stereotypic behaviors | Cribbing, wood chewing significantly decreased | Kentucky Equine Research |
| Lower aggression in groups | Slow-fed groups showed lowest aggression | PLoS One Study |
OptiMizer Hay Feeder Specifications
The OptiMizer comes in two main versions: Paddock OptiMizer (outdoor) and OptiMizer InStall (stall).
Paddock OptiMizer (Outdoor Version)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4’ × 4’ (1.2m × 1.2m) |
| Weight | ~100 lbs (45kg) empty |
| Capacity | 2 small square bales or up to 250 lbs of hay |
| Manger Material | Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) – playground-grade plastic |
| Hardware | Stainless steel net assembly and fasteners |
| Net Material | OptiNet – knotless, thick netting gentle on lips, gums, and teeth |
| Drainage | 13 drainage holes at bottom |
| Safety | All corners rounded to 1” diameter or chamfered |
| Operation | One-hand slide arm, side-locking (horse-proof) |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty (manger + stainless steel components) |
| Typical Price (USD) | $995-$1,095 (varies by dealer/region) |
Height Options
| Model | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 34” | Most horses, ponies, donkeys 13+ hands |
| Mini | 27” | Smaller horses, lower head position |
| MicroMini | 22” | Mini horses (~8 hands) |
OptiNet Hole Size Options
| Net Type | Hole Size | Best For | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.6” | 90%+ of horses | Included |
| Small | 1.25” | Easy keepers, minis, high-energy hay | +$50 |
| Large | 2.5” | Hard keepers, senior horses, dental issues | +$50 |
| UltraNet “Shark Net” | 1.75”→1.25” | Aggressive chewers | +$99 |
UltraNet Specs: Made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, 15x stronger than steel, expected lifespan 3-4 years.
OptiMizer InStall (Stall Version)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 29” × 29” × 22” |
| Weight | ~25-33 lbs |
| Capacity | Up to 25 lbs hay (50 lbs with compact bales) |
| Installation | Wall-mounted in stall corner, shelter, or fence line |
| Special Feature | Can be plugged for hay soaking |
| Typical Price (USD) | $495-$545 (varies by dealer/region) |
Manufacturer Data: InStall version tested in 18 stalls for 10,000+ hours with 5-star ratings; saves 11% more hay than traditional hay nets.
OptiMizer vs Cheap Hay Nets: Key Differences
This is the million-dollar question: Why spend $1,000+ on OptiMizer when hay nets cost $20-50?
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | OptiMizer | Cheap Hay Nets |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $495-$1,095 USD (model-dependent) | $10-50 USD |
| Eating Position | ✅ Head-down, natural | ❌ Usually elevated, strained neck |
| Hay Waste | ✅ <1% (verified) | ⚠️ Better than ground, but still scattered |
| Frustration Behaviors | ✅ Lower | ❌ Pawing, yanking, ear pinning reported |
| Safety | ✅ Rounded corners, no entanglement | ❌ Shod horses can get caught |
| Dental Health | ✅ Knotless net, gentle | ⚠️ Constant tugging may cause wear |
| Durability | ✅ Lifetime warranty (manger) | ❌ Frays, stretches, breaks |
| Filling Time | ✅ <1 minute, one-hand operation | ❌ Manual filling and tying |
| Dust | ✅ Minimal | ❌ Tugging releases particles |
| Capacity | ✅ 250 lbs, refill every 1-2 days | ⚠️ Limited, frequent refilling |
The Problem with Cheap Hay Nets
Based on research and user feedback, cheap hay nets have several issues:
1. Unnatural Eating Position
Hay nets hung at head height or above force horses to eat in an elevated position:
- Neck and back muscle strain
- Impaired nasal drainage → increased respiratory infection risk
- May aggravate asthma conditions
Research Finding: Ponies eating from hay nets showed more backward ear positions (frustration indicator) compared to ground feeding. [Source: Kentucky Equine Research]
2. Safety Hazards
- Shod horses can get hooves caught in netting
- Horses wearing halters or blankets at higher risk
- Some horses ingest netting pieces
Survey Data: 60% of horses using slow feeders are barefoot, compared to only 27% of general horse population—suggesting shod horses face higher risk with net-style feeders. [Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 1,283 respondents]
3. Durability Issues
Amazon reviews frequently report:
- “Tore after just 2 weeks”
- “Seams came apart quickly”
- “Drawstring broke after a month”
The OptiMizer Premium Justification
Why does OptiMizer cost 10-20x more than cheap hay nets?
- Material Quality: LLDPE playground-grade plastic + stainless steel (not cheap nylon)
- R&D Investment: 10+ years of real-world testing since 2009
- Lifetime Warranty: Manger and stainless steel components covered
- North American Made: Traceable quality, reliable warranty service
- Customization: 3 height options, 4 net sizes for different horses
ROI Calculation
| Scenario | Daily Hay Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Feeding (50% waste) | 20 lbs × $0.10 = $2.00 | $730 |
| OptiMizer (<1% waste) | 10 lbs × $0.10 = $1.00 | $365 |
| Annual Savings | $365 | |
| Payback Period | ~2.5-3 years |
If you plan to keep horses for 5+ years, OptiMizer pays for itself.
Are Slow Feed Hay Nets Good for Horses?
This is one of the most searched questions about slow feeders. The answer: It depends on the design.
Benefits of Slow Feeding (Any Method)
✅ Extended feeding time mimics natural grazing ✅ Reduced hay waste compared to ground feeding ✅ Lower risk of gastric ulcers (stomach stays full) ✅ Reduced boredom and stereotypic behaviors ✅ Better weight management
Concerns with Cheap Hay Nets
❌ Elevated feeding position strains neck/back ❌ Frustration behaviors (pawing, yanking) ❌ Entanglement risk for shod horses ❌ Potential dental wear from constant tugging ❌ Poor durability requiring frequent replacement
What Makes a GOOD Slow Feeder?
According to research and expert recommendations:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ground-level feeding | Allows natural head-down position |
| Knotless netting | Gentle on teeth and gums |
| Appropriate hole size | 1.25”-1.6” for most horses; larger for seniors |
| Stable construction | Reduces frustration from moving targets |
| Easy filling | Saves owner time, ensures consistent use |
The OptiMizer checks all these boxes, which is why it’s considered one of the best slow feed hay feeders for horses.
Real User Reviews & Testimonials
Official User Survey Results
According to a survey published on therider.com:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Users rating OptiMizer “better/much better” than previous feeding | 100% |
| Users rating durability “excellent/very good” | 100% |
User Testimonials
On Waste Reduction: “We measured 1,115 lbs of hay and only wasted 6 lbs—less than 1%. Ground feeding used to waste at least half.” — Wishing Well official testing
On Horse Behavior: “My horse used to pace and crib waiting for meals. Now she has hay 24/7 and is calm and content every morning.” — YouTube reviewer
On Convenience: “Takes less than a minute to fill, and I only do it every 1-2 days. So much easier than stuffing hay nets daily.” — Customer feedback
Potential Drawbacks (Honest Assessment)
- High upfront cost – Not everyone can afford $995+ USD
- Heavy – 100 lbs is difficult to move frequently
- Net replacement cost – roughly $69-189 (dealer/currency dependent) every 3-4 years
- Shipping – Paddock version requires commercial freight delivery
How to Choose a Slow Feed Net for Your Horse
Choosing the right slow feeder depends on your horse’s needs, your budget, and your setup.
Decision Framework
| Your Situation | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Multiple horses outdoors | Paddock OptiMizer (2-4 horses per unit) |
| Single horse in stall | OptiMizer InStall ($495-$545) |
| Budget limited | High-quality hay nets (Hay Chix, Hay Pillow) |
| Easy keeper needing weight control | OptiMizer with Small (1.25”) net |
| Senior horse with dental issues | OptiMizer with Large (2.5”) net |
| Aggressive chewer | OptiMizer with UltraNet (+$99) |
| Mini horses | OptiMizer MicroMini (22” height) |
Net Hole Size Guide
| Hole Size | Best For | Intake Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.25” (Small) | Easy keepers, high-energy hay, minis | Slowest |
| 1.6” (Standard) | 90% of horses | Moderate |
| 2.5” (Large) | Hard keepers, seniors, dental issues | Fastest |
Should I Use a Slow Feeder in My Horse’s Stall?
Short answer: Yes, if you want to replicate natural grazing behavior indoors.
The OptiMizer InStall is specifically designed for this purpose, marketed as “pasture in a box”.
Benefits of Stall Slow Feeders
- Horses can eat throughout the night instead of finishing quickly
- Reduced digestive issues from long empty-stomach periods
- Less boredom and stable vices (cribbing, weaving)
- Cleaner stalls (hay stays contained)
InStall vs Hay Nets in Stalls
| Factor | OptiMizer InStall | Hanging Hay Net |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding position | Ground-level | Elevated |
| Filling ease | Easy, quick | Time-consuming |
| Safety | Rounded, wall-mounted | Entanglement possible |
| Capacity | 25-50 lbs | Usually 5-15 lbs |
| Price | $495-$545 USD (typical) | $20-100 |
DIY Slow Feeder Options vs OptiMizer
Can you build a slow feeder for horses yourself to save money? Absolutely. Here are popular DIY options:
Popular DIY Slow Feeder Ideas
| DIY Method | Materials | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55-gallon drum + hay net | Plastic drum, hay net | $50-100 | Cheap, easy | Less durable, rough edges |
| Rubbermaid trough + Hay Chix net | 50-gal trough, quality net | $100-200 | Decent quality | Still requires net management |
| Feed pan with rocks (for grain) | Feed pan, large rocks | $20 | Super cheap | Only works for grain |
DIY vs OptiMizer Comparison
| Factor | DIY | OptiMizer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50-200 | $495-1,095 |
| Build time | 1-3 hours | None (arrives assembled) |
| Durability | Variable | Lifetime warranty |
| Safety | Depends on execution | Engineered safety features |
| Aesthetics | Rustic | Professional |
| Resale value | Low | Maintains value |
Verdict: DIY is great for testing whether slow feeding works for your horse. If you’re committed long-term, OptiMizer is worth the investment.
Who Should Buy the OptiMizer?
✅ OptiMizer Is BEST For:
| User Profile | Why |
|---|---|
| Multiple horse owners | 2-4 horses per unit, reduces aggression |
| Easy keeper owners | 1.25” net controls intake effectively |
| Horses with ulcer history | 24/7 hay access protects stomach |
| Long-term horse owners | ROI achieved in 2.5-3 years |
| Fixed-location farms | Heavy unit best for permanent setup |
| Welfare-focused owners | Natural position, less frustration |
| Tired of daily hay net filling | Refill every 1-2 days only |
❌ OptiMizer May NOT Be Right For:
| User Profile | Why |
|---|---|
| Tight budget | $495-1,095 upfront is significant |
| Need frequent relocation | 100 lbs is hard to move |
| Single stall-kept horse | InStall at $495-$545 may be more practical |
| Renting/temporary boarding | Long-term ROI not realized |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the OptiMizer net damage my horse’s teeth?
No. OptiNet is a knotless, thick netting specifically designed to be gentle on lips, gums, and teeth. Unlike knotted nets, OptiNet doesn’t create hard pressure points. Recent studies cited by UConn Extension show hay net feeders don’t negatively impact dental health.
Can multiple horses share one OptiMizer?
Yes. The Paddock OptiMizer is designed for 2-4 horses to eat simultaneously. Research shows slow-fed groups exhibit the lowest aggression levels compared to traditional or portioned feeding.
How often do I need to replace the net?
OptiNet has an expected lifespan of 3-4 years. Replacement kits are often listed around $69-189 (currency/region dependent) depending on model and net type. For aggressive chewers, UltraNet ($99 upgrade) lasts longer.
What about rain and snow?
The Paddock OptiMizer has 13 drainage holes at the bottom. For extreme weather, consider placing under shelter or using a cover. The InStall version is designed for covered environments.
Can I use OptiMizer for round bales?
No. Paddock OptiMizer holds 2 small square bales or up to 250 lbs and isn’t designed for full round bales. For round bales, consider dedicated round bale nets or feeders.
What’s the return policy?
Unused OptiMizers can be returned, but shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Given the 100 lb weight, this can be expensive—research thoroughly before purchasing.
Where can I buy OptiMizer?
| Retailer | Location |
|---|---|
| Official Website (wishingwell-ltd.com) | US/Canada |
| RAMM Horse Fencing | US |
| System Equine | Canada-wide |
| Local dealers | 50+ locations for pickup |
Final Verdict
The Bottom Line
The OptiMizer Hay Feeder is a premium slow feeder for horses that delivers on its promises:
✅ Less than 1% hay waste (verified) ✅ Natural ground-level feeding position ✅ Durable construction with lifetime warranty ✅ Designed for 2-4 horses per unit ✅ Quick, one-hand filling
The main barrier is price—at roughly $995-$1,095 USD for the Paddock version, it’s 10-20x more expensive than cheap hay nets.
Who Should Buy It?
Buy OptiMizer if:
- You’re keeping horses for 3+ years (ROI breakeven)
- You manage multiple horses
- Your horse has weight or ulcer issues
- You value convenience over daily hay net management
- You want a “buy once, use forever” solution
Consider alternatives if:
- Budget is under $500 USD
- You need portable solutions
- You’re testing slow feeding for the first time
Our Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Horse Welfare | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | 4.75/5 |
Related Articles
- 2026 slow feeder comparison guide - Place this review in the broader market comparison context.
- research-backed slow feeding evidence - Verify whether claimed benefits align with published evidence.
- hay net hole size guide - Check if the feeder opening profile fits your horse’s needs.
- slow feeder troubleshooting guide - Use this if setup outcomes differ from expected performance.