To hang a hay net safely, tie it to a strong, fixed ring with a quick-release knot or clip, keep the bottom high enough that a hoof can't reach it even when the net is empty, and don't hang it above your horse's head. Penn State Extension suggests hanging the bottom at wither height.
Learning how to tie or hang a hay net safely takes more than securing a full bag to the nearest fence rail. The attachment point, hanging height, knot or clip, net design, and your horse's shoes and habits all affect the setup. A thoughtful installation can slow eating, keep hay cleaner and reduce waste without creating an avoidable entanglement hazard. You can compare the nets and bags we carry in our Slow Feed Hay Nets & Bags collection.
This guide covers a practical way to hang a hay net in a stall, shelter, trailer or turnout area. It is general horse-care information, not veterinary advice or manufacturer-specific instruction. Always follow the net maker's directions, consider your horse's individual health and behavior, and ask your veterinarian or a qualified equine professional about special feeding or mobility concerns.
Quick Answer: How Should You Hang a Hay Net?
Key takeaway: Choose a sturdy attachment point, keep the net off the ground and clear of corners or hardware, secure the top so it can't open, and place the lowest part where your horse can't put a hoof or shoe into the net. Check the height while the net is full and again as it empties.
There is no single measurement that suits every horse, and the sources disagree a little. Penn State Extension's horse stall design guidance says hay nets should be used with extreme caution because a horse's leg can become caught, and recommends hanging the bottom of the net at wither height: too high sends dust into the horse's eyes and nostrils, and too low risks tangling. A separate Penn State Extension article on hay feeders notes that hanging nets at or below head level better mimics a natural eating posture, and cautions against tying nets above the horse's head. Taken together, aim for a net whose lowest point stays well clear of the feet, without hanging it above your horse's head.
Watch your horse eat before leaving the setup unattended. If the horse struggles to reach the hay, pulls the net down, paws at it, catches a blanket or halter, or shows unusual frustration, stop and adjust. A net that is technically tied but unsafe for that individual horse is not a safe installation.
What Equipment Do You Need Before Hanging a Hay Net?
Gather the net, the hay ration and a secure attachment method before you fill the bag. A simple setup may include a designated tie ring, a heavy-duty quick-release snap and the net's own top rope. Avoid improvised attachment points that can bend, splinter, loosen or leave sharp edges.
- A sound hay net: Look for intact mesh, strong seams, secure rings, and no stretched openings or broken strands.
- A fixed attachment point: Use a purpose-installed stall ring, sturdy fence post, trailer tie point or another anchor suited to the location. Don't tie to a gate latch, loose board or movable object. Penn State Extension's stall guidance says the wall behind a tie ring must withstand a horse's pulling, and that fasteners should be smooth on both sides.
- A safe connector: A suitable quick-release snap can make removal easier, but it must suit the net and the anchor. Keep the release mechanism away from places where a horse can rub or catch tack.
- Appropriate hay: Fill the net with the amount it's designed for. Makers give approximate capacities; Shires, for example, lists its Haylage Net at about 4, 6.5 and 9.5 kg for its three sizes and says the figures are only a guide to the differences between sizes. An overfilled net is heavy, distorts its openings and pulls harder on the anchor.
- A way to inspect the setup: Keep a flashlight, a spare connector and a replacement net on hand, so a damaged net doesn't stay in service.
If the net is new, read its instructions before tying it. Designs vary: some are made for a particular bale size, some include special closures or attachment straps, and many product pages give no hanging instructions at all. If yours doesn't, ask the maker. General guidance should never override a product's own safety instructions.
How Do You Tie a Hay Net Safely?
The safest method is one that keeps the filled net closed, stops the rope from slipping through the rings, and can still be released by an adult in an emergency. Don't leave long loose rope tails where a horse could catch a leg, shoe, blanket, halter or muzzle.
- Inspect the net before filling it. Check the mesh, top rings, seams, rope and connector. Remove any net with a broken strand, sharp hardware or an opening that has stretched beyond its intended size.
- Fill it on the ground in a clear area. Put the hay in without standing where a horse could crowd you. Keep the top opening gathered as the net fills so the hay stays contained.
- Close the top completely. Gather the rings or closure according to the design. If the net uses a drawstring, pull it snug without forcing the rings apart.
- Secure the closure. Tie the rope using the maker's recommended method or attach it to a suitable connector. A quick-release method is preferable where the location and hardware allow it. Avoid a knot that can tighten into a permanent jam.
- Attach the net to the fixed anchor. Clip or tie the closed top to the tie ring. The anchor should carry the load without flexing or pulling out of the wall, post or fence.
- Manage the rope tail. Keep excess rope short, secured and out of the horse's reach. Never leave a long loop hanging below the net.
- Test the connection by hand. Give a firm downward and sideways pull before the horse comes in. The net shouldn't open, slide or swing into a wall or corner.
Never tie the net directly to a horse. Don't place a filled net where a horse can push it under a feeder, catch it on a latch or drag it into a corner. If you use a snap, make sure its gate is fully closed and can't be opened by rubbing against the anchor.
Use a fixed anchor and a secure, manageable attachment method. Keep loose rope out of the horse's reach.
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Where Is the Safest Height for a Hay Net?
Quick summary: Hang the net high enough that the lowest part and any loose loops stay away from the hooves, but not above the horse's head. Check the height with the net full, then again when it's nearly empty.
Height is one of the most important parts of a safe setup, and you can't judge it from the empty bag alone. A full net hangs differently from an empty one, and as it empties it can swing, twist or expose loops that weren't obvious at feeding time. Consider your horse's height, posture, shoes and blankets, and whether it can reach the hay without strain.
Penn State Extension's stall design guidance gives a useful reference point: hang the bottom of the net at wither height. Its reasoning covers both risks. A net hung too high sends dust into the horse's eyes and nostrils, and a net hung too low risks tangling. Penn State's article on hay feeders adds that tying nets above the horse's head, for example in a stall or trailer, creates an unnatural feeding posture. Use these as starting points, follow the net maker's instructions, and adjust based on what you see. The bottom should never rest on the ground or hang low enough for a hoof to enter the mesh.
- The horse should be able to pull hay without repeatedly reaching sharply upward.
- The net should stay clear of the horse's feet when full and when nearly empty.
- The bag shouldn't swing into a wall, bucket, feeder, gate or corner.
- Blanket straps, halters and other equipment shouldn't be able to catch on the net or rope.
- There should be room for the horse to step away without being trapped between the net and a wall.
Horses with dental, neck, back, respiratory, mobility or hoof concerns may need a different feeding arrangement. Ask your veterinarian whether a suspended net is appropriate. Penn State's hay feeder article also advises choosing feeders that don't put a horse's teeth in contact with metal grating, and a soft mesh if you use a slow feeder. If your horse wears shoes, take extra care to keep every part of the net and its loops above hoof level; Penn State notes the risk of legs or shoes getting caught in a net.
How Should a Hay Net Be Used in a Stall?
A stall is a controlled environment, but walls, corners, buckets, doors and bedding can create snag points. Choose an anchor on a strong wall or approved tie area, not on a removable partition or weak board. Keep the net away from the stall door so the horse can't pin it against the opening or catch it while coming in. Penn State's stall guidance recommends keeping stall interiors, including hardware, smooth, sturdy and free of projections.
Before turning the horse loose, remove nearby items that could interact with the net. A hanging bucket, hay rack, blanket bar or exposed hook can catch a rope or mesh. Look at the setup from the horse's eye level, then from the floor, because a safe-looking attachment can expose a loop as the net drops.
Introduce a new net when you can watch. Some horses understand it right away, while others paw, toss or pull at the bag. University of Minnesota Extension research found that horses usually take four to five feedings to adjust to eating from small- and medium-holed nets. Start with an opening size your horse can manage rather than the most restrictive net available, and make changes gradually.
Don't assume a stall makes a low net safe. A shod horse can still catch a shoe in loose mesh, especially while rolling or pawing. If the net becomes wet, damaged or soiled with bedding or manure, remove it and replace or clean it according to the maker's instructions.
What Changes When You Hang a Hay Net for Turnout?
Turnout adds wind, rain, mud, gates, fencing, other horses and more room for a net to swing or be dragged. Choose a location that keeps the hay protected while preventing the bag from touching wire, sharp posts, electric-fence hardware or a moving gate. A shelter or designated feeding station can give you better control than an exposed fence line.
In group turnout, consider whether one horse can guard the net or pull it away from another. Each horse may need its own feeding point with enough spacing to prevent crowding. Don't place a net where horses can become trapped between the bag and a fence, or where one horse can pull another's net down.
Outdoor hardware should suit the weather and be checked for rust, sharp edges and loose fasteners. Wind can turn a secure net into a moving object, and rain adds weight. Recheck the anchor after bad weather, and remove the net if conditions make the location unpredictable.
Some horses can safely use hay nets in turnout, while others need a different feeder or closer supervision. Watch the actual horse in the actual pasture. If the horse has a history of pawing, pulling, guarding food or getting caught in equipment, ask a qualified professional to help plan the feeding arrangement.
How Often Should You Inspect a Hay Net?
Key takeaway: Inspect the net before every use and give it a closer check regularly. Replace a net when damage, stretched openings, sharp hardware or an unreliable closure creates a risk you can't safely fix.
A hay net is feeding equipment, not a set-and-forget fixture. Check it before filling, after the horse has eaten, and after anything unusual, such as a pulled anchor, a storm, an entanglement or hard tugging.
- Look for broken strands, frayed rope, torn seams and stretched or enlarged openings.
- Check every ring, snap, buckle and tie point for sharp edges, cracks, bending or corrosion.
- Confirm the anchor hasn't loosened from the wall, post, fence or trailer.
- Make sure the net still hangs at the intended height when full and nearly empty.
- Check for manure, urine, mud, mold or wet hay, and clean or replace the net as needed.
- Watch for new behavior, including pawing, pulling, rubbing, head tossing or refusing to eat.
Keep a damaged net out of service until it's repaired by a method the maker approves, if repair is possible at all. Tying a temporary patch over a weak area can create smaller loops or a new snag point. When in doubt, replace the net.
What Safety Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Most hay-net problems come from a mismatch between the net, the horse and the location. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Hanging the net too low: A hoof, shoe, blanket clasp or leg can enter the mesh or catch a loose loop. Penn State Extension warns that a net hung too low risks tangling.
- Hanging it too high: Penn State notes that a net hung too high sends dust into the horse's eyes and nostrils, and that nets tied above the head create an unnatural feeding posture.
- Using a weak anchor: A loose board, gate latch or light hook may fail under the weight of wet hay and a pulling horse.
- Leaving long rope tails: Loose rope can catch on a leg, shoe, halter or stall hardware.
- Starting with an overly restrictive opening: A frustrated horse may paw or pull hard at the net. University of Minnesota Extension notes that small and medium nets aren't practical for all horses.
- Skipping observation: A setup that seems safe while empty may become unsafe once it's full, partly empty, wet or moved by wind.
- Ignoring the maker's instructions: Designs and intended uses differ, especially for bale nets, trailer nets and outdoor feeders.
If an incident happens, remove the horse from the area only when it's safe to do so, deal with any immediate injury, and contact your veterinarian when needed. Don't resume use until you understand what caused the entanglement or failure.
How Do You Choose the Right Hay Net for Safe Feeding?
Safe hanging starts with a net that suits your horse and your feeding routine. Consider the opening size, capacity, material, closure and location, and whether the net is meant for a stall, pasture, trailer or bale. A durable net with a manageable opening is more useful than a restrictive design your horse can't use calmly.
Opening size makes a measurable difference. In University of Minnesota Extension research, adult horses fed in box stalls ate more slowly from medium-holed (1.75-inch) and small-holed (1-inch) nets than from a large-holed net or hay on the ground, and took longer to finish a meal. The researchers also note these nets aren't practical for all horses. If your horse is new to hay nets, a moderate opening can make the change easier; once the horse eats calmly, you can talk with your vet about whether a smaller opening suits your feeding goals. A slow feeder doesn't replace a balanced ration or professional nutrition advice.
A few of the nets we carry, described from their makers' pages:
- Shires Premium Haynet Slow Feeder: Shires' Haylage Net, with 5 cm (2 inch) mesh holes for hay or haylage, in 76, 102 and 127 cm lengths. Shires says the fine mesh makes hay last longer with less waste on the stable floor.
- Shires Greedy Feeder Net: a nylon net with 3 cm (1.25 inch) mesh, in 30, 39 and 47 inch lengths, for horses that need a smaller opening.
- Professional's Choice Slow Feed Hay Net: a net with 1-inch holes, 28 by 13 inches before it's filled, with a 39-inch heavy-duty rope for hanging.
None of these makers' product pages give hanging instructions, so use the guidance above, check the packaging, and ask the maker if you're unsure. Then follow each product's directions for filling, closing, cleaning and inspection.
How to Hang a Hay Net Safely: Final Checklist
Before you leave your horse with a suspended hay net, confirm each item below:
- The net is intact, clean and appropriate for the horse and location.
- The hay amount fits the net without overloading its seams, rings or anchor.
- The top is fully closed and the knot, snap or connector is secure.
- The attachment point is strong, stable and free from sharp edges.
- Loose rope and hardware are short, controlled and out of the horse's reach.
- The lowest part of the net stays well above hoof level when full and nearly empty.
- The net isn't above the horse's head, and the horse can eat without pulling it into a hazard.
- Nearby gates, buckets, blankets, hooks, fencing and corners can't catch the net.
- You've watched the horse use this setup and know how to remove it quickly.
A safe hay-net routine is built through observation. Check the setup, watch the horse, and adjust the height or location when conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a hay net be off the ground?
Penn State Extension's stall design guidance suggests hanging the bottom of the net at wither height, because too high sends dust into the eyes and nostrils and too low risks tangling. Check that the bottom stays well above hoof level when the net is nearly empty, avoid hanging it above the horse's head, and follow the net maker's instructions.
Can a horse wear shoes while eating from a hay net?
A shod horse may be able to use a hay net, but it needs extra care, since Penn State Extension notes the risk of legs or shoes getting caught. Keep the net and any loops well above hoof level, watch the horse closely, and ask a qualified professional for help if the horse paws, rolls near the net or has a history of entanglement.
What is the safest knot for a hay net?
Use the maker's recommended method, or a quick-release knot or connector that keeps the net closed but can be released by an adult in an emergency. Avoid long rope loops and knots that become impossible to untie under load.
Can you hang a hay net outside in turnout?
You can, if the anchor and location suit the conditions. Protect the net from sharp fencing, moving gates, wind, mud and crowding, and in group turnout give each horse enough space so one can't guard or pull down another's net. Inspect it after storms and remove it if conditions make the setup unpredictable.
