Review of the Equilibrium PortionPacer Haynets
Cost: £15.99 - £49.99
Are you looking for the best slow feeder hay net?
If you're searching for a reliable slow feeder hay net, you've come to the right place. Professional groom Lani shares her in-depth review of the Equilibrium Portion Pacer Slow and Steady Feeder Nets, a top choice for equestrians looking to improve their horse's feeding routine.
Lani works as the head girl at Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre, a large riding school located in the heart of Wiltshire. The centre also operates as a livery yard and features Horseplay, an expansive arena designed for show jumping, dressage, and cross-country events. This versatile venue regularly hosts a variety of equestrian competitions and activities. Wickstead is home to over 40 horses, so having quality hay nets is essential to their daily routine.
Initial thoughts on the product:
They look and feel more durable than your typical hay net. The string feels very strong and good quality.
Likes:
These heavy duty haynets are perfect for our greedy horses and ponies. There are a few horses on the yard that eat their hay far too quickly and damage their hay nets in the process. The small holes and stronger material means that the hay slowly trickles out and increases the time it takes them to eat. This benefits them as they often spend long duration of time in the stable before riding lessons or in bad weather.
Unlike traditional nets, there are no knots in the string weaving it together and having observed the horses eating from these, they do not grab the net as much which helps avoid damage to the net itself and the horse's teeth. I also really like that thick drawstring cord, which stops it from getting tangled and twisted. This is particularly helpful when you have over 20 nets to fill every day!
Dislikes:
The only dislike is that the opening is not very wide making it difficult to fill the hay net quickly.
What size did you receive, how does it fit and was it true to size?
I have the Steady Feeder Hay Net in large for my 16.2hh horse who is naturally a slow and messy feeder. This has larger holes so does not reduce his intake of hay, but allows him to eat a consistent pace without pulling out huge chunks. This has 6cm holes.
For one of our greedy 14hh ponies on a restricted diet, we use the Slow Feeder Haynet in medium. This net has smaller 3 cm holes, which significantly prolongs feeding time and helps control calorie intake.
Would you recommend the product?
I would definitely recommend the the Equilibrium hay nets to any horse owner looking for a long-lasting, strong hay net. The slow feeder is excellent for horses that eat too quickly and need a managed diet.
Would you continue to use the product?
Yes, I will be ordering more for the other ponies that are on a restricted diet and require a trickle hay net with small holes.
Is the price point fair?
The price varies depending on hat size you require. At £15.99 to £49.99, these hay nets are more expensive than average, but they are worth the investment. Standard haynets often break quickly and need frequent replacement, whereas these are built to last with their strong materials and sturdy construction. Plus with the 3 year guarantee gives added peace of mind.
Overall Impression
A high-quality hay net is essential for reducing forage wastage, especially if your horse is a messy eater prone to mixing hay with their bedding, or a speedy eater that needs to slow down! The variety of sizes allows you to choose the right hay net for your horse’s needs, whether for those on a restricted diet or those requiring more forage to maintain weight.
It’s reassuring to arrive in the morning and find even the greediest ponies with a little hay left in their net, knowing they haven’t been without food for a long time. The Equilibrium PortionPacer Haynets are a worthwhile investment for any stable and ideal for the dietary management of all horses.
