How to Build a Corner Hay Feeder for Horses

The purpose of a mounted hay rack and feeder is to keep your horse from wasting grain and hay by nesting in it or using it as a toilet. It is healthiest to build a corner feeder that is only about 2 feet from the ground, as horses are designed to eat off the ground. By building a low feeder, your horse can eat in a more natural position while keeping hay and grain in one place for cleanliness.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 - 92-1/2" economy grade studs
  • Tape Measure
  • Straight edge ruler
  • Carpentry pencils
  • Skil-Saw
  • Safety glasses
  • 1 box 2-1/2" galvanized nails
  • 1 box 2-1/2" regular nails
  • 1 box 3-1/2" to 4" sinker nails
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • 1 1/4-20, 4-inch or longer wood drill bit
  • 8 - 3" 1/4-20 bolts
  • 8 - 1/4-20 matching nuts
  • 16 - 1/2" 1/4-20 washers
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Instructions

  1. Building a Hay Feeder

    • 1

      Cut studs into the following pieces:
      12 - 24" pieces
      4 - 40" pieces
      4 - 22" pieces
      4 - 14" pieces
      3 - 25" pieces

    • 2

      Reduce wood waste by cutting each stud as:
      #1 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 40" piece; 1 - 24" piece; 1 - 22" piece.
      #2 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 40" piece; 1 - 24" piece; 1 - 22" piece.
      #3 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 40" piece; 1 - 24" piece; 1 - 22" piece.
      #4 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 40" piece; 1 - 24" piece; 1 - 22" piece.
      #5 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 14" piece; 3 - 25" pieces
      #6 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 14" piece; 3 - 24" pieces
      #7 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 14" piece; 3 - 24" pieces
      #8 - 2"x4" Mark and cut: 1 - 14" piece; 2 - 24" pieces

    • 3

      Place two 22" pieces upright on a flat surface. Place one 40" piece on top of the 22" pieces. Nail flush. Repeat.

    • 4

      Drive a 3-4" sinker nail between the nails on each end to create a rigid frame. Repeat, so that you have two separate frames.

    • 5

      Stand up one of the two frames by laying it on the 40" long plane. Hold a 14" piece flush to the top corner where the 40" and 22" join. Drill a hole through the 40" board and the 14" board. Add a washer to a 3" bolt and insert it in the drilled hole, tightening with a nut. Repeat to add the remaining legs.