How to Make a Hay Feeder for Miniature Horses

Miniature horses require a miniature hay feeder, otherwise known as a hay net. The

advantages of using a hay net are that the horse eats more slowly and less hay is wasted. The hay net also is handy to take in the horsebox to shows and competitions as it can be tied to the side of the box while your miniature horse is resting. Making your own using only one key material will save you money and allow you to make it custom-sized in miniature.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 feet of string or bailing twine
  • Scissors
  • Matches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the bailing twine or string into 14 equal lengths, each about 1 1/2-feet long, using scissors. Take 12 of the lengths and lay them flat so each of the ends lines up with the other pieces of twine. In one end tie all 12 of the pieces of twine together tightly in a knot about 2 inches from the top.

    • 2

      Divide your twine strands up into sets of two. Measure 4 inches down and tie a knot in each of the pairs of twine until you have six sets of knotted twines hanging down from the top knot.

    • 3

      Make a diamond pattern as you knot the sections for the hay to be pulled through by taking the right hand twine of your first pair of twines and knotting it 4 inches down with the left hand twine of your second pair, repeating and finishing by knotting the right hand twine of the fifth pair with the left hand twine of the first pair. You will have one set of diamonds all the way around your hay net.

    • 4

      Repeat knotting the diamond pattern in rows, splitting the twine pairs all the way down to the bottom of the lengths of twine. Divide into two sets of six twines and tie together on either side in a knotted loop. Fill the open hay net with hay.

    • 5

      Take the last two lengths of twine and thread them both through the two top loops of the hay feeder, pulling the top of the hay feeder together in a noose shape, which will be used to hang the hay feeder. Knot tightly at the top.

    • 6

      Carefully burn the ends of the bailing twine to prevent fraying. They will shrivel up and seal. Do not attempt to burn the ends of string. Instead tie them in a tight knot and twist the ends in your fingers to finish off.

    • 7

      Tie your hay feeder to a metal hook mounted on a wall or in the stable at a height suitable for the miniature horse to reach.