Elim-a-Net Review: A Simple Way to Slow Down Forage Intake

For horses that seem capable of emptying a haynet almost as quickly as you can fill it, finding a practical way to slow forage intake can make a considerable difference. The Elim-a-Net from Parell Products has been designed specifically with slower feeding in mind, using an unusual double-net construction to make horses work a little harder for each mouthful.

Rather than simply making the holes of a conventional haynet smaller, the Elim-a-Net incorporates what is effectively an inner section of netting running across the openings. This creates smaller, irregular-shaped feeding spaces and limits the amount of hay or haylage the horse can pull through at once.

The result is a much slower and more controlled eating experience.

Putting the Elim-a-Net to the test

One of the biggest advantages of the Elim-a-Net is its simplicity. There are no complicated parts or special feeding systems to set up. Fill it in much the same way as an ordinary haynet, secure it correctly and the design does the rest.

For horses that tend to be greedy with their forage, the difference can be noticeable. Instead of being able to grab large mouthfuls of hay, the horse has to pick smaller amounts through the restricted openings.

This makes the net particularly useful for good doers and horses whose forage intake needs careful management, as well as those spending longer periods in the stable. Extending eating time can also help keep a horse occupied for longer, rather than leaving it standing without forage once a conventional haynet has been emptied.

It should, however, be used as part of an appropriate overall feeding and weight-management programme rather than as a substitute for nutritional or veterinary advice where this is needed.

Less hay on the floor

Another benefit we particularly like is the potential reduction in wasted forage.

Anyone who feeds hay outside will know how quickly it can be pulled from a conventional net, dropped onto muddy ground and subsequently trampled into the field. The smaller feeding openings of the Elim-a-Net make it harder for the horse to pull out large quantities in one go.

That makes it a useful option both in the stable and for feeding forage outdoors, particularly during winter when wasted hay can quickly disappear into the mud.

It isn’t just potentially better for the forage bill either. Less discarded hay means less mess to clear up around the stable or feeding area.

Practical design

The Elim-a-Net feels like it has been designed with everyday yard life in mind.

Metal rings positioned around the top make closing the net straightforward, while there is a generous length of tying cord, which is useful when the net is filled more heavily.

The two-tone design also makes it considerably more distinctive than a traditional haynet, adding a little colour to the stable while serving a practical purpose.

It is available in Pony, Cob and Horse sizes, allowing owners to choose a net appropriate to the amount of forage they want to provide rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all design.

What about safety?

As with any haynet, the Elim-a-Net needs to be hung and secured correctly.

The restricted openings may help reduce the opportunity for a hoof to enter the net compared with larger-holed designs, particularly as the amount of forage decreases. However, we wouldn’t regard any haynet as completely risk-free.

Owners should still ensure it is tied at an appropriate height and position for the individual horse, and horses wearing shoes should be considered particularly carefully because of the potential for a shoe to catch in netting.

It’s also worth remembering that very small-holed nets can initially frustrate horses accustomed to eating freely from large-holed haynets. Introducing the Elim-a-Net while the horse still has other appropriate forage available can make the transition easier.

The Everything Horse verdict

The clever thing about the Elim-a-Net is that it addresses a very common problem without making feeding unnecessarily complicated.

For greedy horses, good doers or owners simply looking to extend the time their horse spends eating its forage, the restricted double-net design offers a practical alternative to a conventional haynet.

We particularly like its versatility. It can be used with hay or haylage, comes in three useful sizes and can be used both in the stable and, when appropriately secured, outdoors. The potential reduction in forage waste is another significant advantage, especially for anyone watching increasing feed and forage costs.

It isn’t a magic solution for weight management, and some particularly determined horses may need time to adjust to the smaller openings. Correct hanging and supervision remain important too.

But as a straightforward way of encouraging slower, steadier forage consumption, the Elim-a-Net is a useful piece of kit that could earn its place in plenty of feed rooms.

Best for: Greedy eaters, good doers, extending forage time and reducing waste
Available sizes: Pony, Cob and Horse
Suitable for: Hay and haylage
Our favourite feature: The inner-net design that slows feeding without requiring a complicated feederColours: Blue/black, green/black or red/black

Sizes: Pony, cob or horse

RRP: From £10.99

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