FAQs

How much does it weigh?

40 kilos including the lid.

What are the measurements?

Please contact us for full dimensions.

Will it be blown away in a strong wind?

We live on the Canterbury Plains where nor'west winds are very common and often exceed 100 km/h. We have tested the Hay Bar during these conditions and it hasn't moved. For added security, there is a hole in the base so you can peg it to the ground if required.

How much hay can I put in it?

Usually between 2 and 3 conventional bales, depending on how tightly packed they are.

Can I use it to feed other animals?

Sheep love eating hay from it. We haven't trialled it with other animals at this stage.

Is it UV resistant?

Yes.

How long will it last?

It has a 10-year warranty on the plastic, but we expect it to last a lot longer than that!

Will my horses fight over it?

We trialled the Hay Bar with a very dominant Shetland pony and his herd of two other ponies. They ate together more harmoniously as there was plenty of hay to go around — he even walked away and left the others to eat on their own when he was full!

How many horses can share the Hay Bar?

It depends on your horses and their size, but we suggest no more than four. We have three ponies sharing one at home and two horses sharing another. How often you need to top it up will depend on what other feed your horses have access to, such as grass and hard feeds.

Can the horses get the lid off?

Unlikely. This hasn't happened in our trials since we added three marine-grade bungees to the lid.

Does the ground get poached around the Hay Bar?

If you leave the Hay Bar in one place for a long period during wet weather, yes, the ground can get poached. Here are some solutions:

1. Put rubber matting around it.
2. Place it in a dedicated spot and gravel or mulch the area.
3. Move the Hay Bar every few days during extended wet weather.

How much hay will I save?

A lot! Feeding hay directly on the ground can result in up to 50% waste. Using a Hay Bar significantly reduces this loss. There will still be a small amount of hay dropped as horses pull it out to eat, but if you're feeding good quality, dry hay, waste should be minimal.

Will the hay get wet in the Hay Bar?

Depending on the direction and intensity of rain, a minimal amount may get wet — but nothing compared to a hay net or feeding on the ground. The lid is domed and fits snugly on top to keep hay protected.

Can the horses reach all the hay?

Yes. The Hay Bar has been designed to maximise reach. There is a minimal amount left at the bottom, usually chaff-like pieces that horses can't easily eat.

Can my horses push it around?

Not easily. We haven't experienced horses moving it, whether full or empty. It would be too heavy to move when full of hay. If this is a concern, you can secure it to the ground with the peg.

How easy is it to move?

Very easy! Just remove the lid and roll it on its side. If you need to move it a greater distance, it fits easily on the back of a ute or trailer.

Will my horse's head get stuck in the holes?

This hasn't happened with any of our horses during trials.

How often do I need to refill it?

It depends on how many horses or ponies are using it and what other feed they have access to. We find it easy to top up once a day.

Where can I buy one?

Currently directly from us in North Canterbury. We may expand to stockists as we grow.

What is it made from?

Recycled PPE plastic.

Where is it manufactured?

At a small, family-owned business based in Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand.