6 Best Hay Racks for Horse Stalls
Optimize small stalls with our top 6 corner hay racks. These space-saving designs fit neatly into tight spaces and significantly reduce costly hay waste.
Every square foot of a small barn or stall feels precious, and watching good hay get trampled into the bedding is like watching money turn to dust. Finding ways to be more efficient with both space and feed isn’t just a "nice to have"—it’s essential for making a hobby farm work. A well-chosen corner hay rack is one of the simplest, most effective upgrades you can make to solve both problems at once.
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Why a Corner Hay Rack Saves Both Space and Hay
Stall corners are often dead zones. They’re awkward to clean and difficult to utilize, but a corner feeder transforms that wasted area into a functional feeding station. This frees up valuable wall and floor space, making the stall feel larger and safer for the animal to move around in.
The real magic, however, is in hay savings. When you feed on the ground, animals will inevitably walk on, sleep on, and soil a significant portion of their hay. Lifting the hay off the floor in a rack keeps it clean, dry, and appealing. This simple change means they eat what you give them instead of turning a third of it into expensive bedding.
Ultimately, this is about efficiency. You’re using your limited space more intelligently while drastically cutting down on feed costs. A good corner rack pays for itself quickly in saved hay and creates a healthier, tidier environment for your animals.
Tough-1 Corner Hay Rack: A Durable Metal Classic
The Tough-1 is exactly what it sounds like: a straightforward, heavy-duty metal rack built to last. Made from steel bars with a classic V-shape, it’s a no-frills design that has been a barn staple for decades for a reason. It bolts securely into the corner and can hold a decent amount of hay.
Its biggest advantage is durability. If you have a horse that likes to lean, push, or scratch on everything, this rack can take the abuse where plastic might crack. The open bar design also provides excellent ventilation for the hay, which helps prevent mold, and it’s incredibly easy to load with a fresh flake.
The main tradeoff is that it’s not a slow feeder. The bars are typically spaced wide enough that an animal can pull out large mouthfuls, sometimes dropping a fair bit onto the floor below. It reduces waste compared to ground feeding, but it won’t slow down a ravenous eater. This is a solid choice for those who prioritize bombproof construction over meticulous hay conservation.
High Country Plastics CH-20: Combo Hay & Grain
This feeder is a clever, all-in-one solution for maximizing a small space. The High Country Plastics CH-20 is a single, molded polyethylene unit that combines a V-shaped hay rack on top with a deep grain trough at the bottom. This design eliminates the need for separate hay and grain feeders, decluttering the stall wall.
The integrated design is its best feature. Any small bits of hay the animal drops from the rack fall directly into the grain basin below, where they can still be eaten. This two-stage containment system is fantastic for minimizing waste. Being made of plastic, it will never rust and is exceptionally easy to wipe or hose clean.
However, plastic isn’t indestructible. A determined chewer or a particularly destructive animal could damage it over time. It also holds slightly less hay than some of the larger metal racks, so you might find yourself refilling it more often for a big horse. It’s an excellent, highly efficient option for most goats, sheep, and moderately-sized horses.
Weaver Leather Slow Feed Bag for Corner Feeding
This isn’t a rigid "rack," but it serves the same purpose with a different approach. The Weaver Leather Slow Feed Bag is a durable webbed bag with small openings, designed to be securely strapped into a corner. Animals have to work to pull small wisps of hay through the holes, forcing them to eat more slowly.
The benefits of slow feeding are huge. It mimics natural grazing, which is better for an animal’s digestion and can prevent issues like colic in horses. It also keeps them occupied, reducing boredom and stall vices. This design is the absolute best for minimizing hay waste, as it’s nearly impossible for an animal to pull out more than a mouthful at a time.
The primary considerations involve filling and security. Stuffing hay into the small top opening can be more cumbersome than tossing it into an open rack. It’s also critical to mount it properly so there are no loose straps or gaps an animal could get a hoof or head caught in. For "easy keepers" on a diet or any animal that bolts its food, this is a top-tier choice for both health and savings.
Little Giant Corner Feeder: A Versatile Choice
The Little Giant Corner Feeder is less of a rack and more of a deep, floor-level manger. Made from tough, thick polyethylene, it’s designed to sit low in a corner, either on the ground or mounted just above it. This design holds hay, grain, minerals, or a salt block with equal ease.
Its main advantage is safety and versatility. With no bars to get a leg or halter caught in, it’s a very safe option, especially for foals or animals with horns like goats. The solid walls do an excellent job of containing hay, and its low position encourages a more natural head-down eating posture.
Because it’s a deep tub, you’ll need to clean it out more regularly than an open-bar rack, as small bits of hay and dust can accumulate at the bottom. While it contains hay well, a playful animal can still learn to sling hay out with its nose. It’s a fantastic, multipurpose feeder for those who prioritize safety or need one feeder to do multiple jobs.
Behlen Country Corner Feeder for Tough Animals
When you need something that can withstand a battering, the Behlen Country feeder is a serious contender. Typically made of heavy-gauge, pre-galvanized steel, this feeder is designed for strength and longevity. It’s built for the kind of abuse that would destroy lesser feeders, making it a favorite for bulls, draft horses, or just plain rowdy livestock.
This is a "buy it once" piece of equipment. The robust metal construction resists bending, breaking, and chewing. It bolts firmly into the corner and provides a secure, contained space for hay that an animal simply cannot push around or demolish. If you’ve had feeders broken before, this is your solution.
That durability comes at a cost, both in price and weight. These feeders are heavier and can be more difficult to install than their plastic counterparts. Like the Tough-1, the bar spacing is generally for containment, not slow feeding. You’re choosing this feeder because your primary concern is unshakeable toughness.
Derby Originals Supreme Feeder with Drain Plug
At first glance, the Derby Originals feeder looks similar to other plastic combo feeders. It’s a durable, one-piece molded unit with a hay rack over a feed trough. But it has one small feature that makes a huge difference for some owners: a drain plug.
That drain plug is a game-changer if you soak or steam hay. For horses with respiratory issues like heaves, feeding wet hay is often necessary to control dust. This feeder allows you to put the soaked hay directly in the rack and let excess water drain out, rather than creating a soupy mess. It also makes cleaning incredibly easy—just spray it with a hose and pull the plug.
This feeder is an ideal choice for anyone managing specific health needs or who simply values convenience and hygiene. Like other plastic models, it’s not the best option for a destructive animal. But for the average horse, goat, or sheep, especially one needing special hay preparation, this feeder’s thoughtful design is a standout.
Choosing the Best Rack for Your Animal and Stall
The perfect corner feeder doesn’t exist—only the perfect feeder for your situation. The right choice depends on a careful balance between your animal’s habits, your stall’s limitations, and your own management priorities. Don’t just buy the most popular one; think about what problems you’re trying to solve.
To find your best fit, consider these scenarios:
- For the Destroyer: If your animal views feeders as a challenge, you need heavy-duty metal. The Behlen Country or Tough-1 are built to withstand abuse.
- For the Fast Eater or Easy Keeper: To improve digestion and reduce waste, a slow-feed design is non-negotiable. The Weaver Leather Slow Feed Bag is the top choice here.
- For Maximum Space-Saving: An all-in-one unit is your best bet. The High Country Plastics or Derby Originals combo feeders handle both hay and grain in one footprint.
- For Safety & Horned Animals: To avoid any risk of entanglement, a manger-style feeder is safest. The Little Giant Corner Feeder is an excellent, versatile option.
- For Soaked Hay or Easy Cleaning: If you’re dealing with wet hay or just hate scrubbing, the drain plug on the Derby Originals Supreme Feeder will make your life much easier.
Before you buy, take a moment to visualize your daily routine. A feeder that’s difficult for you to fill or clean will quickly become a chore. The best solution is one that meets your animal’s needs for health and safety while also fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of your farm life.
Investing in a corner hay rack is a smart move that pays dividends in saved feed, better use of space, and a healthier environment for your animals. By matching the feeder’s design to your specific needs, you can solve a common farm frustration simply and effectively. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
