6 Best Stall Feeders For Horses On Stall Rest That Mimic Grazing
Mimic natural grazing for horses on stall rest. Explore our top 6 feeder picks that slow consumption, prevent boredom, and support gut health.
There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your active horse confined to a stall, nursing an injury. The vet prescribes rest, but that quiet time can bring a host of secondary problems, from boredom-induced vices to digestive upset. The key isn’t just what you feed, but how you feed it to keep their mind and body as healthy as possible.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why Mimic Grazing for Horses on Stall Rest?
Horses are designed to be trickle feeders. Their digestive systems work best with a slow, steady intake of forage over many hours, not two or three large meals dumped in a bucket. This constant grazing keeps stomach acid buffered and gut motility regular.
When a horse is on stall rest, this natural rhythm is completely disrupted. Large, infrequent meals can lead to colic, ulcers, and gastric discomfort. A slow feeder that mimics grazing forces them to eat slowly, extending mealtime from 30 minutes to several hours.
Beyond digestion, it’s about mental health. A bored horse is a destructive horse, prone to cribbing, weaving, or stall walking. Making them "work" for their hay engages their mind, reduces stress, and satisfies their natural foraging instincts. A busy horse is a happier, healthier patient.
Porta-Grazer: Top Pick for Natural Head Position
The Porta-Grazer is essentially a large, durable barrel with a grate-like pan that sits on top of the hay. The horse pulls hay through the holes, and the pan drops as the hay is consumed. Its biggest advantage is that it keeps the horse eating in a natural, head-down position.
This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about health. A head-down posture allows the horse’s nasal passages to drain properly, reducing the risk of respiratory issues from dust and debris in the hay. It also ensures the jaw is aligned for correct, even wear on the teeth, just like when grazing in a pasture.
The main tradeoff is its size and weight. It’s incredibly sturdy, which is great, but it can be cumbersome to haul around and clean, especially if it gets wet. However, for a horse on long-term stall rest, the benefits to their respiratory and dental health are hard to overstate.
Haygain Forager: Durable for Determined Eaters
If your horse is the type to dismantle anything you put in their stall, the Haygain Forager deserves a look. This is a robust, standing feeder built to withstand a lot of abuse. It operates with a regulator grid that the horse must pull hay through, slowing down consumption significantly.
The Forager’s design is clever. The entire unit can be taken apart for easy cleaning, and its solid base makes it very difficult for a horse to tip over or push around. This makes it a great option for powerful, food-motivated horses who might destroy less sturdy feeders.
The primary consideration here is the eating position. While it slows them down, the horse eats from a chest-height cylinder, not from the ground. This doesn’t replicate the natural head-down grazing posture. You’re trading that natural position for unmatched durability and safety for a particularly destructive horse.
Savvy Feeder: Best Ground-Level Grazing Mimic
The Savvy Feeder is designed to be the most authentic pasture-in-a-box experience. It’s a low-profile, wide ground feeder with a grate that encourages a fully natural, head-down, grazing posture. This is excellent for spine, neck, and jaw alignment.
Because it’s a ground feeder, it’s simple to fill—just lift the grate and drop in the flakes. It’s also quite safe, with no straps or nets for a horse to get caught in. The slow, deliberate way a horse must work to get hay from the grate is fantastic for keeping them occupied.
The challenge? It’s a ground feeder. A messy horse will inevitably get bedding, manure, or water in it. Some clever horses also learn to paw at it or lip the edge to try and lift the grate. It works best for tidy horses in well-maintained stalls.
Hay Hoops Feeder: A Safe, Space-Saving Option
For small stalls where floor space is at a premium, a wall-mounted feeder is often the best solution. The Hay Hoops Feeder is a collapsible metal ring that mounts to the wall and holds a slow-feed hay net. When empty, it folds flat against the wall, completely out of the way.
This design is incredibly safe. By keeping the hay net contained and high off the ground, it eliminates the risk of a horse getting a hoof or a shoe tangled—a major concern with free-hanging nets. It keeps the hay off the floor, reducing waste from soiling.
The compromise is, again, the head position. The horse will be eating with its head elevated, which isn’t ideal for long-term feeding but is a very safe and practical solution for a temporary stall rest situation. It’s a smart balance of safety, space-efficiency, and slow-feeding benefits.
Freedom Feeder Nets: Versatile and Budget-Friendly
Slow-feed hay nets, like the popular Freedom Feeder brand, are the most versatile and affordable option on the list. They come in a huge variety of sizes, from small trailer nets to large nets that can hold an entire bale. You can also choose different hole sizes to match your horse’s needs—smaller holes for a faster eater, larger holes for one who gets frustrated easily.
Their flexibility is their greatest strength. You can hang them in a stall, in a trailer, or along a fence line. They are lightweight, easy to fill, and don’t take up any floor space. For someone on a budget, they provide the core benefit of slowing down consumption without a hefty price tag.
However, safety is a critical consideration. Nets must be hung high and secured properly to prevent a horse from catching a leg. You should always use a carabiner or clip that will break under extreme pressure. They are a fantastic tool, but they require careful management to be used safely.
The Amazing Graze: Best for Mental Stimulation
Sometimes, the biggest challenge of stall rest isn’t digestion—it’s sheer boredom. The Amazing Graze is less of a feeder and more of a puzzle toy. It’s a durable plastic ball with a single hole that you fill with hay, pellets, or treats.
The horse must roll the ball around the stall to make the forage fall out. This engages their mind and encourages movement in a confined space, providing a much-needed outlet for mental energy. It turns feeding time into a game.
This isn’t a primary feeder for their entire hay ration; it simply doesn’t hold enough. Think of it as a supplemental tool. It’s perfect for giving a mid-day "snack" to break up the monotony of standing in a stall. For a smart, active horse going stir-crazy, this can be a sanity-saver.
Choosing the Right Slow Feeder for Your Horse
There is no single "best" feeder; the right choice depends entirely on your horse, your setup, and your priorities. Don’t just buy the most popular one. Instead, ask yourself a few key questions to narrow down the options.
- What is your horse’s personality? A quiet, methodical eater can use a simple ground feeder, while a destructive horse needs a bomb-proof option like the Haygain Forager.
- What are the primary health concerns? If respiratory health is a priority, a head-down feeder like the Porta-Grazer or Savvy Feeder is non-negotiable. If you’re fighting boredom, The Amazing Graze is a great addition.
- What is your stall setup? A small stall might demand a space-saving wall-mounted feeder like the Hay Hoops. A larger, well-bedded stall can easily accommodate a ground feeder.
- What is your budget and time commitment? Hay nets are budget-friendly but can be more time-consuming to fill. A large-capacity feeder might cost more upfront but save you time on daily chores.
Ultimately, the goal is to find the feeder that best balances safety, natural behavior, and practicality for your specific situation. The right feeder makes stall rest safer for the horse and less stressful for you.
Choosing the right feeder is an active part of your horse’s recovery plan, not just a convenience. By investing in a tool that supports their physical and mental well-being, you’re helping them heal inside and out. It’s one of the most effective things you can do to make a difficult time easier on them.
