7 Best Metal Horse Feeders For Durability That Old-Timers Swear By
We review 7 durable metal horse feeders favored by seasoned owners. These time-tested, chew-proof designs are built to last for generations.
You ever kick a frozen plastic feeder in the dead of winter and watch it shatter into a dozen pieces? If you’ve kept horses for more than a couple of seasons, you probably have. This is why old-timers don’t mess around with flimsy equipment; they invest in gear that lasts a lifetime, and when it comes to feeders, that almost always means metal. Choosing the right feeder isn’t just about durability—it’s about safety, reducing waste, and saving yourself the headache of constant replacements.
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Why Galvanized Steel Feeders Outlast the Rest
Galvanized steel is simply steel that’s been coated in a layer of zinc. This process, called galvanization, creates a physical barrier that prevents rust and corrosion far better than a simple coat of paint. A painted feeder looks good until a horse scrapes it, then rust starts to creep in from that one little scratch.
The real magic of galvanization is its sacrificial protection. Even if you do manage to scratch through the zinc, it will corrode first, protecting the steel underneath. This is why you can find 50-year-old galvanized stock tanks and feeders that are still solid, even if they look a bit weathered. They’re heavy, which means horses can’t easily push them around the pasture, and they don’t get brittle and crack in the cold like plastic does.
Of course, there’s a tradeoff. Heavy-duty steel is, well, heavy. Moving a large bunk feeder is a two-person job, no question. But that weight is also a feature. It’s a sign of permanence and a commitment to buying something once and being done with it.
Tarter Equine Hay & Grain Feeder: Built to Last
Tarter is a name you see on farm gates and equipment all over the country, and for good reason. Their Equine Hay & Grain Feeder is a perfect example of smart, durable design for individual stalls or small paddocks. It combines a V-shaped hay rack over a grain trough, encouraging a more natural, head-down eating position.
This feeder is built from heavy-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish. The edges are all rounded and smooth, which is a critical safety feature you don’t always find on cheaper models. A horse that panics in a stall can do a lot of damage to itself on a sharp corner.
The integrated design also cuts down on hay waste significantly. Instead of pulling hay from a net and dropping half of it into their bedding, horses drop the loose bits right into the grain pan below, where they can clean it up. It’s a simple, effective system that pays for itself over time just in saved hay.
Behlen Country Bunk Feeder for Pasture Toughness
When you need to feed a handful of horses in a pasture or dry lot, nothing beats a classic bunk feeder. The Behlen Country model is the archetype of this design: a long, heavy-duty trough made of galvanized steel, sitting on a rock-solid frame. You put this thing in a field, and it stays there.
The real value is in its simplicity and sheer toughness. Horses can lean on it, paw at it, and generally abuse it without causing any real damage. The long trough allows several horses to eat side-by-side with minimal squabbling, unlike a single bucket that can lead to competition and injuries.
Look for models with drain holes. Without them, a bit of rain turns leftover grain into a soupy, moldy mess. Behlen’s design is straightforward and functional, a piece of equipment that does its job without any fuss and will likely outlast the fence you put it next to.
Little Giant Steel Wall Feeder for Stall Safety
For feeding grain in a stall, you want something that is secure and safe. The Little Giant Steel Wall Feeder is exactly that. It’s a compact, heavy-gauge steel feeder that bolts directly and securely to the stall wall, eliminating the risk of a horse flipping it over or getting a leg caught in a loose bucket.
The design is incredibly robust. The powder-coated or galvanized finish resists chewing and cribbing, and the rounded front edge—often called a "safety edge"—is designed to prevent cuts and scrapes. This is a small detail, but it’s one that shows a deep understanding of horse behavior.
These feeders are also practical. Their smooth interior surface is easy to wipe clean, preventing the buildup of old, sour feed. While a cheap plastic bucket might seem like an easy solution, a permanent steel feeder is a one-time purchase that enhances safety and simplifies your daily chores.
Priefert Horse Feeder with Integrated Hay Rack
Priefert is known for building rodeo and cattle handling equipment, so you know their horse feeders are ridiculously tough. Their feeder with an integrated hay rack is a premium option designed to withstand the harshest conditions and the most destructive horses. It’s an investment, but it’s likely the last feeder you’ll ever buy for that stall.
What sets the Priefert apart is often the attention to detail in its construction. The hay rack bars are spaced to allow easy access while minimizing the amount of hay that gets pulled out and dropped. The grain trough below is typically a single, seamless piece of steel, which adds incredible strength and makes it exceptionally easy to clean.
This is the kind of feeder you buy when you’re tired of replacing bent, broken, or rusted-out equipment. It’s overbuilt in the best way possible, with a durable architectural-grade powder coat finish that provides an extra layer of protection against the elements and daily abuse.
Sioux Steel Round Bale Feeder for Herd Feeding
Feeding round bales to a herd in a pasture can lead to staggering amounts of waste. Horses will use the bale as a bed, a bathroom, and a scratching post. A good round bale feeder, like those from Sioux Steel, is the only practical solution to protect your investment.
The most important consideration here is safety. You must choose a feeder specifically designed for horses, not cattle. Horse-safe models, like Sioux Steel’s Equine Feeder, have a solid sheeted bottom or a design that prevents a horse from getting a hoof or leg trapped between the slats. Never use a standard tombstone-style cattle feeder for horses.
A well-designed feeder can reduce hay waste by over 30%, which adds up fast when you’re feeding multiple horses through the winter. It keeps the hay contained, clean, and off the muddy ground. While the initial cost is significant, it pays for itself quickly in saved hay and healthier horses.
Classic Equine Corner Feeder Saves Stall Space
Stall space is always at a premium, and a floor feeder can easily get in the way. The Classic Equine Corner Feeder is a brilliant solution, tucking neatly into the corner and staying completely out of the horse’s path. This maximizes usable floor space and reduces the risk of the horse stepping in its feed or getting tangled up.
Made from heavy-duty steel with a durable finish, this feeder is built to handle the daily grind. The design is smart, too. It typically features a sloped bottom that funnels feed to the front, ensuring your horse can easily reach every last bit of grain without having to strain or push their face into a deep corner.
This is a perfect example of how a simple design change can make a big difference in daily management. It keeps the stall tidier, safer, and more efficient. For anyone with a smaller stall or a horse that tends to make a mess, a steel corner feeder is an excellent, long-lasting upgrade.
Hutchison Western Galvanized Stall Feeder Review
Sometimes, the best designs are the oldest and simplest. The Hutchison Western Galvanized Stall Feeder is a no-frills, over-the-fence or bolt-on trough that embodies pure utility. You’ll see feeders just like this in old barns, covered in dust but still perfectly solid after decades of use.
There are no moving parts to break and no fancy coatings to chip. It’s just heavy-gauge steel dipped in molten zinc for a thick, rugged, hot-dip galvanized finish. This type of feeder is incredibly resistant to rust, denting, and anything else a horse can throw at it. It’s the definition of "buy it for life."
While it may not have the integrated hay-saving features of more modern designs, its strength lies in its simplicity. It’s a deep, wide trough that holds a good amount of feed, it’s easy to scrub clean, and it will probably still be hanging on that wall long after we’re gone. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when a simple, tough design just works.
Ultimately, choosing a feeder comes down to buying steel instead of problems. Plastic cracks, wood rots, and cheap painted metal rusts away, but a well-made galvanized or powder-coated steel feeder is a one-time purchase. Match the right design to your specific need—stall, pasture, or herd—and you’ll spend less time fixing and replacing gear and more time enjoying your horses.
