7 Supplies for Hanging Heavy Hay Nets in Horse Stalls

Wrestling a fifty-pound, soaked hay net into a dark horse stall at feeding time is a recipe for sore shoulders and broken hardware if you are not prepared. Standard plastic snaps and flimsy baling twine simply cannot withstand the daily tugging and pulling of a thousand-pound animal looking for its next meal. Equipping your barn with the right heavy-duty hanging supplies turns this daily chore from a frustrating struggle into a smooth, safe routine.

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The Challenges of Hanging Heavy Stall Hay Nets

A full hay net, especially one containing soaked hay or a full day’s ration, exerts tremendous downward force before a horse even touches it. Once a horse begins pulling, jerking, and twisting the net to extract the forage, the stress on the mounting points multiplies exponentially. Cheap hardware or makeshift ropes will quickly bend, snap, or tear out of the wall, creating dangerous projectiles in the stall.

Furthermore, wet hay adds significant weight that stretches cheap netting and rots standard natural fiber ropes. If the net hangs too low as it empties, it becomes a hazardous trap where a horse can easily catch a hoof. Managing these forces requires a coordinated system of heavy-duty hardware designed to distribute weight and withstand constant, dynamic tension.

Assessing Stall Walls for Safe Hardware Placement

Before driving a single screw, you must evaluate the structural integrity of your stall walls. Solid oak or thick pine tongue-and-groove planks can support heavy hardware, while thin plywood siding or hollow-core partitions will fail under pressure. Always locate the underlying wall studs or heavy corner posts to anchor your primary load-bearing hardware.

Mounting height is another critical safety variable that depends on your horse’s size. The bottom of a fully loaded hay net should ideally sit no lower than the horse’s chest height to prevent hooves from getting tangled as the net empties and sags. Mark your mounting points carefully, ensuring they are free from splintered wood, protruding nails, or sharp edges that could injure a reaching horse.

Slow Feed Hay Net – Freedom Feeder Full Day Net

The foundation of any efficient stall feeding system is a durable net that can hold a substantial volume of forage while regulating the horse’s eating pace. A high-capacity net reduces the labor of constant refills and keeps the horse occupied, mimicking natural grazing. Without a tough, well-designed net, even the strongest wall hardware is useless.

The Freedom Feeder Full Day Net is built specifically for this demanding task, featuring a 2-inch mesh size that slows down fast eaters without causing frustration. It is constructed from high-tensile, UV-treated nylon web netting that resists chewing and weather rot. This net easily holds up to 50 pounds of hay, making it ideal for busy hobby farmers who need to fill nets once a day.

• Capacity: Holds 40 to 50 pounds of hay.
• Mesh Size: 2-inch openings for optimal slow feeding.
• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-stabilized nylon webbing.

Before purchasing, consider your horse’s familiarity with slow feeders. Horses new to this system may initially bite at the net aggressively, requiring close supervision to prevent damage. This net is perfect for keepers of easy keepers and stalled horses, but it may not be suitable for aggressive chewers who require a metal grate feeder.

Wall Mount Ring – Tough 1 Heavy Duty Screw In Ring

A hay net is only as secure as the anchor point holding it to the wall. Standard eye hooks from the local hardware store often have shallow threads and thin metal that bend under a horse’s pull. You need a dedicated, heavy-gauge tie ring designed to handle sudden, violent tugs without backing out of the wood.

The Tough 1 Heavy Duty Screw In Ring features a thick, 2-inch steel ring welded to a heavy-duty lag screw with deep, aggressive threads. This design ensures maximum grip when driven into solid wood posts or studs. The zinc plating resists rust in humid stall environments, preventing corrosion from degrading the metal over time.

• Ring Diameter: 2 inches of heavy-gauge steel.
• Thread Type: Deep lag screw threads for maximum wood grip.
• Finish: Rust-resistant zinc plating.

Installation requires drilling a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw shaft to prevent splitting the stall wood. It is not suitable for thin sheet metal stalls or hollow plastic walls without a backing block. This ring is ideal for solid wood stalls but is overkill for lightweight, temporary pipe panel setups.

Locking Carabiner – Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate

Connecting a heavy hay net to your wall anchor requires a connector that cannot be accidentally opened by a curious horse’s muzzle. Standard snap hooks can catch on blankets or halter cheek pieces, creating a dangerous panic situation. A locking carabiner provides a secure, fail-safe connection that remains locked until you manually release it.

The Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate is a climbing-grade carabiner that offers exceptional strength and a secure screwgate locking mechanism. Its large basket design easily accommodates thick ropes and net loops, while the smooth gate prevents snagging on the net’s mesh. The square hinge end keeps the carabiner aligned properly under load, preventing cross-loading.

• Gate Type: Manual screwgate lock for maximum safety.
• Material: Lightweight, high-strength forged aluminum.
• Shape: Large, easy-to-handle HMS design.

While highly secure, the screwgate must be manually spun shut every time you hang the net, which can be tedious in freezing weather. It requires occasional cleaning with dry graphite lubricant to keep the threads spinning freely in dusty barn environments. This is the ultimate choice for safety-conscious horse owners, though it may be too fussy for those looking for a quick, one-handed snap.

Utility Rope – Ravenox Solid Braided Nylon Rope

Hoisting a heavy, wet hay net requires a rope that is easy on your hands but tough enough to handle abrasive friction against hardware. Cheap polypropylene ropes degrade quickly in sunlight, splinter into painful fibers, and slip easily out of knots. A high-quality utility rope ensures a comfortable grip and a long service life under tension.

The Ravenox Solid Braided Nylon Rope is the ideal choice due to its solid braid construction, which prevents the rope from unraveling when cut. Nylon offers excellent shock absorption, stretching slightly to cushion the impact when a horse jerks on the net. It is incredibly soft to the touch, preventing rope burns during daily hoisting maneuvers.

• Construction: Solid braid nylon that resists snagging.
• Diameter: 3/8-inch thickness for a comfortable grip.
• Resistance: Naturally resistant to rot, mildew, and UV rays.

Keep in mind that nylon rope will stretch under heavy loads, which may require you to adjust your tie-off point over time. When cutting this rope to length, always melt the ends with a lighter to prevent fraying. This rope is perfect for daily barn chores but should not be used for applications requiring zero-stretch performance.

Block and Tackle – National Hardware Single Pulley

Lifting fifty pounds of dead weight above shoulder height is a recipe for back strain, especially when performed twice a day. A simple pulley system provides the mechanical advantage needed to hoist heavy nets with minimal effort. It redirects the pulling force, allowing you to pull downward using your body weight rather than lifting upward with your arms.

The National Hardware Single Pulley features a swivel eye that prevents the rope from twisting and tangling during operation. The durable steel construction and zinc plating ensure smooth rotation even in dusty, unheated barns. Its deep groove securely guides the rope, preventing it from slipping off the sheave under load.

• Eye Type: Swivel eye to eliminate rope twisting.
• Material: Zinc-plated steel for rust resistance.
• Rope Capacity: Fits ropes up to 3/8-inch diameter.

Ensure your utility rope matches the pulley’s maximum diameter rating to prevent jamming. The pulley wheel should be lubricated annually with a drop of light machine oil to maintain smooth operation. This tool is a lifesaver for smaller handlers or anyone managing multiple stalls, but it is unnecessary for light, partially filled nets.

Swivel Eye Snap – Campbell Stainless Swivel Eye Snap

As a horse pushes and spins a hay net to get the last bits of forage, the hanging lines can twist into tight, unmanageable knots. A swivel snap allows the net to rotate freely without binding the hoisting rope or stressing the wall anchors. It provides a quick-release point that speeds up the morning feeding routine.

The Campbell Stainless Swivel Eye Snap is crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, offering unmatched resistance to rust and acidic horse saliva. The integrated swivel eye rotates smoothly under load, preventing rope twist and wear. The spring-loaded gate snaps shut securely, ensuring the net remains attached until you release it.

• Material: Marine-grade stainless steel for ultimate corrosion resistance.
• Design: Smooth-swiveling eye with a secure spring gate.
• Size: Sized perfectly for 3/8-inch ropes and heavy net loops.

The spring mechanism can become stiff if packed with frozen mud or hay dust, requiring a quick rinse or blast of compressed air to clear. This snap is ideal for wet climates and outdoor-facing stalls where rust is a constant threat. It is not recommended for horses that have a knack for opening spring-loaded snaps with their teeth.

Rope Tensioner – Nite Ize Figure 9 Rope Tightener

Tying and untying wet, frozen knots every day is frustrating and time-consuming. A rope tensioner eliminates the need for complex knots, allowing you to lock the hoisting rope at the perfect height with a simple wrapping motion. This ensures the hay net remains at a safe height, even as the rope stretches under load.

The Nite Ize Figure 9 Rope Tightener utilizes a clever aluminum cam design that grips the rope securely without damaging the fibers. It features intuitive laser-engraved instructions directly on the tool, making it easy for anyone to use. This tool holds tension reliably under heavy loads, yet releases instantly with a quick pull.

• Material: Lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum.
• Capacity: Designed for ropes up to 3/8-inch thick.
• Operation: Tool-free wrapping mechanism that replaces difficult knots.

Users must learn the correct wrapping sequence to ensure the rope does not slip under load. It is designed specifically for braided ropes; slick monofilament or twisted ropes may slip through the cam. This tensioner is perfect for barn managers who want a consistent, knot-free hanging height that anyone can operate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Your Stall Hardware

Begin by identifying a solid wall stud or corner post at the desired mounting height, typically six to seven feet from the stall floor. Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the shank of your screw-in ring to prevent the wood from splitting. Screw the ring in tightly until the collar is flush against the wood surface, ensuring there is no play in the hardware.

Next, attach your single pulley to the wall ring using a locking carabiner. Thread your utility rope through the pulley, attaching one end to the swivel eye snap that will clip to your hay net. Pull the rope to test the system’s movement, ensuring the rope glides smoothly through the pulley without catching on the wall or hardware.

Finally, mount your rope tensioner at a comfortable working height, typically chest-level, on an adjacent stud. This allows you to hoist the heavy net, pull the rope tight, and secure it instantly without bending over or reaching high. Test the entire setup with an empty net first to verify that the clearance heights are correct.

Preventing Horse Injuries from Hanging Hay Nets

The greatest risk associated with hay nets is a horse catching a hoof or shoe in the mesh, which can lead to panic and severe leg injuries. To prevent this, never hang a net so low that the bottom drops below chest height when fully empty. Shod horses are at a higher risk, as horseshoe heels can easily snag on the small holes of a slow feeder net.

Avoid using cheap, thin strings or baling twine to hang heavy nets, as these can wrap around a horse’s neck or limbs if the net breaks. Ensure all metal hardware, such as carabiners and snaps, face away from the stall interior to prevent facial scrapes. Regularly inspect the net for holes; a small tear can quickly expand, allowing a horse to stick its entire muzzle or hoof inside.

Maintaining Your Stall Feeding Setup for Longevity

Barn environments are notoriously dusty, humid, and corrosive, meaning your hardware requires regular maintenance to remain safe. Once a month, inspect the wall-mount rings for any signs of loosening or wood rot around the mounting holes. Lubricate the pulley wheels and swivel snaps with dry graphite spray to keep them spinning smoothly without attracting dust.

Wash your nylon hay nets periodically to remove dried saliva, dirt, and mold that can weaken the fibers over time. Check the utility rope for fraying or wear spots, especially where it passes through the pulley or sits in the rope tensioner. Replacing a worn rope or snap proactively is far cheaper and safer than dealing with a structural failure mid-feeding.

Investing in heavy-duty stall hardware saves your back, protects your horse, and keeps your feeding routine running smoothly. By selecting durable, purpose-built supplies like locking carabiners, heavy-duty pulleys, and solid braided ropes, you eliminate the daily frustration of broken ties and sagging nets. Take the time to mount your gear securely, inspect it regularly, and enjoy a safer, more efficient barn.